story by Kyle Eustice
As Artesia, New Mexico native Jade Jackson says, she was “born into rodeo.” Growing up, she would frequently watch her cousin rodeo, who eventually became State Champion, and it lit the fire in her to make her want to compete.
“My family on both sides play a great role in it,” said Jade. “They support me 100 percent.”
As a competitor in barrel racing, breakaway, team roping, and ribbon roping, the 7th grader has also competed in pole bending and goat tying, making her a well-rounded contestant.
“When I was younger, I even got into calf riding and steer riding,” said Jade. “My favorite event is team roping though. My grandfather Harvey Smith, who is a team roping legend, has helped me and coached me many hours. I have come to love it.”
Jade attends Artesia Zia Intermediate School, where she holds a 3.8 GPA. The daughter of Jody and Larissa Jackson, she has one sister Jewel Ann Jackson, and they are all involved in rodeo in some capacity. Her rodeo pedigree is extremely strong.
“My dad Jody was a bull rider, and now competes in team roping,” said Jade. “My mom Larissa and her sister Pam competed in barrel racing. My cousins Brittany, Leann, and Baili Herring are all three New Mexico State Champion breakaway ropers, who continue to rope. Harvey Smith competes in team roping. My Great Uncle Wayland Newberry, and my other two uncles, Jimmy Herring and John Smith, on my mom’s side have many wins in the ranch rodeo world. My great grandfather Bert Newberry on my mom’s side rode broncs, as well.”
With the support of her expansive family, she was able to achieve her greatest accomplishment in rodeo — winning a New Mexico State Championship.
“The best part about competing is winning, but also a chance for you and your buddies to cheer one another on,” said Jade. “You’re just as proud when your family and friends win.”
Jade joined the New Mexico Junior High Rodeo Association in 2016. “I wanted to join because of the competition,” said Jade. “Some of the best cowboys and cowgirls come from New Mexico. I also wanted to have a chance at Nationals to become a National Champion.”
After school, Jade practices every single day during the week. She hops in the arena and tirelessly ropes calves until it’s dark. On the weekends, she spends many hours roping steers and riding barrel horses when not helping to brand or work the cows.
“I always look at it like this,” said Jade. “When you’re not working hard to improve, your competition is. All of my free time goes into rodeo, but I do enjoy listening to music, especially Miranda Lambert.”
While Jade gets ready to compete in a JRNFR team roping event in Las Vegas, she’s focused on working with her horse Jack Spart Steel (or Baby Reed), who they refer to as their “Million Dollar Horse.”
“As long as I have had him, he has taken care of me,” said Jade. “He’s my all-time favorite.”
