LYMAN — As the rough stock fill the chutes in the Las Vegas Convention Center Dec. 8–11, Strat Youngberg, a nine-year-old cowboy from Lyman, will be one of 20 young elite athletes getting ready to mount a miniature bronc during the Junior National Finals Rodeo at the NFR Experience.

This year marks the third anniversary of the mini bronc riding finals in Las Vegas, as well as the third year Youngberg has qualified to ride in the reputable rodeo.

Youngberg finished the season as one of the top six cowboys in the world in the PeeWee age division and therefore qualified to make the trip straight to Vegas.

Despite the prestigious venue, Youngberg is just excited to do what he does best.

“On my trip to Vegas, I’m most excited just to ride at the rodeo,” Youngberg said.

And there’s no doubt riding mini broncs is at the top of Youngberg’s repertoire. In fact, the little rough stock rider has had a season packed with remarkable accomplishments.

During the mini bareback world tour, Youngberg took home the first place prize from the National Western Stockshow in Denver, Colo., as well as the first place prize from Evanston Cowboy Days.

Youngberg also split the purse for first and second in Hamilton, Montana.

The young cowboy made an appearance at the Days of ’47 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., during the tour as well.

Throughout the season, Youngberg also earned the titles of R&R Rodeo Winter Series Champion, Farson Kids Rodeo Champion, Pinedale Ranch Rodeo Champion, Rexburg Whoopee Days Champion and Intermountain Pro Rodeo Association (ImPRA) Champion.

Although the mini bronc world championships in Vegas mark the end of this year’s season, Youngberg continues to keep the rodeo dream in his sights.

“I want to keep riding in the mini bareback world championships, do high school rodeo, ride in the PRCA and at Cheyenne Frontier days,” Youngberg said with a smile.