Wrangler, the iconic denim brand, and patron of the West, has come on board as the title sponsor of COWGIRL 30 Under 30, heading up its first Empowered Gala.
The lead supporter since its inception in 2020, Wrangler has helped strengthen the COWGIRL 30 Under 30 program through its support while bolstering the recognition the program brings to young women in the Western industry.
“Wrangler has always been a strong supporter of the COWGIRL 30 Under 30 program and we’re thrilled to have them take the title of our most important project,” says COWGIRL Publisher, Ken Amorosano. “It is with their generous contribution that we are able to take the program to the next level and ensures our success by multiplying the results for our honorees ten-fold.”
“As a brand rooted in the western lifestyle and longtime partner of COWGIRL, we’re thrilled to see the 30 Under 30 program’s continued success with the addition of the first Empowered Gala,” said Robin Rich, senior brand marketing manager at Wrangler. “Strong women have been an important part of the industry’s history, and as we celebrate Wrangler’s 75th anniversary and look forward to the next 75 years, we’re honored to recognize the inspirational young leaders of the present and future.”
COWGIRL announced the recipients for the COWGIRL 30 Under 30 class of 22 on November 15 and will honor the recipients at the first Wrangler COWGIRL 30 Under 30 Empowered Gala which will take place on Friday, March 4 at Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Gala is created to honor the annual class of COWGIRL 30 Under 30, the flagship program created by the editors and executives at COWGIRL Magazine. Now in its third year, COWGIRL 30 Under 30 has successfully promoted 90 young women from within the ranks of the Western Industry.
The Empowered Gala will take place amidst the rustic-luxe grandeur of The Barn, Hotel Drover’s warmly appointed and intimate special events venue. Creating the perfect setting for the gala, The Barn features charming chandeliers, hand-hewn timber ceilings, lushly landscaped outdoor verandas, and large terraces against the backdrop of Mule Alley in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.
Honorees of the COWGIRL 30 Under 30 class of 2022 will be treated to a Hotel Drover veranda cocktail reception and red-carpet entry beginning at 6:00 PM, followed by the Empowered Gala inside. Guest speakers will include event sponsors from COWGIRL, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, Durango Boots, Cavender’s, and The Cowboy Channel. Singer/songwriter Stephanie Quayle will also serve as a keynote speaker.
A private live concert by Big Sky Music recording artist, and Wrangler endorsee, Stephanie Quayle, will cap off the evening for the expected 350 guests.
The mission of COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is to seek out and publicly recognize young women who are making a name for themselves within the Western industry. Whether they be corporate executives, professional athletes, media professionals, performers, or working cowgirls, it is COWGIRL 30 Under 30’s aim to shed light and show just how vital these young and talented women are to its industry. COWGIRL 30 Under 30 also strives to create and grow a network of individuals who can serve as role models and mentors for the future leaders of our industry.
Living in an urbanesque area, Kaitlin Lorman didn’t grow up that way – she grew up in the city and even went to college directly in the city. “I am not really from a rodeo background – I have been obsessed with horses, literals since the day I was born, and nobody knows why because I don’t have a horse family,” says Kaitlin. In fact, her mom even tried to talk her out of horseback riding because she was afraid that she would end up like Christopher Reeves.
There was no rodeo community where she was at in Ohio, the “land of the Quarter Horse Congress.” Starting her brand, Sundial Show Clothing until 2015 and releasing her first items in 2018, Kaitlin’s first few customers were rodeo contestants and she had no idea about any part of the culture and background.
“First and foremost, I am a horse person at heart… I have a degree in equine studies … horses are the main thing in my life,” says Kaitlin, who then asked herself, “how do I make horses the main part of my life – to make them my job?”
“I don’t really have a background in fashion design, but as a kid I was obsessed with magazines, looking through them and cutting out pictures of clothes,” says Kaitlin. But, as a child, she had no confidence to be into fashion. “I was teased for being tall – it wasn’t like ‘you’re so tall and beautiful,’ it was a ‘you’re tall and a weirdo.’”
A fan of America’s Next Top Model and runway shows, Kaitlin never realized just how much she liked fashion as well as horses.
