Emmry Edwards won The American Rodeo East Regional Qualifier in Lexington, Kentucky, April 10–11, punching her ticket to The American with a 2.06-second run in the finals.
For Edwards, the win marked a major milestone in a career that’s just getting started, as the 16-year-old from Stephenville, Texas, capitalized on a fast setup and stuck to her game plan.
“It feels great,” Edwards said. “At my age, just getting the opportunity to go rope at The American is really exciting.”
After just getting her first “A” calf caught, her weekend started solid with a 2.08-second run on her “B” run in Round 1 to tie for fifth and earn $585.97.
“I really just wanted to make a clean run and figure it out,” she said. “Once I had that, I knew I could go faster.”
Her second “B” run—a 2.19—didn’t win a check, but it kept her in position heading into the semifinals, where Edwards made her move.
With two runs totaling 4.27 seconds, she won the semifinals aggregate and added $3,860.50 to her weekend earnings.
“My horse scores really good and fires hard,” she said. “I knew he was going to fit those calves.”
Before the short round, Edwards made a strategic decision. With qualification rules limiting advancement opportunities, she used her final “A” run to make sure her horse was set up for one shot in the finals.
That decision paid off. In the short round, Edwards watched the 10 girls ahead of her and adjusted her game plan accordingly.
“A lot of girls were being safe,” she said. “My mindset was just to beat what was leading.”
Riding her good horse, “Gray”—a 12-year-old gelding trained by her dad—Edwards took her shot early and trusted her horse to carry her across the line.
“I definitely went early, but he floats across there so good,” she said. “I just had to pull.”
The result was a 2.06-second run—the fastest of her weekend—worth $10,000 and the win.
Beyond the money and qualification, the moment was sweet for Edwards and her family, who have been part of her journey from the beginning.
“I got so many texts and calls from family and friends,” she said. “That means a lot to me.”
Now, Edwards shifts her focus to The American in May, with a simple plan in place for the weeks ahead.
“I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing,” she said. “Roping as much as I can and staying sharp.”
Still in high school and balancing rodeo with everyday life, Edwards isn’t overcomplicating the moment. Her plan remains the same—trust her preparation, keep it simple and stay present.
“I just take a deep breath before I nod,” she said. “That helps me focus—it’s just me and the calf.”
