When asked how it felt to be a champion two years in a row, Henry answered as politely and cheerily as always, “It was a pretty good feeling to win it back to back.” He said it was a very close competition going into that last round, so he wasn’t completely sure he had won until they called his name as the winner. He said he was excited but also felt “a sigh of relief” that all his hard work over the previous months had paid off. 

Henry’s mom, Lindsey Townsend, said she, her husband Wade, and the rest of the family were ecstatic about his big accomplishment. “He has worked so incredibly hard, and he is always in the practice pen,” Lindsey said. “It’s fun to be able to watch him do what he loves and to see his dedication and work ethic has paid off. We are just so proud of him!” 

Henry’s diligence in perfecting his craft is always at the forefront when he is deciding on his goals, both short-term and long. For example, last year, he traveled to Las Vegas for the Tuffest Junior World Championship to compete in the team roping category with his pal Whitt Barnett, and he is also a member of the distinguished Priefert Junior Elite League. He says he wants to continue to compete in rodeos and eventually earn scholarships for college, hoping some day to make it to the College National Finals. 

Henry knows that any career he pursues will certainly involve horses. That is no surprise to his family since they say he’s had a rope in his hands since the time he could walk and that the rodeo has been central to his life ever since. It’s a part of who he is and what drives him each and every day. They have no doubt that this young man will reach these goals for his future. And he’ll do so happily with the ropes and the reins and the joy and the pain of the thing they call a rodeo.

Images captured by Dusty Saddles Photography