By Faydra Christensen
Kinzie Zimmerman, daughter of Josh and Teresa Zimmerman of Viborg, capped off a successful 4-H rodeo season with an impressive showing at the South Dakota 4-H State Finals Rodeo in Fort Pierre.
Zimmerman, an eighth-grade student at Viborg-Hurley Middle School, competed in the Junior Girls division, which is for contestants ages 8-13 as of January 1. The 2026 State 4-H Rodeo was held Aug. 14-16 in Fort Pierre.
Zimmerman turned in an outstanding performance, finishing first in breakaway roping, first in pole bending and took home the Junior Girls All-Around Honor. Her three victories earned her three championship saddles. She also placed second in goat tying, adding another top finish to an already impressive weekend.
Her success in the All-Around competition was especially meaningful for the Zimmerman family, as Kinzie's Grandpa Loren was also an All Around Champion as a youngster, as well as Kinzie's aunt, Tonya (Zimmerman) Rudd, also won first place in roping when she was younger. So obviously rodeo talent runs in both sides of the family.
The South Dakota 4-H Rodeo provides young competitors with the opportunity to compete in events including barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, breakaway roping, flag racing and team roping.
For Kinzie, the State Finals provided a memorable way to showcase the hard work, dedication and time she has put into rodeo. Walking away with three championship saddles—including the coveted Junior Girls All-Around title—made the weekend one to remember for both Kinzie and her family. Congratulations, Kinzie!
