“To be there competing with the best in Texas is something I do not take for granted,” said 16-year-old Alexa Aviles of Lingleville.
Alexa and her sister, Mya, 14, both qualified for state finals in rodeo, showcasing the experience they’ve earned since they first got on horseback at young ages.
Alexa was seven when she started competing in local play days. Since then, she and her horse, Midnight qualified for the Texas Junior High State Finals twice and this was her second year to qualify for the Texas High School Rodeo Association State Finals in pole bending.
“We were able to go to Vegas last year to compete at the Junior National Final Rodeo,” said Alexa. “I’m just proud of all we’ve accomplished together.”
“Midnight and I have had a great year, keeping it clean and consistent throughout the season, which led us to advancing,” she continued.
The pair competed in Abilene June 10-11 and had a great round one, scoring 20.09. “Unfortunately, round 2 did not go well and we did not make the short go,” she said. “But our journey doesn’t end here. We will be back again. “
Mya has been competing since she was six and has always loved riding.
The incoming LHS freshman admits Region X barrel racing is “tough competition all year.”
“It came down to the very last rodeo of the season to determine the top 10,” Mya said. “The points were really close. Qualifying for the state finals is probably my proudest moment so far.”
“My horse was injured last year and it took us out of the competition,” she added. “My sister loaned me her barrel horse for this season and I’m really proud of mine and Stella’s progress and the team we’re making.”
Mya qualified in Barrel Racing at the TJHSA finals May 25 and May 30 in Gonzales.
“This was my first time competing at this level,” said Mya of the finals. “Competition is tough. Stella and I made two clean and quick runs.” “I’m happy to have qualified… and think it really helped prepare me for the competition in High School,” she said. “It was a lot of fun spending the week in Gonzales and I’m glad I got the experience.”
When asked what advice has been helpful in their rodeo journeys, both pointed to messages on keeping the right perspective.
For Mya, it’s “Show up to the big races like its practice and show up to practice like it’s a big race.” Alexa pointed to a message she got from Ms. Johnson, a teacher who is also a barrel racer.
“[She] told me once ‘It’s one day and one run. Keep your chin up and keep going.’ That’s helped me get through the rough days of competition.”