Make sure to follow That Western Life on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so that you can engage with our guests before they come on the show! Read more on the blog at That Western Life.
Listen to Catie Kershner’s episode, owner of Kershner Custom Silver, here!
Finding talent among the vast arenas we call the Western industry is quite frankly an easy task. It’s who we are. Hard working, dedicated, and ambitious don’t even begin to describe the motivated young women who are ubiquitous in every facet from sport to corporate, entertainment to media, and from agriculture to adventure. This talent is everywhere. The hard part is whittling the list down to just 30.
This overwhelming task is worth it, however, because these annual classes make up the leaders who come to the top for among other things, their dedication to lead the way by opening doors and sharing enthusiasm and encouragement in everything they do.
Now celebrating our third anniversary of seeking out and promoting this esteemed group of powerful young women, COWGIRL is extremely proud to introduce the 2022 class of COWGIRL 30 Under 30.
In celebration, this class will gather in Fort Worth on March 4, 2022, to be honored at the first ever Wrangler COWGIRL 30 Under 30 Empowered Gala at Hotel Drover in the historic Stockyards. Among invited guests will be the 30 Under 30 classes from 2021 and 2020 as well as family, friends, and industry leaders who support the annual program.
Congratulations Class of 2022! It is an honor to introduce you to many of your peers and those in the industry who will look to you as leaders in this wonderful community we all know and love.
Allyson Spears
Program Coordinator, Podcast Host, Rancher, Agriculture Advocate, and Entrepreneur, Age 25
Allyson Spears was born and raised on her family’s generational farming and ranching operation. After graduating with her bachelor’s in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University, she landed a position in the Poultry Science Department as a Program Coordinator. Outside of her full-time job, she also owns an antique and home decor business with her mom, “Junk ‘N Disorderly”, and an Agriculture Advocacy brand, “Ag Chicks”, where she shares Ag’s story.
Amanda Devan
Editor of the Cutting Horse Chatter, Director of Marketing and Public Relations of RIDE TV, GAC Media, Age 28
After graduating from Texas A&M University, Amanda Devan went to work for RIDE TV (now GAC Media), where she was quickly promoted to Director of Marketing and Public Relations. Most recently, she has taken on the Editor role for the Cutting Horse Chatter and prides herself on being a catalyst for change and community within the equine industry.
Angela Scott
Business Owner, Rancher, Podcast Producer, Event Planner, Age 28
In 2018, as a first-generation rancher, Angela Scott bought her first truckload of calves, which has since expanded to cow-calf, backgrounding feeders, finishing cattle, and direct-to-consumer beef. She also started a wedding planning business, as well as The Rural Housewives, a web-based community and podcast for rural women meant to encourage every woman to pursue her life’s purpose.
Ashley Kendall
Professional Title: PRCA Photographer/Marketing Manager, PRCA/McFarland Productions
PRCA Photographer/Business Owner, Age 28
Ashley Kendall is a cowgirl, a mom, and a true advocate for the Western Industry through her work as a Professional PRCA Photographer. She is also an up-and-coming business owner with High Desert Performance, where she provides therapeutic modalities helping horses and bucking bulls to feel and perform their best.
Brianna Noble
Pr
Horsewoman, Mulatto Meadows, Age 26
Brianna Noble is the founder and owner of Mulatto Meadows and the founder of the nonprofit Humble. These businesses are dedicated to expanding the accessibility of riding and horsemanship to communities historically excluded from the equestrian world. She is especially passionate about introducing horsemanship and riding to youth of color and economically disenfranchised populations.
Brianna Tucker
Marketing Coordinator, Photographer, Age 22
In her position as Marketing Coordinator at Twisted X, Brianna Tucker wants to transform how the brand is seen and make the photography, social, and marketing reflect who they are. She also owns a Western photography business and loves using her photography to empower women and make them feel beautiful.
Brooke Teixeira
Professional Title: Senior Product Manager – Western Denim, Ariat International
Senior Product Manager – Western Denim, Ariat International, Age 30
After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Biology degree and deciding that she no longer wanted a career in the medical field, Brooke Teixeira landed her dream job working for Ariat. With her experience as a professional breakaway roper and product manager, she is able to deliver products that look great, but perform even better.
