For the first time in its four year run, the Quad-State Rodeo came to the Ag Expo Center at Western Kentucky University on Sunday, Mar. 30.

It was the chance to showcase a competitive sport that takes time and dedication.

"This is pretty much my life," said 14-year-old Taylor Smith, the Kentucky Wrangler Division Student President.

"I just grew up around it, and I just love it."

Smith is an eighth grader from Benton, Kentucky, who has her own rodeo arena at her house which she practices on regularly.

She got the chance to show off her skills at Sunday's rodeo involving Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Indiana.

"The Kentucky group does this every year as part of our fund-raiser and as part qualifying points to go out to the national finals out in Gallup, New Mexico," said Mark Litkenhus, Kentucky Wrangler Director.

Smith says that competing in rodeos is not a common sport.

"I'm the only one from my county that rodeos really, in middle school, so
I'm kind of out there by myself," said Smith.

Rodeo is known by some as a dangerous sport, but that doesn't stop people from participating.

"These kids are farm kids," said Litkenhus. "They grew up on a farm, they work hard, they play hard, and they've got a lot of heart and they give it everything they've got. You'll see a lot of kids, if they get hurt or injured, they'll keep pushing and give it the best they can."

Besides the many cowboy hats and boots at the Ag expo center, there was also a large amount of love for the sport seen from participants who aren't worried about the possibility of injuries.

"I think it's worth it," said Smith. "I'm not really worried about it. I'm going to keep going."

The top two states for Sunday's rodeo, Tennessee and Kentucky, were given flags to display when they attend the national competition in Gallup, New Mexico.