My first Junior Rodeo
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I had the pleasure of attending this year’s first Jr. Rodeo put on by TMRA. This time I dragged our 14 year old Alexis out of bed to accompany me. I honestly was not sure what to expect. I’ve never been a rodeo fan (and I have my tree hugging reasons) but I left humbled and extremely interested!
The entire experience was nothing like I imagined and I am now a fan of the rodeo. The first person I had the privilege of meeting was Shelby Newman who started riding before she could walk! She is currently attending the University of Montana West and she takes a break from her studies every year to come help at the Jr. Rodeo. She has been on the comity since it began about 4 years ago and she has been queening since she was 5. She is beautiful and very well spoken at 20 years old.
Next I was introduced to Jr. Ms. Rodeo Tehachapi, Isabau Ennis (17). This young lady is almost too pretty to look at and she has the personality to match! When I asked her to tell me something important about her duties she said, “personality is everything.” They also must appear at various parades and events with smiles on their faces.
Before heading the the first event, I just had to meet Little Miss Rodeo Tehachapi. Sierra Kaiser (11) had the personality of a firecracker and she put a huge smile on my face! She has been queening 4 years and riding since birth. She informed me that “the crown on means I BEHAVE!” I heard an older girl ask Sierra “why do your jeans have a hole?” And Sierra replied without missing a beat “I got them at church” HA! Love it!
Ok, so now down to the nitty gritty of it all. By far, the best thing I heard all day was a very stern voice over the speaker announcing that harming any animals will call for immediate disqualification! Alright. Now I can relax a bit. The steer horns were actually covered in protective padding to prevent any rope burns. It became very obvious that everyone involved in this sports cares for and respects these beautiful animals. The PeeWees started it off with “dummy roping” and I just couldn’t get enough of this cuteness! The determination was incredible and Tristen Beardsley even roped himself while giving his all. Boy was that the cutest thing I have ever seen! First timer Elena Parizek (only 2 yrs old) had the plan of roping face to face, but you must be in the box. That didn’t discourage her though. She never lost her smile the entire day. I couldn’t believe there was a 20 month old!!! Ryder Eyraud was following the footsteps of his older sisters and joined the rodeo. Collin Chapman (5 yrs old) was a fantastic roper and Jett Ryan is already a pro at the young age of 4!
Next was the stick horse race and hats flew as these tiny PeeWees warmed my heart even more. They ran as fast as they could to get there horse to that finish line. How could anyone’s spirits not be high around these kids?
I took a little break and walked around to meet some new faces. I also some many familiar faces. Marilyn White (teacher at Valley Oaks) was there supporting a friend and I always love running into her and her lovely children. I met Nikki Cummings who was there with her mother Barbara and her two children Cruz & Capri. They are such a nice family and they are carrying on the family traditions with their youngest.
The time came for the serious stuff and my (mommy) heart started racing when I saw the tween/teens up on horses.
I barely let my kids check the mail! My eyes were opened to some things but that a different article for a different day. I was very impressed with the even mix of boys and girls. No discrimination going on at this rodeo that’s for sure.
Jr. Team Ropers Wyatt Soto and Megan Miller not only won for that category but their precision and team work left me with a jaw on the ground! Wow! Senior Team Ropers Payton Satterfield and Julie Donovan came out and roped so quick I almost missed it. I was in total awe. Wyatt Soto was on top again with the Steer Stoppers, along with St. steer Stopper Zachary Miller. Great job guys!
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to deal with the heat as well as the kids did and I left a bit early, but I will absolutely be at the next event and I will be asking my five girls if any of them are interested in giving it a go!
The next junior rodeos are scheduled for July 11 and 12.
