Katelynn Wagner qualifies for finals

Anyone who watched Whitehall's Katelynn Wagner perform in the Cutting Horse competition at the recent Montana State High School Rodeo Finals in Baker was sure to have left the arena impressed with her first-place finish.

What was even more impressive is that Wagner had only been competing in the event for two months.

Wagner and her horse Chewy will get another chance to shine next month at the 2017 National High School Finals Rodeo set for mid July in Gillette, WY.

The state rodeo was just her fifth time competing in the Cutting Horse event, and Katelynn said it meant a lot to her that she was able to make it to nationals.

Katelynn said she could not have done it without the help of family, friends, and all those who helped her get acquainted with the new event.

She gave special thanks for Chad and Paje Turner for letting her use Chewy.

Katelynn started riding the horse in April and said they are getting where they need to be, but are continuing to work every day.

Wagner is not stranger to a national event, as an eighth grader she qualified and competed in the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in New Mexico. Katelynn said it was an awesome experience with great facilities and she really enjoyed meeting new people.

She is happy to the experience of the national finals, and is hoping for three smooth rounds in Gillette.

Katelynn started competitively in rodeo in seventh grade and has no plans on slowing down.

"I'd love to continue as long as I'm able to," she said.

To follow Wagner at the NHSFR, visit http://www.NHSRA.com daily for complete results. Live broadcasts will also air online at NHSRATV.com.