MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake junior Matea Frensdorf will make her first appearance at the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) next week when she competes in the 61st annual competition in the girls cutting event.

Frensdorf finished second in the event at the Washington State High School Rodeo Association (WSHSRA) state finals to qualify for the NHSFRA event.

The NHSFR features more than 1,500 participants from 41 states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia.

Cowboys and cowgirls from all around the world will compete for more than $200,000 in prizes and another $325,000 in college scholarships.

Frensdorf said she is excited to compete against some of the best cowgirls in the world.

“I am pretty nervous,” she said. “This is definitely the biggest rodeo I will be going to in America. I’m a little intimidated, but I can turn that into excitement.”

Frensdorf competed in the barrel racing and pole bending events at the Silver State International Rodeo over the Fourth of July weekend, but she is excited to compete in the girls cutting event next week.

“I have been practicing my event the last couple of days,” she said. “I think I am ready for it.”

Although Frensdorf finished second in the event at the WSHSRA rodeo, she is still learning the sport.

“You have to have such good riding skills to compete in this event,” she said. “Even though I am just learning, it is so amazing to qualify for this.”

Frensdorf’s first run in the event is Monday and she is looking forward to getting it out of the way.

“I am pretty excited so I know how it feels and I can look back and prepare for my second one,” she said. “I won’t be going into it blind.”

While Frensdorf is anxious to compete in the girls cutting event, she is looking forward to everything the national rodeo entails.

“I am excited for all of the experiences,” she said. “I am looking forward to meeting everyone and competing.”