The Catch-a-Calf contest has been a tradition at the Stock Show since 1935. It attracts kids and teenagers from across the American West. During the rodeos, these young contestants set out in the ring to wrangle a calf. Several months later, those who catch the calves are matched with a steer and sponsor and then, like Alexa, they bring their market steers back to show.
Alexa was one one of 36 contestants this year. Although she and and Ernie did well in some parts of the competition, they didn't win either Grand or Reserve Champion. In the video, she talks about the work that went into raising Ernie, the competition, and the challenge of parting with him at the competition's end.