Arina Haugen of Sturgis is returning home this week with All-Around Rookie Cowgirl honors from the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Last month, Arina Haugen was named the Rookie Cowgirl at the state rodeo finals in Ft. Pierre as she qualified for nationals in breakaway roping, barrel racing, and pole bending. She was the state champion for 2024 in barrel racing. But now this past week, she stepped it up another notch to showcase her skills on the biggest stage.
Overall, Haugen finished fifth in Breakaway Roping, 12th in Pole Bending, and 15th in Barrel Racing. She also finished fourth in the standings for overall All-Around Cowgirl.
Arina comes from a strong rodeo family. Her parents Dee and Tyler both had professional rodeo careers, and her older sister Landry had a stand out high school career as well. Landry now attends the University of Wyoming for rodeo.
“My family is all involved in it and I get to make so many good memories with friends,” said Arina. “I have a pretty amazing horse, which makes it all the better. Her name is Chili. She knows what she’s doing for sure. She has the biggest heart and tries her hardest every time.”
When Landry Haugen was a senior, she made sure to mention that her sister Arina would be one to watch coming up through the ranks. And now with an impressive freshman run under her belt, it’s clear the hype was worthy.
Arina Haugen of Sturgis is the 2024 state champion in barrel racing. She also qualified for Nationals in breakaway roping and pole bending. As a freshman, Haugen was given Rookie Cowgirl honors. pic.twitter.com/cs0sJ2VyJ7
— SDPB Sports (@SDPBSports) June 24, 2024
“I have high expectations for myself. But it’s really exciting, especially that I [was a state champion this year] – that I follow after my sisters footsteps too,” explained Arina. “I want to thank my parents for giving me this opportunity to rodeo and I want to thank my horse, she’s incredible.”
While there were no national champions from South Dakota this year, it was still a solid showing from the local talent. Overall, South Dakota finished ninth in the team standings. The boys finished in sixth, and the girls finished in 13th.
Gabe Glines’ (Smithwick, SD) horse Cali was named the AQHA Boys Horse of the Year.
