We spoke to young Kelsey Cadwell at the 2017 Junior NFR shortly after she qualified for the short round. Not only did Cadwell do so among a field of tough junior barrel racing competitors, but she also did it on a new mount when her horse came up lame and needed surgery.

Cadwell treks all the way from Oakdale, California, to the IFYR in Shawnee, Oklahoma, but this accomplished competitor seems to make the journey worthwhile every time to steps into the arena.

Watch the 2018 International Finals Youth Rodeo LIVE on FloRodeo July 8 to 13.

The 17-year-old won round one and finished fourth in the barrel racing aggregate at the 2017 IFYR and returns in 2018 as an IFYR director. She will compete in the breakaway roping, barrel racing, goat tying, and pole bending.

The California cowgirl also won a round at the 2017 Junior NFR and is a two-time qualifier to RFD-TV’s The American semi-finals. Her performance at last year's IFYR, coupled with the Junior NFR, has also placed Cadwell in the No. 13 spot in The Rank. 

Cadwell is heading into her senior year of high school and has plans to attend either Cal Poly or Texas A&M University.