Kyla Jones

Professional Title: Communication Liaison, American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)
Age: 25
Home: Amarillo, Texas

A New Mexico cowgirl with an obsession for horses, Kyla Jones turned her passion into a profession. At a young age, she was heavily involved in rodeo queen pageants to be a more proficient public speaker, while also remaining as close to horses as possible. From there, an adoration for the Western lifestyle surpassed just a hobby and grew into a home she would continue to build a life in. As a teenager, Jones was an avid competitor in National Reining Horse Association events. Her success in the show pen led to an equestrian scholarship to ride for the New Mexico State Equestrian team as a Reiner. During her college years, Jones was introduced to the world of agriculture communications and the growing need to advocate for agriculture and the Western industry. After transferring to West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, she was on the collegiate horse judging team, completed an internship with the American Quarter Horse Association, and was crowned Miss Rodeo New Mexico in 2017. Today, she is back with AQHA as the communications liaison and is an active volunteer with youth judging teams, volunteers with horse camps in New Mexico, and also produced the first Curry County AQHA VRH Horse Show in Clovis, New Mexico. In her free time, she and her husband operate a cow-calf operation as Rafter J Ranch. In her eyes, a day spent with horses or with horse people is a day well spent.

Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “The history of the American West could not have been written without women. From pioneers and outlaws to businesswomen and leaders, we are all familiar with their stories and their impact on our industry today. The future holds a similar narrative in the sense that modern women possess the same grit and determination mixed with accomplishments that nearly sound like fiction, but are whole heartedly true. One thing that has changed is our ability to communicate and share these stories to people outside of our industry and what we know to be familiar. Over the past few years, the western lifestyle has reached a broader audience through social media and mainstream television showcasing the cowboy way. This allows us to have a more diverse group join our ranks. The more, the merrier! The modern cowgirl mold will change, but we were born to break the mold anyway.”

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COWGIRL 30 Under 30, presented by Wrangler, is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

Kelsey Gascon

Professional Title: Owner, Assistant Director, Marketing/Event Coordinator, Public Relations Director, Gascon Horsemanship & Trixie Chicks Trick Riders
Age: 28
Home: Poplarville, Mississippi

Kelsey Gascon is a professional trick rider, Roman rider, horse trainer, and overall businesswoman/entrepreneur in the WesternIndustry from Poplarville, MS.

She travels around the United States and internationally doing both performances and clinics. She has won many trick riding competitions throughout her career including her biggest competition year in 2016. She won theInternational Super Ride Trick Riding Competition, Calgary Stampede Trick Riding Competition in Alberta, Canada, and was crowned the 2016 North American Trick Riding Champion while competing in Las Vegas, NV during the National Finals Rodeo.

When not on the road performing or teaching, she manages Gascon Horsemanship’s Training Facility & Academy and travels with her husband, The Horse Guru-Michael Gascon, to give horsemanship clinics around the world and fix the world’s most problematic horses. She strives to make a difference in the lives of horses and their owners!

Their business of Gascon Horsemanshipencompasses many branches including horse training, horse expos, clinics/retreats, horse training academy, sale horses, online horse training membership program, and an onsite western Airbnb. All of these businesses allow her to utilize her skills from both of her degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Minor: Equine Studies, Emphasis in Agricultural Communication and business (From Missouri State University), and a Masters of Education in Equestrian Education (from William Woods University).

Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “In an industry that is rapidly growing, the Western world is adding so many opportunities for women to live the lifestyle of their dreams. My vision for the Western industry is that women of all ages can utilize this growth and easy accessibility (due to social media) to not only change the world by educating others on all of the amazing things that this industry has to offer but also doing a better job of networking with other women to lift others upon their journeys. One issue that I have seen in this industry is that it can get very competitive (and even cut-throat) and not necessarily in a way that is beneficial to growth in a positive direction. I would love to see women in this industry support one another more openly and be excited for others, no matter where they’re at on their success journey.”

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COWGIRL 30 Under 30, presented by Wrangler, is sponsored by Cavender’s, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, Durango Boots, Montana Silversmiths, and The Cowboy Channel.

Sadie Berger

Professional Title: Social Media, Marketing & Sales Manager, Chad Berger Bucking Bulls Inc.
Age: 30
Home: Mandan, North Dakota

Born and raised in Mandan, ND where family roots run deep in ranching and rodeo, Sadie Berger grew up going to cattle sales, rodeos, and team ropings all over the state with her dad who is a third-generation rancher and second-generation cattle buyer and rodeo/bull riding stock contractor.

Junior rodeo was a fun activity for Saide, but took to the court and played basketball until she graduated high school in 2010. Sadie attended Dickinson State University where she majored in Business with minors in Marketing and Management. When she wasn’t working in the classroom, Sadie was on the road with the family business, Chad Berger Bucking Bulls & Dakota Rodeo Company. Taking charge of the marketing, social media, sales, and sponsorship for the companies has kept Sadie busy ever since. She takes pride in being a cowgirl and having the opportunity to care for some of the best bucking bulls in the world.

Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “My vision for the future of women in the Western industry is to keep making our mark! Growing up around bucking stock has taught me so much about being a woman in what many like to call a “man’s world.” I’ve learned that I am just as capable and determined as the men I work with every day and I want to show other women that it’s possible. The future is so bright for women in our industry and I would like to keep pushing the envelope by helping these women receive more recognition for everything they are doing to showcase our world, sport, and heritage!”

