story by Laurie Dineen
Aspen Autry, age 9, of Kim, Colorado set some big goals for herself this summer – to get first in the poles, barrels, and flags for the year end at the CJRA. So far with her dedication and commitment to practice and her mental focus, she is meeting those goals and then some. As of this printing, Aspen is leading the CJRA pee-wee standings in the barrels, flags and poles and is sitting fifth in goat tying. At this point she is at the top as the CJRA Pee Wee all around contestant. This will be Aspen’s last year competing in the CJRA Pee Wee division.
Aspen has been riding since the age of three with the help of her parents, JJ and Crystal, and brother, Joe Cash. She is eager to learn and knows that it takes good horsemanship and a lot of practice to compete in all her rodeo events. Her favorite event is the barrel racing, mostly because of her horse Jag,—aka Darrell. “He is very nice outside the arena but in the arena he is a Jaguar! He is really fun and really fast”, Aspen said. She also rides two other horses, Cookie and French Fry. “Cookie is 27 years old, but still fast and loves her job. I hardly have to move my hands when I ride her. French Fry is new to our horse family,” said Aspen, who has been training her in flag racing. “I’m excited with her progress and it is a blast to ride her in this event.”
Aspen attends school in Kim, Colo., home of the Mustangs, where she enjoys history because she greatly admires George Washington. Outside of rodeo, other sports include basketball and running track. She likes eating sushi and is also very agile. Who can say that they can do cartwheels all around the house and yard while wearing roller-skates – and she is very good with a yoyo. She attends the Church of Christ in Kim with her family and friends and has a strong faith in God. When asked what famous person she would like to meet, Aspen replied, “Stephen Curry because he is the best basketball player ever!”
