High school juniors 'horsing around' for school
GEORGIANA, AL (WSFA) - It's a warm winter morning in Georgiana, Alabama. Most students are in the classroom this time of day but there's a group of high school juniors who have other plans.
"It's just addicting," said Lizzy Sexton from Wilsonville.
"It's just an adrenaline rush," said Lauren Hoagland from Harpersville.
"It's something you really have to mentally prepare for," said Marah Smith from Georgiana.
These young ladies are part of the Alabama High School Rodeo Association which is for high school students grades nine through 12.
"We are like one big family," said Sexton. " We travel together, ride together, sometimes share horses."
Most of the students in the rodeo association are home schooled. Being home schooled allows for a lot of flexibility, so they can practice during the day and leave town Friday mornings to get to competitions. That doesn't mean school takes a back seat.
"You get to ride whenever you want to," said Hoagland. "But you also have to keep up with your school work. If you don't have the grades you can't rodeo."
It's a sport that doesn't get a ton of attention but these athletes work just as hard as all the others, and they have to take care of and feed the horses too. They compete in a variety of events, and while they all cheer each other on, they're pretty competitive too.
"I've been working all week for this moment," said Hoagland. "It's my turn. Let me show you what I can do!"
These young ladies will be at the Garrett Coliseum competing March 12th and 13th. Check them out if you get a chance. They put on quite a show. You can check out all of the planned events on the Alabama High School Rodeo Association website.
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