Callie McCarthy-Boevers
Media and Communications Manager for the National Reined Cow Horse Assn. (NRCHA), Age 27
Growing up in Northern California, Callie McCarthy-Boevers developed a passion for the agriculture and Western industries at a young age. Since graduating from Oklahoma State University, she has had the opportunity to combine her passion for the industry with her knowledge and experience in marketing and public relations in her role at the NRCHA.
Out West Photography.
Carley Montemuro
Business Development Manager, National Cutting Horse Association, Age 26
Carley Montemuro is not the typical Long Islander. Over the course of her life, she went from competing in AQHA and NRHA shows to riding for the TCU Equestrian Reining Team. Through her position at NCHA, she has been given the opportunity to promote the sport of cutting within the Western industry and beyond.
Caroline Arendt
Owner, Caroline Arendt Creative, Age 26
Caroline Arendt has always been an advocate for the Western lifestyle, but it wasn’t until she was obtaining her Agricultural Communications degree at Oklahoma State University that she truly fell in love with telling agriculture’s story. After graduation, she decided to jump and launch her own social media marketing business catering to agriculture-related clients.
Casey Watt-Morgan
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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Age 30
Casey Watt-Morgan’s job as an ambulatory veterinarian spans many male-dominated market industries, and many miles between rural communities. As she leaves Idaho Falls to start her own veterinary business back home, she realizes that she’s “got a weakness for old swayback horses.” Empowerment overwhelms her when she thinks about this next chapter in her life, because she will get to live it all.
Danielle Reinhart
Danielle Reinhart
Model, Western Fashion Content Creator, Project Manager for Netspend, Age 30
Dani Reinhart’s passion for the Western industry began at a young age, where she fell in love with the amazing community rodeo had to offer. When she is not wrangling engineers, graphic designers, software developers, and managing project timelines, you can find this Canadian turned Texan modeling, creating Western fashion content, roping, riding, and doing everything in between.
Emily Bomgardner
Marketing Coordinator, Kimes Ranch Jeans, Age 29
Around the age of 11, Emily Bomgardner began showing an interest in horses, got her first horse, and never looked back. This passion led her to the University of Findlay where she double majored in Animal Science and Equine Business Management and minored in Equestrian Studies. Today, she is working full time with Kimes Ranch Jeans as their Marketing Coordinator.
Emily Miller
Social Media Manager, Justin Brands, Age 24
Emily Miller had no Western influence until she joined her high school’s FFA program, but from that point on, she took any opportunity to be involved. As the Social Media Manager at Justin Brands, she gets to promote a wide variety of amazing people and products, as well as the history of four amazing brands that embody the standards set by the cowboys and cowgirls that came before us.
Hannah Miller
Special Events & Sponsorship Manager, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, Age 29
After graduating from Colorado State University, Hannah Miller began working for the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). In the last 7 years, she has blossomed into her career as the Special Events & Sponsorship Manager, where she oversees the production of many events and has been able to build lasting relationships with key partners within the Western industry.
Jamie Denue
Dude Ranch Expert & Western Photographer, Age 30
As a fourth-generation rancher, Jamie Denue was born with a love for the Western way of life. After earning a degree from Oregon State University College of Forestry, she realized that her love for the Western lifestyle and her career in hospitality could come together in Dude Ranches. Her passion is driven by welcoming guests onto Dude Ranches as family, immersing them into the Western way of life, and capturing stunning images for guests to cherish for a lifetime.
Jessica Ogden
Professional Title: Content Developer, Justin Brands
Content Developer, Justin Brands, Age 28
Growing up, Jessica Ogden competed in high school rodeo and taught riding lessons, where she discovered her passion for sharing horsemanship with young riders. With a relentless passion for stories and celebrating the Western lifestyle, she finds and shares stories of those with their boots on the ground upholding the character of the industry.
Katie Eason
Cattle Manager, Winner Circle Feedyard, Age 28
Katie Eason grew up in the mountains of Northeastern California on her family’s 4th generation cattle ranch. While studying at California State University-Chico, she was instantly fascinated with feed yards, and while involved in a management trainee program she set a new goal for herself to someday manage a yard. After 5 years, she has accomplished that goal and currently manages an 18,000 head feed yard in Southwest Kansas.
