A teenage rodeo enthusiast from Victoria has taken her passion all the way to a nationwide competition.
Natalie Ohrt, 17, will be a senior at White Horse Christian Academy this fall. She grew up on a ranch owned by her parents, Clay and Wendy, and has been riding horses for virtually her entire life.
For six consecutive years, Ohrt has qualified for the state finals in high school rodeo. For the first time this year, Ohrt has qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR). It is the worldƵs largest high school rodeo, and will take place at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, Wyoming July 13-19.
More than 1,700 high school rodeo athletes from around the world will compete in various events over the course of the week. Heading into the biggest competition she has ever participated in, Ohrt said her mindset remains unchanged.
ƵMy confidence level is high and I definitely think I am mentally prepared for this,Ƶ Ohrt said. ƵIƵm definitely trying to bring home the national title to Texas, and I think I have nice enough horses to win.Ƶ
Ohrt will compete in barrel racing at nationals and has two quarter horses for the competition. Their names are VF Born Ta Ba Winner ƵLimeƵ and Shez Streakin For Cash ƵBoonie.Ƶ
Days before the big competition in Wyoming, Ohrt refined her riding skills at the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR), another competition in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
It is a six-day event that began on July 6 and features over 1,000 contestants from 35 states and provinces. Ohrt said that because the IFYR event features an outdoor arena, it serves as a good practice setting for the nationals in Wyoming.
She said there are not many outdoor arenas in Texas for her to ride in.
After nationals, there will be little rest for the young cowgirl. Ohrt plans to also compete in the Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma July 22-26. The barrel racing specialist indicated it is her passion for riding that allows her to maintain such a busy travel schedule.
ƵYou couldnƵt do this sport if you didnƵt love it. I grew up on a farm and ranch, and itƵs the only lifestyle IƵve ever known,Ƶ she said.