story by Jennie Lawrence
Boe Maggie Calico was born ready to rodeo. She was entered in her first rodeo at the age of two in a lead line class. Just one year later she was riding in competition on her own. Born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, her family moved to Oktaha, Oklahoma eight-years ago.
Boe Maggie is the daughter of Lisa and Mika John Calico. Both of her parents are employed by the Cherokee Nation. At 15-years old she is the youngest in her family. Her sister Billi is 24-years-old, Blaezi is22-years-old, and brother Briar is 20-years-old. Another sister Taryn is married to J. C. King. Blaezi, Briar, and J. C. all rodeo. Billi and her father competed quite a bit in the past, but do not do so anymore.
Maggie has been an International Miniature Rodeo Association member for two-years. She has been a life-long competitor in pole bending, goat tying, and barrel racing. “This year, however, I have just been focusing on barrel racing. It is definitely my favorite,” she said. Boe Maggie has had memberships in the Ozark Junior Rodeo Association, the Oklahoma Wild Bunch, and the Arrington McSpadden All Indian Rodeo Association. She says she has been attending as many open rodeos as possible this year.
Her family helped her get started rodeoing. Her sister Billi is responsible for providing one of Maggie’s barrel horses, Diesel. The red roan, quarter horse mare is 17-years-old. Billi had been to the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) in Las Vegas, Nevada three times on the mare. “Billi told me I could buy Diesel for whatever I won at the next rodeo. I won $14 and paid her right then!” The only stipulation is that Billi gets the first foal out of Diesel.
Boe Maggie also rides an 11-year-old sorrel gelding named Sven. The horse had an accident with his previous owners and lost his tail. Despite that, Boe Maggie says he is super sweet, and willing to do whatever she asks.
Her parents are her biggest supporters. They provide any kind of help she needs, and support any dreams she may have. They are always in her corner.
Boe Maggie’s rodeo hero is barrel racer Ari-Anna Flynn. The teen likes her because she is a classy cowgirl, she always takes the time to talk and is genuinely kind. Ari-Anna treats everyone the same no matter who she is with, or where she happens to be. She also takes really good care of her horses, and has great parents, too.
Boe Maggie prepares for each rodeo by starting the day before. She loads the trailer with everything she and her horses will need for the event. She also uses magnetic therapy on both horses to make sure they are sound. She has two songs that get her pumped up before her runs. When Boe Maggie is running Diesel, she listens to “Mississippi Queen” by Mountain. When she runs Sven, she likes “Long Tall Sally” by Little Richard. Lunchables® are her favorite road trip meal. “We don’t have to stop because they are easy to eat on the road.” The farthest she has ever traveled for a rodeo was to Alberta, Canada, for an INFR event.
Boe Maggie is a high school freshman at Epic Charter School. The best part of school is that she gets to have “Rodeo” as an elective. She does not participate in any other sports, but she does enjoy training ponies. She especially likes to teach them tricks, like rearing up on command, sitting, and laying down. Her favorite pet is her three-year-old dapple colored, miniature dachshund named Otis. The dog has one blue eye, and thinks he is a human.
Boe Maggie wants to be a professional barrel racer and horse trainer when she grows up. The drive and work she will need to get there are reflected in her favorite quote. “Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself.”
