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Oklahoman photography Garett Fisbeck and I photographed opening day of the IFYR  in Shawnee.

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Bull rider Booger Yates of Scurry, Texas, prays before during the International Youth Finals Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla., Sunday, July 10, 2011. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Becky Simmons of McClean, Texas participates in pole bending during the International Youth Rodeo Finals, Sunday, July 10, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman

A cowboy rides his horse during the International Youth Finals Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla., Sunday, July 10, 2011. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Cowboys wait for their event to start during the International Youth Finals Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla., Sunday, July 10, 2011. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

— Sarah Phipps

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