story by Laramie Dearing
You have met her when she was blossoming but allow me to reintroduce the ambitious Madison Bean of Clint, Texas! Daughter of Jim and Lindsey Bean, this west Texas cowgirl is now 18 years old.
“Since the eight and under I have been competing in barrel racing and pole bending. When I turned nine I decided to start breakaway roping and I have competed in all three events since. Currently I am competing in the American Junior Rodeo Association, United Professional Rodeo Association, West Texas Rodeo Association, National Barrel Horse Association, and just wrapped up my last state finals for the Texas High School Rodeo Association. I have been a member of the American Junior Rodeo Association for 11 years. My first rodeo was actually in Van Horn, Texas at an American Junior Rodeo Association rodeo when I was five years old.” It is no surprise that Madison is exceptionally competitive in all her events. “ I have been very blessed to be successful in my rodeo career throughout the years. However, my favorite rodeo accomplishments include San Antonio Youth Rodeo Champion Barrel Racer, Two Time American Junior Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo Breakaway Average Champion, 2020 American Junior Rodeo Association Reserve Champion Pole Bender, and 2019 Cody Ohl Roping Fiesta 19 & Under Reserve Breakaway Champion. I have also qualified for the Junior American, Mike and Sherlynn Vegas Tuffest, and Texas High School Rodeo Association State Qualifier all four years.”
Companionship is a necessity and Madison states that she would be nowhere without her four-legged friends. “Currently I am hauling Peanut, Chaz and, Midge the newest member! I have a few younger ones at home. I don’t think I can pick a favorite because they all have a big heart and give me 110% each time I walk down the alley or back in the box. However, I do have to brag about Peanut, who is family born and raised. He was trained by my uncle and aunt, Breck and Jana Bean, helped my cousin fill his permit in the team roping and went on to make all my dreams come true! He has helped me qualify for the state finals since the sixth grade and so much more!”
Her favorite memory is one adorned with ambition, determination, and support. “ I believe my proudest rodeo accomplishment was the San Antonio Youth Rodeo Champion Barrel Racer, not necessarily because of the buckle or title but because I regained some confidence in myself and the rodeo that day. A couple months prior to San Antonio I lost my good barrel horse, Frosty, after a long fight with an injury he sustained a year prior to that. When I lost Frosty my confidence in rodeo and myself went with him. I had a mind set that I couldn’t win without him. It was a last minute decision to enter San Antonio and Peanut, my other barrel horse who I have had since the sixth grade, was running really good at that time. Peanut ended up placing seventh in the long go and came back to win the short go, fastest time, and the $10,000 scholarship. I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear or two but that run was the start of gaining my confidence back and to never take for granted these animals and how much heart they have to give!”
Given her supportive friends and family, Madison can rest assured in her future “Career wise I’m still deciding on what I want to pursue. It’s always something new. I do know for a fact that I want to help people so medical school is something I’m looking at. After the summer rodeo run I will be attending South Plains College to rodeo and continue my education. From there I will transfer to Texas Tech University to finish my degree.” Where would a cowgirl be without her faith? “ My favorite quote/Bible verse is ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ Philippians 4:13. This is something I tell myself a lot in and out of the arena. I am a very independent person and often find myself relying on myself too much. This verse reminds me to slow down and without God none of this would be possible. It also helps take the pressure off myself!”