Katie Whitney
Marketing Director, Cactus Ropes, Cactus Gear, Cactus Saddlery, Age 26
Growing up in a third-generation cattle ranching and rodeo family, a deep appreciation for the industry was cultivated within Katie Whitney at a very young age. After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she found her career with the Pro Equine Group as Marketing Director for Cactus Ropes, Cactus Gear, and Cactus Saddlery.
Kayla Jackson
Freelance Western Photographer/Videographer, Age 28
Grounded by humble teachings, Kayla Jackson saw beauty in hard work, triumph in the first moment of life when an animal takes its first breath, and an eternity of love found in the gentleness from their eyes. She captures the beauty of Navajo ranches by emphasizing the connection between animal and human and their interaction with the land.
Kelsey Gascon
Owner, Asst. Director, Marketing/Event Coordinator, Public Relations Director, Age 28
Kelsey Gascon is a professional trick rider, Roman rider, horse trainer, and business woman in the Western industry. When not on the road performing or teaching, she manages Gascon Horsemanship’s Training Facility & Academy and travels with her husband to give horsemanship clinics around the world.
Rae Campbell Photography.
Kyla Jones
Communication Liaison, American Quarter Horse Association, Age 25
At a young age, Kyla Jones was involved in rodeo queen pageants to be a more proficient public speaker. From there, an adoration for the Western lifestyle surpassed just a hobby and grew into a home she would continue to build a life in. Today, she is with AQHA as the Communications Liaison and believes a day spent with horses or horse people is a day well spent.
Maddie Prechter
Professional Title: Ranch Manager, Prechter Livestock
Ranch Manager, Prechter Livestock, Age 21
Maddie Prechter grew up ranching with her family and quickly fell for the cowboy lifestyle. Her dedication to breeding and raising her own cattle led her to manage her family’s commercial cow-calf operation and grow her own herd of registered cattle. Maddie remembers the excitement that she felt growing up and enjoys getting kids excited about the livestock industry as well.
Maegen (Nahrgang) Taylor
Corporate Partner Manager, American Quarter Horse Association, Age 29
Maegen Taylor is a wife, daughter, sister, friend, and advocate for the Western industry. She is a proud employee of the American Quarter Horse Association as their Corporate Partner Manager, and takes great pride in having the opportunity to be able to work with her team to preserve the American Quarter Horse breed and maintain the authenticity of the Western lifestyle for their members.
Megan McMullen
Director of Youth & Amateur Activities, American Paint Horse Association, Age 27
Through her showing involvement, Megan McMullen was recruited to compete on the Texas Christian University Equestrian Team, and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Over the past two years with APHA, she has been able to combine her passion for the equine industry and her event planning skills to heighten the member experience for both Youth and Amateur members.
Olivia Harms
Professional Musician, Age 26
Olivia Harms grew up on her family ranch in Canby, OR, and made her first appearance on stage when she was two days old. She is now following in her mother’s creative boot steps while blazing her own trail, crafting a sound equal parts Bakersfield, Texas, and Nashville country.
Sadie Berger
Social Media, Marketing, & Sales Manager, Chad Berger Bucking Bulls Inc, Age 30
Sadie Berger grew up going to cattle sales, rodeos, and team ropings all over North Dakota with her dad who is a third-generation rancher, second-generation cattle buyer, and rodeo/bull riding stock contractor. After graduating from Dickinson State University, she took charge of the marketing, social media, sales, and sponsorship for Chad Berger Bucking Bulls & Dakota Rodeo Company.
Sarah Van Vuren
Certified Personal Trainer & Owner, Barrel Racer Fit, Age 28
While at a jackpot, Sarah Van Vuren had the realization that competitors hold their horses to such a high athletic standard, but most barrel racers don’t do the same for themselves. Sport-specific training hadn’t become a thing for barrel racing, so she became a Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutrition Specialist for the sole purpose of helping barrel racers become better athletes for their sport.
