A Safford High School graduate, a freshman at Eastern Arizona College and the daughter of Clay and Kristi Gomez, Kristen was recently named the grand prize winner in pole bending for the Arizona Junior Rodeo Association. Her prize was a new saddle.
Kristen also excels in barrel racing. She took first place in barrel racing at the Safford Saturday Night Stampede on Aug. 19 and was a winner Labor Day weekend at a barrel-racing event at Pima.
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She has competed in barrel racing and pole bending since she was 5 years old. Now that she is 18, she is not eligible to compete in Arizona Junior Rodeo events, so she will likely compete professionally, she said during a recent interview.
Rodeo events come naturally to Kristen and her younger sister, Katie, 12, who also competes in barrel racing.
“We’ve always had horses and done ranching,” Clay said, adding that both girls have participated in 4-H activities.
Kristen said ranch life and caring for animals have helped her make a career choice.
“I want to major in veterinary science,” she said, adding that she would like to treat dogs, cats and horses.
Winning barrel and pole-bending races takes a lot of preparation, Kristen said.
“I try to just ride every day and practice three or four times a week,” she said.
Kristen and Katie agreed they have to be organized to keep up with competitions, school and ranch chores. Kristen said her day starts around 7 a.m., while Katie arises around 6 a.m.
The girls get more out of rodeo events than just cheers from the crowd and prizes. Clay said the girls have learned horsemanship skills, how to care for horses, how to deal with the pressure of competition and sportsmanship.
“You’ve got to learn to walk away without winning,” Clay said.
He admitted that taking his daughters to competitions is time-consuming and expensive, but he and his wife are willing to spend the time and the money.
“You don’t have to wonder where your kids are,” he said.
Contact Diane Saunders at 428-2560, ext. 234, or by e-mail at diane@eacourier.com.
Comments
13 comment(s)Tricia Wenzl wrote on Sep 20, 2008 4:32 PM:
ciara wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:06 PM:
Warnar Moll Amsterdam The Netherlands wrote on Jul 14, 2008 11:20 AM:
In literature there are many scientific indications that the preparation of the sacred liquid (Haoma),could not contain a Hallucinogen-Entheogen drug (cf publications of Harry Falk, Jan Houben, Frits Staal and the late Mary Boyce).
As a plant-physiologist and toxicologian, I did some study about the preparation of Parahom (as described in Avesta). From the scientic point of view it is impossible that the sacred drink is hallucinogen.
I do not understand the arguments of the Pima's Church of Cognizance.
It is as stupid as the assert: Jesus used Marihuana. "
tom wrote on Apr 19, 2008 3:15 PM:
F THE SYSTEM!!! wrote on Feb 14, 2008 9:15 AM:
LaVae McClellan wrote on Feb 5, 2008 1:51 PM:
joe tapia wrote on Dec 9, 2007 8:05 PM:
JOE TAPIA wrote on Dec 9, 2007 12:11 AM:
Katelynn Nichols wrote on Dec 7, 2007 5:34 PM:
Stephen wrote on Nov 30, 2007 8:57 AM:
SMSmom wrote on Nov 9, 2007 12:11 PM:
Keisha wrote on Oct 27, 2007 8:03 PM:
linda wrote on Oct 26, 2007 11:59 AM: