Austin Hayes finishes strong at junior rodeo finals

Austin Hayes of Ramona finished strong at California Junior Rodeo Association finals, receiving an array of prizes at the awards banquet.

Hayes, 18-year-old son of Kelley and Tim Hayes, called the rodeo finals an exciting three days. He won the champion header saddle in team roping, came from behind to win the calf roping saddle, and placed high in his other events, earning the coveted all-around saddle.

“It was a great way to end my amateur career, and I’m looking forward to competing in some local pro rodeos,” he said.

Hayes, a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, said he has many people to thank for his success: “My family, of course, and the Aspin family, my trainer Sean Maginnis, my farrier Rick Price.”

He also thanked the Shirley family for his horse Oakie, the Battaglia family for his horses Shorty and Zero, “and the good Lord for my abilities. Thank you all.”