story by Siri Stevens
Allie Cliburn is the incoming Louisiana High School Rodeo state president. Allie is from Prairieville, Louisiana where she attends Dutchtown High School as a junior. As we are getting to know her, one of her prominent thoughts is to, “Hopefully get to do a lot of fun things with everyone”. Allie was very firm as she talked about the importance of including all of her peers. Previously, was the secretary her sophomore year and knowing the responsibilities she would take on, decided to run for president. While being president and taking on the responsibility, she knows how her attitude can and will count more than ever. Allie tells us, “I know that I’m going to have to have the correct attitude no matter what happens, staying humble and positive. There’s a lot of ups and downs- and I need to accept that.” Allie talks about her relationship with Miss Stephanie and how “They do a lot for us”.
Allie competes in barrels, breakaway, and is now planning team rope in High School Rodeo this upcoming season. She practices every single day and if it’s not practicing, something is going on with the horses. Chad works the chute and ropes with her every day. The Cliburn family has 12 horses that they own. Her father, Chad, is a team roper and so sometimes when practicing, he joins in and they work the chute for each other.
Her older sister, Kylie, is in college now and Allie rides her barrel horse and is competing on her mare full time. As Kylie has so much going on with school she only rides for fun. Allie talks about how she misses her sister. “I miss her being around- she was fun- and I miss having someone to fight with.” Allie and her sister would push each other to help better each other and with that came great memories and a little bit of arguing. This past summer Allie went on her summer run which included the IFYR in Shawnee, the CINCH finals, and some smaller rodeos when a free weekend popped up. Her father does all the driving while her mother (Kristy) does all the navigating. Her mother helps not only with navigation but by supporting her and of course videoing. Allie has been competitively rodeoing since fourth grade and plans to lead the high school rodeo team into a great upcoming season as the 2023-2024 Louisiana High School President.
