Bareback Rider Kash Loyd ‘Cashes Out’ with a Clean Sweep at the IFYR

The 16-year-old Texan leaves his mark on the competitive IFYR bareback riding field.

By: Julia Dondero

SHAWNEE, Okla.– For 16-year-old bareback rider Kash Loyd, the 32nd annual International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) proved to be picture-perfect, as he swept the competition and wrote his name in the prestigious IFYR history books.

Loyd, a rising junior from Cleburne, Texas, aimed for the coveted IFYR Bareback Riding title at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center. From the start, he impressed the crowd, winning the first go-round with a standout 81.5-point ride as a proud member of Team Calvander’s.

Continuing his success with a second go-round win, it was only fitting that the Texas High School Rodeo Association (THSRA) State Bareback Riding Champion maintained his lead throughout the final round. When the red dirt dust settled underneath the big Shawnee sky, it was Loyd who claimed the IFYR Bareback Riding title with a big, 83-point ride.

Leading up to the championship round, Loyd explained, “I knew I just needed to make the whistle and see where I ended up. It’s not over until your feet hit the ground and you walk out of the arena.”

“I knew I had a good chance of winning and entered the short go with a good lead. I had been waiting for this opportunity for a while. My good buddy Collin Rolland won last year, and after seeing what he did, it was something I knew I wanted to do this year,” said Loyd.

This tight-knit, competitive field of bareback riders proved the level of competition is only heightened by pushing each other.

“It’s great competition here. It’s fantastic to compete alongside your friends and they push you to be your best. It’s a true dogfight the whole round. Bareback riders are a family and we push each other to win.”

The young-gun rough stock rider’s flawless week could only be summed up as “It’s truly ecstatic how this week has been for me,” said the champion with an ear-to-ear grin.

Unique to the IFYR is the opportunity for athletes to compete and represent sponsors on a sponsor team. As a member of Team Cavender’s, Loyd also played a large role in the team’s win in Shawnee. “Calvander’s does so much for us, it was great to honor them and give back,” reflected Loyd.

Loyd’s picture-perfect win in Shawnee was only a segment of his bright summer run. Taking home the THSRA state title, IFYR title, and National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) champion win, Loyd’s summer run has been unbeatable.

Reflecting on monumental opportunities and stages like the IFYR, Loyd said, “It’s not every day you get to experience this level of competition and so many great youth rodeos.