At just 14-years-old, local rodeo competitor Harper Armstrong has earned a spot in the Tri-State Rodeo Association (TSRA) Finals, marking another milestone in a competitive rodeo career that began when she was just 6-years-old.
The daughter of Brad and Michelle Armstrong, Harper is an eighth-grade student at Magnolia Bend Academy in Coushatta. She has one brother, Roman Armstrong, and balances her school responsibilities with rodeo competition, operating her own boutique, Ace in the Hole by Harper, and working at her family’s business.
Harper began competing in rodeo events in 2019 and has since become a six-time National Little Britches Finals qualifier. Throughout her career, she has competed at the national finals in barrel racing, pole bending, and ribbon roping. Her accomplishments include numerous championship buckles and her first saddle, which she earned in 2026.
This year, Harper set her sights on a new challenge: joining the Tri-State Rodeo Association and pursuing her passion for breakaway roping.
After purchasing her first breakaway horse in 2025, Harper began preparing for her rookie season with the association in 2026. Throughout the season, she competed in 10 rodeos across Louisiana and Mississippi, accumulating the earnings and rodeo participation needed to qualify for the association’s finals. Her efforts paid off, earning her a place among the top 16 competitors advancing to the TSRA Finals in Jackson, Mississippi, scheduled for November 20-21.
Harper will enter the finals ranked 13th in breakaway roping. She was the youngest competitor in breakaway roping throughout the regular season and will also be the youngest competing in the event at the finals.
Despite facing experienced competition, Harper is prepared to take on the challenge as she continues pursuing her goals in the rodeo arena. Her family credits much of her success to the dedication and support of relatives and rodeo friends who have spent countless hours helping her prepare for competitions.
From long hours of practice to traveling across Louisiana and Mississippi for Friday and Saturday night rodeos, Harper’s journey has required commitment both inside and outside the arena.
With her first TSRA Finals appearance approaching, Harper has already achieved one of her major goals for the 2026 season and will have the opportunity to compete against some of the association’s top breakaway ropers in Jackson.