International Finals Youth Rodeo underway in Shawnee

Its rodeo time in Oklahoma. The International Finals Youth Rodeo saddled up Monday in Shawnee. It's attracting riders from just about everywhere. <br/><br/>A group of 24-youth contestants traveled

Monday, July 12th 2004, 5:42 pm

By: News On 6

Its rodeo time in Oklahoma. The International Finals Youth Rodeo saddled up Monday in Shawnee. It's attracting riders from just about everywhere.

A group of 24-youth contestants traveled more than 8,000 miles, from Australia. And there's no way to stash a horse in a suitcase.

So Oklahomans let them borrow an animal for the competition. The Australians are appreciative of that, and of just being in the USA. Barrel rider Stephanie Young: "you just walk out there and get up in the grandstand and it's just so big, you know." Bronco rider Heith Jones: â€œthey've been unreal, really helpful and want to do more and more stuff for you, and itâ€™s really good.â€

All together, there are more than 800 contestants in the rodeo competition.

The event will last through Saturday.