Meet the Member
Ginger Greene
story by Magie Downare-Nevius
Ginger Greene – Photo by Chelsea Hoffman
Miss Rodeo Colorado 1991 is in her fourth consecutive year with the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA), and like the sequence patterns of her past, kicked the season off in style by jumping to the top of the barrel racing standings early in the season. “I give all credit to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” she said. Buying her first CPRA card at 16-years-old, Ginger Greene has competed, off-and-on, with the organization for 20 years. “It’s got that family feel and I just really enjoy the people,“ she said of what keeps her coming back.
Ginger is the only child of Jefferson, Colo., ranchers J and Frankie, and got her start early through the local 4-H program. “I always enjoyed the speed events more, but remember watching the barrel racing at the Denver Stock Show at 12-years-old, and knew that’s what I wanted to do,“ she said. “But my parents have been my biggest influence if life and rodeo and I couldn’t have done any of it without the work ethic and integrity that they have taught me.”
Since buying her permit, the same year she wore the crown to represent Colorado at the Wrangler National Finals, Ginger has devoted her life to the world of rodeo through an additional membership with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. “It was a great experience and I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world, as it taught me how to present myself and heightened my communication skills, but I know deep down that I am much too tomboy at heart and gritty competition is more my style,” she said.
A full-time rancher, rodeo athlete and horse trainer, Ginger partners with her team of chestnuts. “I am very blessed to live the ultimate life and God has blessed me with two great horses,” she said. Her big boy (“Rowdy”), whom she got from neighboring trainer Kathi Kendall, has led her string for the past four years. “He took a little while to make, but once he got it, he has fired,” she explained. Her smaller “minnie-me” (“Button”) was started as a reining cow-horse with boyfriend (Danny May), but was soon discovered to be a little too hot for the targeted event. “She made her rodeo debut in Canon City and proved herself by winning it,” said Ginger.
A majority of traveling is shared with Danny, who is a reining cow-horse and versatility horse trainer out of Wellington, Colo. “I couldn’t do it without him,” said Ginger. “Not only, is he an amazing horse trainer, but he keeps me mentally and competitively grounded.”
Partnering with Smiles International, A21 Campaign and Hand of Hope, Ginger uses her time on the road to create awareness for anti-human trafficking. “People often say, ’someone should do something’. Well, we are somebody, so I work with the program to promote awareness,” she explained. “As a strong and independent girl, the thought of very young girls being sold and traded like livestock drew me to want to help.” Ginger is currently working with barrel producers in getting pamphlets and bracelets out to spread the word and create an outlet for those in need. “I have been blessed to be able to do what I do, for life is about more than just gold buckles,” she said.
