Meet the Member Zoey Cline

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Zoey Cline - Boaz Dov Elkes

Meet the Member Zoey Cline

story by Lindsay Humphrey

No stranger to junior high nationals, Zoey Cline from Corona, New Mexico, is optimistic she can make a third appearance on that stage next summer. “My sixth and seventh grade year, I won state in the light rifle shooting,” said the 14-year-old. “I think it would be cool if I could win that three years in a row.” Along with light rifle, Zoey’s also competed in poles and ribbon roping at nationals. Neither of those turned out quite as well as light rifle. In sixth grade she finished 12th in the nation and this past summer she took fourth place. Zoey’s sharp-shooter skills are a direct reflection of her older brother, Zane, who started the family in the rodeo event back in his junior high days.
“We always shot birds and stuff for hunting, but then Zane started doing light rifle at rodeos. Some friends helped him get into it and then when I got into sixth grade, I wanted to try it and he helped me.” Now 17, Zane still helps his little sister hone her skills as a shooter. “I like that light rifle is different from any other event and not many people actually do it.” Even though she enjoys shooting, it’s barrel racing that’s Zoey’s true, ingrained favorite. It’s something she’s been doing since her very first rodeo experience. Because of that, it’s where Zoey feels most at home when she’s competing. “Running barrels is just part of who I am. When I was little, I remember going with my mom (Lacie) to jackpot races and I’d enter the peewee. I really started liking it and wanted to do more.” And more she did.
Entering into her final season with the NMJHSRA, Zoey is paired up with a brand-new barrel horse: 13-year-old, Diva. “My mom made her into a barrel horse when I was little. She probably ran her for about 5 years, and I’ve started using her. She’s a step-up horse for me and I’m still trying to figure it all out with her because she’s different from anything else I’ve ever ridden before.” In the past, Zoey’s also been an avid competitor in the poles. She recently got a new horse for that event and isn’t quite ready to start entering just yet. In breakaway, however, she’s all geared up to throw some fiery loops this season.
“We live on a ranch, so we always have horses and cattle around. I don’t ever remember a time when I haven’t helped gather or work calves. I didn’t start roping until 2 or 3 years ago. Roping and dragging calves to the fire for branding made me realize I liked roping.” That’s when Zoey first started entering breakaway and her dad, Brian, helps her out with that event in the practice pen. It’s the event where she gets to ride her very favorite horse, 16-year-old Big Shot. “I know he’s always going to work the same no matter where I am, so I trust him a lot. And he’s really sweet to me.” Together for two years now, Zoey is working hard to make a big splash in the rapidly growing event this season.
Both Zoey and her brother used to drive an hour one way to school in town. Last year, they decided homeschooling was a better fit for their lifestyle at home and on the rodeo trail. So far, they’ve loved it. “We always got home so late from school that we didn’t have time to ride or practice. I knew that I would get done with school faster at home and have even more time to practice every day.” It also makes traveling easier than ever before. That’s one of Zoey’s favorite parts of competing in the NMJHSRA. “It’s a competitive association but not so much so that everyone can’t be friends. They have good stock, good people and good arenas.”

Association Member

Meet the Member Zoey Cline

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New Mexico Junior High School Rodeo Association (NMJHSRA)