story by Siri Stevens
Teagan Gann qualified for Junior World Finals this coming December by winning the KK qualifier in King City, California. “There were quite a few girls there that are very high caliber,” said the 16-year-old who was back on board her mare, Cobra, VF Stiched N Gold, after an undisclosed ailment sidelined her for more than a year. “Her name fits her well – she is so quiet and calm, she walks in like a trail horse and as soon as you take off, she’s a Cobra.” This is her second qualification for the Junior World Finals, she didn’t go last year. “It’s a really good event. I qualified in 2021, but my horse stumbled. Last year, I didn’t qualify and it just didn’t feel the same not going to the Junior World Finals.” She runs in the All In the first week during the NFR in Las Vegas, and the Junior World Finals the second week.
Teagan lived in Idaho for several years with her mom then recently moved back to California with her father, Jason, and her stepmom, Trisha, to Manteca, in Central California. She has three younger half-siblings, Jensyn, 6, Jaydyn, 8, and Jordyn 10. Teagan plays volleyball when she’s not rodeoing, which takes up most weekends. She travels with her dad since her siblings have no interest in riding or rodeo.
When Teagan showed an interest in horses, starting with a pony, her parents were ready to support her, having competed themselves growing up. Jason roped and her mom, Amber, who still lives in Idaho, grew up riding English. From Teagan’s home in Central California, she can go to a barrel race every day of the week. She also competes in the California High School Rodeo Association, the Junior Patriot, WPRA Junior, and West Coast Barrel Racing Association. Teagan is running two finished barrel horses and four futurity horses. She loves Epic Leaders for the speed and Eddie Stinsons for their willingness. She has two of each. She and her dad are on the road most every weekend.
The only way to complete her school work is online. Using Oakdale Charter School curriculum, Teagan gets a new packet every three weeks, which she completes the first week, giving her the next two weeks to focus on her horses and events. “I’m self-sufficient,” she said. Teagan has plans to open her own Stallion Station complete with studs she owns and embryos she carefully selects. “I love bloodlines – I want to go to Tarleton State and major in Equine Reproduction.” The location, of course, will be Texas.
