Cauy Pool of Long Creek competes in bareback for District 1 at the California State High School Finals Rodeo in Bishop, California.

Long Creek bareback rider Cauy Pool had the experience of a lifetime, finishing 23rd at the July 16-22 National High School Finals Rodeo in Gillette, Wyoming.

There were over 1,500 cowboys and cowgirls from 43 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia competing in 13 events.

Up against over 60 other bareback riders, Pool said he kept focused on his event.

“It was really fun and a great experience,” he said.

Pool placed second in his first round July 18 with a score of 74.

Thursday proved to be a bigger battle, Pool scoring a 46 for fifth place.

“I got a low score on my second round,” he said. “It wasn’t feeling 100 percent and a little bit tougher horse.”

Pool was just shy of making it into Saturday’s short go, the final round. Qualifiers had to be in the top 20.

“I’d like to thank my dad and a friend Austin Foss — who’s been to the NFR four times in bareback” — for their coaching, he said.

He added his parents, grandparents and Foss all supported him in his ride to the NHSFR.

The Monument High School graduate said he plans to help his parents on the ranch before heading to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he’ll study welding technology while riding bucking horses for the New Mexico State Aggies on a full-ride scholarship.