Ride ’em Cowboys…and Cowgirls!

Amber Aspin, an avid rodeo enthusiast.

Junior Jackpot Rodeo Wraps Up Winter Season

by Jim Evans

It started between two friends who became neighbors. Vanessa Aspin and Jeannie Malone have been friends — well, almost forever — and they have both enjoyed barrel racing together over the years. When Jeannie moved across the street and they became neighbors, their bond grew even closer.

Vanessa and husband Rick’s 10-acre ranch features an arena — affectionately called the "Dally Up Arena" — was a regular meeting place where Vanessa and Jeannie would get together and share their love of horses with friends, neighbors, and family. Vanessa’s daughter, Amber, and Jeannie’s son, Mason, both 13, became avid rodeo enthusiasts participating in as many as four different events on the California Junior Rodeo circuit, and both have aspirations to compete in high school rodeo.

Jimmy Dean Thornbury won All Around 2nd Runner Up and Best Dressed Boy.

The California Junior Rodeo promotes monthly rodeo events all year long throughout the state, and the Mountain Valley Ranch conducts a series of summer events for junior rodeo participants. When Aspin suggested to her friend one day that they host a series of winter events to help the youngsters gain more experience, the "Junior Jackpot Rodeo" was born.

Having just finished its second successful season, the Ramona Junior Jackpot Rodeo features two different age categories for youngsters 8-12 and 13-17 in five different events — goat tie, barrel racing, pole bending, ribbon roping, and breakaway calf roping. Amber and Mason regularly participate in 4 events, and the overall response has been "very positive" according to Aspin. "In fact, we just had our annual awards ceremony on Saturday, April 24," says Aspin, "and it was just thrilling to see these youngsters being recognized for their hard work."

"We have been fortunate to have the help and support of so many wonderful parents and local businesses," says Aspin, "and it’s such a good feeling to see the kids grow in skill and confidence. And Jeanne and I really enjoy teaching too. We hope even more young people will be encouraged to participate next year!" Sounds like a real "jackpot" of learning and experience for aspiring junior rodeo aficionados. For further information, contact Vanessa Aspin at (760) 789-8474.