Taylor Spears
Marketing Coordinator, The Cowboy Channel, Age 24
Taylor Spears’ years of rodeo queen success prepared her for her current role as the Marketing Coordinator and Rodeo Relations Liaison for The Cowboy Channel, where she gets to serve as the voice of The Cowboy Channel amongst respective rodeo committees. She also hosts a TV show on RFD-TV called National Little Britches Rodeo, where she gives the future of rodeo a chance to shine through by telling their stories.
Wren LeVan
Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Blush Out West, Age 24
It’s not uncommon to see Wren LeVan, an author, boutique owner, and innovative marketer, dressed to the nines representing her boutique Blush Out West, Colorado’s 2019 Boutique of the Year. She believes her business is able to stand out in a saturated market because of the unique touches of their exclusive designs and hand-selected goods.
Follow along with COWGIRL Magazine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram and look for the “COWGIRL 30 Under 30 Class of 2022″ article in our March/April 2022 issue coming soon!
Professional Title: Senior Product Manager – Western Denim, Ariat International Age: 30 Home: Reno, Nevada
What started out as future in medicine quickly shifted into a career revolving around her passion for the Western way of life. After graduating from Cal Poly – SLO with a Biology degree and deciding that she no longer wanted a career in the medical field, Brooke Teixeira landed her dream job working for Ariat.
For Brooke, it is a true honor to always have a connection to the Western consumer and Western lifestyle enthusiast. Her experience as a Professional Breakaway Roper and Product Manager, studying the recent trends, she is able to deliver product that looks great, but performs even better. Her involvement in rodeo spans beyond her personal performance in the arena. She grew up in a ranching and rodeo family, is married to a Professional Team Roper, and now they are raising a little cowboy of their own.
Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “I want women to feel comfortable embracing the traditional roles of the Western lifestyle or climbing the corporate ladder. Women are successful whether they are working on the ranch, have a professional career, being a one woman show running a boutique, chasing their dreams on the rodeo trail, or dabbling in a little of bit of everything. Success may not always be defined by breaking the societal definition of glass ceilings, but rather how you view success for yourself.”
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Professional Title: Director of Youth & Amateur Activities, American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Age: 27 Home: Fort Worth, Texas
Originally from Knoxville, TN, Megan has called Fort Worth, TX home for the past eight (8) years. Megan has spent most of her life in the Western Industry and would not have it any other way. As a youth competitor, she grew up showing horses in the all-around events. Through her showing involvement, she was recruited to ride and compete on the Texas Christian University (TCU) Equestrian Team. Megan graduated from TCU in 2017 with her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the Neeley School of Business. Upon graduating, Megan worked for the Tarrant Regional Water District as a Marketing and Event Coordinator but spent her free time keeping up with the Western industry.
Once given the offer to come back to the industry as the Director of Youth and Amateur Activities for the American Paint HorseAssociation (APHA), Megan jumped at the opportunity. Over the past two years, she has been able to combine her passion for the equine industry and her event planning skills to heighten the member experience for both Youth and Amateur members. “It has been a privilege to work for an association that has given me so much as a youth competitor and see first-hand that our industry has a bright future,” says Megan.
Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “As a third-generation equestrian, I’ve experienced many stages of my life in the Western Industry, but what has been special to me is seeing the industry through the eyes of our youth. They have such a light and excitement about them while experiencing the industry for the first time. This light is so often sparked by the powerful women who have come before them and shown them that the grit of the cowgirl is an unstoppable force. We are bold, fierce, unique, and ready to grow and expand what has been our community and industry for generations and generations to come. While this was once a male-dominated industry, I see this rapidly changing. Women are bringing competition, style, education and so much more to the Western Industry. It’s time to enjoy the ride as women and help bring this industry to another level.”
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Professional Title: Professional Musician, Olivia Harms Age: 26 Home: Canby, Oregon
Olivia Harms was born Western Music royalty, but the rhinestone cowgirl stepped out on her own crafting a sound equal partsBakersfi eld, Texas, and Nashville country.
The daughter of Western Music Hall of Fame member Joni Harms, Olivia’s artistic identity has been honed since she was young. Olivia grew up on the family ranch in Canby, Ore., and made her first appearance on stage when she was two days old. 26 years later, Olivia is following in her mother’s creative boot steps and blazing her own trail.
