Story by Rita Thompson-Tinsley. Photos by Tanner Photography.
The Yavapai County Junior Rodeo Association didn’t just roll out a plan for the youth of their community, they busted open the gates wide for a path to adventure, learning, challenges designed for every young age, and good clean (well, dirt is involved) physical fun, rodeo style. And the results have been resoundingly victorious.
It takes a village of passionate parents who want the best for their kids without driving extensive distances all over the big state of Arizona. So, this smart and savvy squad of Verde Valley Arizonians, remembering their own rodeo roots, rankings, and even ruckuses, created a junior rodeo to fill that void and greatly benefit their community.
This junior rodeo runs for six months, one weekend a month, beginning at the end of April to mid-September. Each rodeo begins with a grand entry and the presentation of colors. With classes for every young age group, you’ll find the Pee Wee Division for ages 7 and under, the Junior Division for ages 8-12, and the Senior Division for ages 13-18. As with every junior rodeo, barrel racing and pole bending are staples.
At the YCJRA in Camp Verde, the methods are designed for safety without sacrificing great fun and excitement. The younger contestants make their way around each barrel or pole while an adult, usually Mom or Dad, is in control of the lead rope attached to the horse’s halter. The adult’s role is to guide the young rider safely through the barrel or pole pattern until the competitor advances to the age where they will handle the horse solo, using reins.
In my visit to the final weekend rodeo event in September, I noticed that these very young contestants were riding some giant, yet gentle horses. Commonly, these are the family senior rodeo horses that have ‘been there, done that’; super safe for kids on-the-job training.
Kelcy Lyons, YCJRA Secretary, award-winning local educator at Mingus Union High School, and mother of 3 junior rodeo contestants, delivers the board and event directors rodeo resumes: “Husband and Executive Board President Travis Lyons competed in AZ Junior Rodeo and AZ High School Rodeo. Board VP Todd Howell grew up ranching and competing in local rodeo since childhood. Treasurer Lindsey Crockett grew up ranching and competing in rodeo.”
And the list goes on and on, including Kelcy herself who competed from 1997-2005 in the AZ Junior Rodeo Association and the AZ High School Rodeo Assoc. Lyons says, “All of us still enjoy roping and competing in rodeos. However, our primary focus is now our children and instilling in them the same morals and values that we were raised with.”
Just as the Yavapai County Junior Rodeo Association was developed by passion-minded, community-loving parents, the same is true for the Camp Verde Equestrian Center, piloted by Camp Verde Arena Association president, Mary Phelps. “It took the whole community, a lot of volunteer work, to create the Equestrian Center,” claims Phelps.
The 39-acre multi-use facility didn’t happen overnight. This project was a huge endeavor undertaken by Phelps who was determined to bring back ranch and rodeo traditions to Camp Verde. She has been successful in starting the Camp Verde Youth Rodeo and Livestock Club in efforts to give rodeo kids “…the opportunity to be part of something big, something great,” says Mary Phelps who has competed in rodeos most of her life, including the High School Rodeo Association and Womens Professional Rodeo Assoc.
It is truly enriching to experience the fun and camaraderie, the learning, and the confidence building, the personal and the inspirational connections that are undeniably witnessed in our hometown community rodeos.
According to YCJRA Kelcy Lions, “Our association’s mission is to develop skills in each rodeo event starting at a young age, in a safe and controlled environment, and then progressing in skill and speed, as they grow. We love this association and are so proud of its members, families, volunteers, and sponsors that have stepped up in a big way to support our mission. We can’t wait to see where this association goes, and the legacy it will leave in our community.”
