Mtn. States Circuit Finals Cowboys and Cowgirls battle it out in local finals

After a year of traveling and trying, the top 12 contestants in each rodeo event from the Mountain States Circuit finally got the chance to show what they’re really made of. The third weekend of November brought them all to the National Western Complex for a little head-to-head competition, $65,000 in prize money, gold buckles, saddles, and the chance to win a spot in the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho (March 2008). Considering the best stock and competitors from throughout the circuit were all in one rodeo, it was quite a show.

“It was fantastic,” enthused Scott Wahlert, President of the Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo since 2002. “This was the best year we’ve had here yet. As a producer I look at everything involved. The stock - the way they performed - to the way the cowboys came in and really stepped up and wanted to go. There’s a big prize up for grabs here,” he continued. “To be able to go to Pocatello, Idaho for the Dodge National Circuit Finals in March is a big thing for (the competitors). They really look forward to that, and they really stepped up the plate. The crowd and participation was fantastic, too.”

About 8,500 spectators came out over the three days of rodeo, but the biggest crowd by far was Saturday night’s final performance. While those in attendance enjoyed the show, everyone missed a lot of big action on both Thursday and Friday.
“I think it’s one of the best non-attended rodeos that you can go to,” said Hal Burns, a Wyoming stock contractor who brought a number of his NFR caliber bulls and horses to the three-day event. Burns is hopeful the public will catch on to the fact every performance at these local circuit finals is wall-to-wall action with the best the region has to offer. “The rodeo action here is super,” he described of Thursday and Friday night’s lightly attended shows. “The kids ride good, the stock is good. The rodeo itself is tremendously good.”

The cowboys have a similar opinion.
“It was a really good finals,” said Heath Ford, a bareback rider who qualified for his second straight NFR this year. “It seemed like the guys really came to ride and the horses really bucked.” ...

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