Olivia’s second album “Rhinestone Cowgirl”, released May 21st, 2021, was recorded in Nashville. The 11-song collection calls out to cowboys, name-drops George Strait, swings through Buckaroo territory, and packs plenty of twang and steel guitar. Olivia co-wrote every song on the IWMA nominated album.
“I wanted a very traditional country vibe, some Bakersfi eld sound, and country-western swing to bring back honky-tonks.” Olivia explained. “I wanted folks in and out of the Western life to connect with my songs and relate to them.”
When she was 6 years old, Santa Claus delivered her first guitar and sparked her love of songwriting. The singer grew up performing on stages with her mother. Olivia remembers yodeling in Europe and singing “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” inNew Zealand.” As an adult, Olivia has played at the WNFR in Las Vegas, AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City, Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, and many more. She is working hard to put the Western back in country music.
Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “Cowgirl’s have grit, grace, strength, courage, and ambition. They face challenges in our modern Wild West. Not backing down or taking no for an answer. They are tough enough to stand up for what is right and tender enough to have conversations about our industry’s most sensitive topics. Advocating for the things that keep our Western way of life alive. Striving to teach and inform others about the beauty that is the Western lifestyle.
The future is bright thanks to the modern-day cowgirl. They help outsiders understand our heritage and why we are so proud of it. They are welcoming and encouraging to everyone in search of their inner Cowgirl. Modern-day Cowgirls build up those around them, and cheer each other on, wanting to see each other succeed and take on the world. Because it’s no secret if the world had more cowgirls, the world would be a better place!”
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Professional Title: Corporate Partner Manager, American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Age: 29 Home: Buckeye, Arizona
Maegen Taylor is a wife, daughter, sister, friend, and advocate for the Western industry. Her roots run deep through the creases of her cowboy hat, her strength is bonded together by the support of her family and her love for the Western way of life runs deep into the valleys of Montana & soars high above the desert in Arizona.
Her character is defined by the old cowboy code to ride for the brand, be courageous, honest, and hardworking. Her parents, brothers, and she have been involved in the Western industry as competitors and professionals for many years. Maegen feels very fortunate that over the course of her life she has found herself in leadership roles that helped pave the way for her future.
While attending the University of Montana Western Maegen thrived as a student, athlete, and leader. After graduating she was offered a position by Montana Silversmiths where she spent 5+ years working in many different capacities ranging from sales to marketing working alongside some of the best in the industry. Maegen is a proud employee of the American Quarter Horse Association as their Corporate Partner Manager. She takes great pride in having the opportunity to be able to work with her team to preserve the American Quarter Horse breed and maintain the authenticity of the Western lifestyle for their members. At the end of a hard day’s work, Maegen is happiest spending time with her family and husband in the roping pen.
Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “Women are an integral part of the Western industry, blazing trails for young Cowgirls like me. Not only have I grown up in the industry, but I have benefitted from everything it has ever had to offer, and it has impacted every aspect of my life personally, through my education, and now my profession. My vision for the future of women in our industry is to continue to have a learning mindset to help strengthen the path for future cowgirls so they can build on what we have learned, like so many before us. I hope to inspire young cowgirls to contribute to preserving and evolving our lifestyle for many generations to come.”
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Professional Title: Dude Ranch Expert & Western Photographer, The Dude Ranchers Association | J. Lee Photography Age: 30 Home: Cody, Wyoming
Jamie Denue was raised on a cattle and timber ranch in the coastal range of Oregon. As a fourth-generation rancher, she was born with a love for the Western way of life. After earning a degree in Tourism and Outdoor Leadership from Oregon State UniversityCollege of Forestry, she realized that her love for the Western lifestyle and her career in hospitality could come together in DudeRanches. Since 2017 she has worked at some of the most well-known ranches in the world – and built a photography business along the way.
Her passion is driven by welcoming guests onto Dude Ranches as family, immersing them into the western way of life, educating those who have never had the opportunity to experience a working ranch, and capturing stunning images for guests to cherish for a lifetime.
