Acey Autrey doesn’t say much. She lets her goat tying do all the talking.
The Abilene, Texas, goat tyer won both the 2026 Hooey Jr. Patriot 15 & Under Goat Tying Last Chance Qualifier and the 15 & Under Semifinals on consecutive days in Fort Worth.
Autrey first secured the qualifier win with a 20.29-second total on three head, stringing together consistent runs of 7.02, 6.91 and a blazing 6.36 seconds aboard her mare, Dixie. Entering as the first and second high call, she controlled the roping
“I was happy with it,” Autrey said simply.
While she admitted she didn’t love her first draw, Autrey stayed aggressive and relied on her horsepower to get the job done.
“I didn’t like the first goat, but it all worked out and I just tied him,” Autrey said.
Her second run got quicker as she attacked the setup with confidence.
“My second run was good,” Autrey said. “I love that goat.”
By the short round, Autrey knew a fast, clean run would lock up the average, and she delivered.
“I was just trying to be fast,” Autrey said.
The win advanced Autrey to the semifinals, where she carried the same steady approach and posted a 12.78-second total on two head to win again and earn $1,640.
Autrey credits her success largely to family, especially her sister, who also competes in goat tying and helps sharpen her competitive edge.
“My sister always helps me,” Autrey said.
The two often compete against each other in older divisions, turning practice and competition into daily motivation.
After winning the Patriot 15 & Under Last Chance Qualifier for the second straight year and backing it up with a semifinal victory, Autrey proved consistency is her greatest strength. With momentum firmly on her side, she now looks ahead to the final round of Patriot competition.
