Two talented young athletes, Marley Miller (14) and Ridley Bendele (14), from Chandler made their mark at the 2025 National Little Britches Rodeo Finals (NLBFR) held June 29 through July 5 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie. The competition, known as the largest youth rodeo under one roof in the world, attracted nearly 1,900 contestants from across the country.
Miller qualified and competed in three events: Barrels, Poles, and Ribbon Roping. Bendele, meanwhile, showcased his skills in Breakaway Roping and Ribbon Roping. Together, the duo formed a formidable team in the Junior Ribbon Roping division, where they earned the title of Reserve World Champions, outshining 160 teams from across the United States.
After a week of intense competition for over $380,000 in awards and scholarships, their impressive performance earned them second place in the Junior Ribbon Roping event.Their ReserveWorld Champion finish highlights the dedication and hard work they’ve put into the sport and is a testament to the growing talent coming out of Chandler.
The 2025 NLBFR offered a thrilling week of rodeo action with participants competing for not only prizes but also the opportunity to further their rodeo careers with college scholarships.