Jamie is a Dude Ranch expert for the National Dude Ranchers’ Association, a position that is the perfect companion to her growing photography business. As a photographer, her primary focus is on dude ranches, western influencers, rodeos, western clothing brands, and of course, western folks in all walks of life.
Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “Looking forward, my dream is to serve as a role model for young women who aspire to work professionally in the Western industry. I envision an ever-increasing number of women becoming rodeo athletes and successful business owners who hold influential positions in the industry. My goal is to empower and provide support to women who lead with their hearts, as well as their strength and intelligence, to grow our community in wonderful ways.”
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Jessica may not have been born in the industry, but she has made it her mission to build a life surrounded by horses. Growing up, she competed in high school rodeo and taught riding lessons, where she discovered her passion for sharing horsemanship with young riders. After working as the marketing force behind the innovative equine technology, NightWatch, she now serves as the written voice of Justin Brands. With a relentless passion for stories and celebrating the Western lifestyle, Jessica finds and shares stories of those with their boots on the ground upholding the character of the industry. Equipped with her love of history, Jessica brings the rich heritage and innovative designs of Justin, Tony Lama, Nocona, and Chippewa Boots to life in storytelling content pieces, various communications, commercials, and product descriptions. She believes it is an extreme honor being front row to her heroes in the rodeo arena for a company whose boots she has worn with pride her whole life. She has served on the board at the Wild Hope, an emerging equine therapy center committed to providing a safe space for complex trauma survivors to heal and foster belonging. She spends her spare time training her young homebred horse on her ranchette near Fort Worth and serving her church and local non-profits with her photography talents. Jessica believes in sharing the power of the horse with others and uplifting women in the industry through her photo essay series, the Cowgirl Chronicles.
Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “It is my sincere belief that the cowgirl is a true force. She is both confident and humble. She sees a need and fills it with her unique flair. Her willpower is unbreakable, yet she carries compassion wherever she ventures. A cowgirl lives with her heart on her sleeve, gladly serving those around her. Women in the industry continually bring this powerful force into boardrooms, storefronts, arenas, schools, farms, and homes. I hope that we will welcome women entering the Western industry with open arms because we need our collective giftings and stories. With a dedicated passion, an abundance of humility, and even more hard work, a cowgirl can do anything she sets her mind to and pursues. On top of that, when we encourage each other and celebrate this diverse community, our future in the Western industry is truly limitless!”
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Professional Title: Communication Liaison, American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Age: 25 Home: Amarillo, Texas
A New Mexico cowgirl with an obsession for horses, Kyla Jones turned her passion into a profession. At a young age, she was heavily involved in rodeo queen pageants to be a more proficient public speaker, while also remaining as close to horses as possible. From there, an adoration for the Western lifestyle surpassed just a hobby and grew into a home she would continue to build a life in. As a teenager, Jones was an avid competitor in National Reining Horse Association events. Her success in the show pen led to an equestrian scholarship to ride for the New Mexico State Equestrian team as a Reiner. During her college years, Jones was introduced to the world of agriculture communications and the growing need to advocate for agriculture and the Western industry. After transferring to West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, she was on the collegiate horse judging team, completed an internship with the American Quarter Horse Association, and was crowned Miss Rodeo New Mexico in 2017. Today, she is back with AQHA as the communications liaison and is an active volunteer with youth judging teams, volunteers with horse camps in New Mexico, and also produced the first Curry County AQHA VRH Horse Show in Clovis, New Mexico. In her free time, she and her husband operate a cow-calf operation as Rafter J Ranch. In her eyes, a day spent with horses or with horse people is a day well spent.
Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “The history of the American West could not have been written without women. From pioneers and outlaws to businesswomen and leaders, we are all familiar with their stories and their impact on our industry today. The future holds a similar narrative in the sense that modern women possess the same grit and determination mixed with accomplishments that nearly sound like fiction, but are whole heartedly true. One thing that has changed is our ability to communicate and share these stories to people outside of our industry and what we know to be familiar. Over the past few years, the western lifestyle has reached a broader audience through social media and mainstream television showcasing the cowboy way. This allows us to have a more diverse group join our ranks. The more, the merrier! The modern cowgirl mold will change, but we were born to break the mold anyway.”
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