Most circuit finals consist of just professional cowboys and cowgirls competing for a chance to advance to the Ram National Circuit Finals, but the Texas Circuit Finals is adding to its competition and is hosting the first annual Texas Circuit Finals Youth Rodeo at the Extraco Events Center in Waco, Texas, this week.

The three-day Texas Circuit Finals Youth Rodeo kicks off at 9 AM on Thursday, Dec. 29, with the peewee barrel racing. The youth rodeo has over 320 contestants competing in three different age groups. The event will award two $500 scholarships to the senior girl and senior boy all-around champions, 22 event champion buckles, and six all-around champion buckles.

"I think it is a great opportunity for the younger kids to be able to watch the competition at  the circuit finals," Ari-Anna Flynn,  who is competing in the barrel racing at the Texas Circuit Finals, said about the youth rodeo.

The top two in each age group in tie-down, breakaway, and team roping as well as first place in each age group in barrel racing will compete during the PRCA Circuit Finals Night Performance on the designated day of competition for a $500 winner-take-all bonus.

"The Texas Circuit Finals features a lot of cowboys and cowgirls who have been at the NFR," Flynn said. "I think seeing and having the opportunity to compete alongside all of those people is a really neat experience for them. ... I know growing up watching the pro rodeos, especially the finals, it made everything I did so much more exciting. It made me want to work harder and get there one day!"

The Texas Circuit Finals Youth Rodeo hopes to continue to grow and expand its event offerings. It is not currently offering any events for young rough stock riders, but it hopes to offer them in the future.

For the latest information on the Texas Circuit Finals Youth Rodeo, sponsorship information, or the draw, please visit its Facebook page here.