Bennington, Kansas-Kyra Stierwalt may be a rookie in the ranks of professional rodeo but the young cowgirl has already been on the trail to many of the top stock shows across the nation from the American Royal in Kansas City to the National Western in Denver. However, Stierwalt competed at these big events not in the rodeo arena but as a top hand with show steers.

"I have shown steers since I was nine and I have just two more shows that I am eligible to compete in," says Stierwalt, whose family runs Stierwalt Cattle and Clinics, raising champion steers and traveling across the country to teach others the tricks of the trade.

"I have been riding and running barrels since I was about three." Her mother did local play days for fun but her family was more interested in the show ring than the rodeo arena; only cousin Tara Timms, the 2008 WPRA World Champion Junior Barrel Racer, shares Stierwalt's love for the sport. The two occasionally travel together now that both have joined the ranks of the WPRA.

"I got my permit when I turned 18 last summer and filled it. I bought a second one, so that I could finish out the year and I bought my card in October to give me a whole year as a rookie," says the Leedey, Oklahoma cowgirl who just recently graduated high school. "My dad said I could rodeo for a year but if I don't win enough, then I will go ahead and go to cosmetology school."

So far, the rodeo trail is still the plan. Stierwalt tackled a busy two weekend stretch for Prairie Circuit competitors beginning Memorial Weekend, finding success along the way.

"We went to Fort Smith for the futurity and derby so we hit the rodeos around there," says Stierwalt, clicking off the list of rodeos: Claremore, Poteau, Hugo, Ada, Strong City, Fort Smith and Bennington. Stierwalt has a pair of nice mares to take on the busy road schedule, a six year old named Famous Nadine and an eight year old, Streakin' Reba, who helped Stierwalt fill her permit last year.

"I just got Nadine in December after the BFA Finals in Oklahoma City," says Stierwalt. The daughter of PESI-nominated and industry leading sire Dash ta Fame has already found success under the saddle of Kebo Almond and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier PJ Burger. "PJ helped me out before my run at Fort Worth and I can text her with questions; she is awesome to help."

"Brad Lieblong from Jonesboro, Arkansas owned the mare and his family has been great to help me out as well," she adds. "I am starting to get with her and figure her out."

The evidence was apparent at Claremore, Okla., during Memorial Day when only world number two Carlee Pierce outran Stierwalt and Nadine; the second place check worth $1,515 put Stierwalt well into the standings for the Prairie Circuit. It was cemented during the 37th Annual Bennington PRCA Rodeo presented by the local Lions Club.

"It was really cold," laughs Stierwalt. She competed in the slack following the opening performance on May 31. "Nadine is a left handed horse and I thought the pattern looked like it was a little better to the left than usual. You have to push this mare, ride until you think you can't go any more.

"I just thought, 'kick as long as you can and then hold on!'"

The plan worked perfectly as the pair posted a 16.27 second run that could not be bested by Pierce, 2011 RNCFR Champion Tana Renick, or any of a slew of past Wrangler NFR qualifiers who were entered. Renick came closest; she settled for second with her run of 16.29.

"It was my first time to take first," Stierwalt says of the $1,314 payday. The cowgirl is hoping to make her circuit finals and possibly make a run for the rookie race. She is currently third in the Prairie Circuit and 12th in the overall rookie standings.

"If it all works out, that would be awesome," she says. She is planning a summer run to include rodeos in Colorado, South Dakota and Montana. "We're going to where it will be cool."

Stierwalt says her family has been critical to her success thus far. "There is no way I would be able to do this without my parents. My mom does all my entering and drives me and my dad works really hard so I can do what I do.

"I really appreciate them so much."

For more information on the Bennington PRCA Rodeo, please visit them on-line at www.benningtonprcarodeo.com.