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COWGIRL 30 Under 30, presented by Wrangler, is sponsored by Cavender’s, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, Durango Boots, Montana Silversmiths, and The Cowboy Channel.

Katie Eason

Professional Title: Cattle Manager, Winner Circle Feedyard
Age: 28
Home: Syracuse, Kansas

Katie Eason grew up in the mountains of Northeastern California on her family’s 4th generation cattle ranch. Integrity and a hard work ethic were instilled in her at a young age which set the foundation for her career in the cattle industry.

While studying animal science at California State University-Chico Katie set a goal to learn as much as possible about every sector of beef production. This lead her to become involved in the National Beef Ambassador Program, California State Young Cattlemen’s, and Chico State Livestock Judging Team. These programs opened her eyes to the world of agriculture outside of California and she set foot on my first feed yard in the summer of 2013 while touring cattle operations in Colorado.

Katie was instantly fascinated and would end up interning and working for that same company, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding. While involved in their management trainee program she set a new goal for herself to someday manage a yard. Female feed yard managers were practically unheard of at this time, but she is proud to say that after 5 years she has accomplished that goal and currently manages an 18,000 head feed yard in Southwest Kansas.

While she has stuck to my production roots in her career, Katie also has a creative side that she cannot ignore. She loves digital illustration and calligraphy and combines these passions through her side business, Agvokate Designs. Katie is proud to be a woman working in production agriculture and thankful for the opportunities entrepreneurship has brought her.

Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “It’s no doubt that women have made leaps and bounds when it comes to working in the western industry. As time changes I see more and more women in leadership roles holding the door open for those behind them. That is where the future lies and as we move forward it’s important to choose community over competition. Females are often outnumbered in western industries and it takes a lot of grit to overcome many struggles. In the past, I feel as though there was a sense of women believing they each had to pay their dues. While a hard work ethic is essential, it excites me to see a new generation of women helping each other through these same obstacles and cheering others on. Our strength is found in community and I believe the future is bright for future generations thanks to supportive women paving the way today.”

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COWGIRL 30 Under 30, presented by Wrangler, is sponsored by Cavender’s, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, Durango Boots, Montana Silversmiths, and The Cowboy Channel.

Maddie Prechter

Professional Title: Ranch Manager, Prechter Livestock
Age: 21
Home: Grass Valley, California

Born into a first-generation commercial cow/calf operation in northern California, Maddie Prechter found her passion for the cattle industry at a young age. She grew up ranching with her family and quickly fell for the cowboy lifestyle. Participating in 4-H and FFA, she gained valuable skills and knowledge within the industry. From there, she showed cattle across the northern states forming an even deeper connection and appreciation for the western way of life and this ultimately led to her dreams of breeding and raising her own cattle. She decided to bring her dreams to fruition with the Angus breed and show steers. Her dedication led her to manage her family’s commercial cow/calf operation and grow her own herd of registered cattle. Alongside the commercial cattle and registered Angus, she markets show steers every fall. Prechter loves being involved in all aspects of the livestock industry and has developed an enthusiasm for working with youth. Maddie remembers the excitement that she felt growing up and enjoys getting kids excited about the livestock industry as well. Her goal is to relate to and connect with her charges in a calm, collected, and passionate teaching nature. She strives to be a role model and inspire others. Maddie is always willing to help and will take on any challenge that comes her way. Currently, she spends most of her days riding through cows, making management decisions, and preparing kids and livestock for the next show.

Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “Working with young women in this industry truly makes me excited to see where the future of the western lifestyle is headed. Women in this industry are a bit more rare, but the strength, determination, grit, and compassion these women have make them second-to-none. The way women are advocating for the lifestyle they love is encouraging the next generation of young cowgirls to not give up on what they believe in. The sky’s the limit on what women can accomplish and it surely makes me excited to see what we will do! Alone we can do so little and together we can do so much.”

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COWGIRL 30 Under 30, presented by Wrangler, is sponsored by Cavender’s, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, Durango Boots, Montana Silversmiths, and The Cowboy Channel.

Kayla Jackson

Professional Title: Freelance Western Photographer/Videographer
Age: 28
Home: Many Farms, Arizona

Raised in Round Rock, Arizona, immersed in the Western way of life Kayla Jackson began capturing images of her lifestyle. Born and raised with horses, cattle, and sheep on her family’s ranch in the desolate landscape filled with mesas, red sand, sand dunes, and the Navajo way of life. Kayla acknowledged and grew to appreciate her lifestyle at an early age, grounded by humble teachings she saw beauty in hard work, triumph in the first moment of life when an animal takes its first breath, and an eternity of love found in the gentleness from their eyes. Kayla’s father raised her to be a cowboy, he taught her hard work will provide for you. She gathers her passion from her father’s teachings and encouragement to continue on their legacy. She uses her camera in a unique way of educating and telling stories within her images. Educating the unknown of Navajo ranches and the discipline of witnessing it every day. She captures the beauty by emphasizing the connection between animal and human and their interaction with the land. Like the teachings of the Navajo way, rise before the sun to greet the early dawn, which is a foundation she uses in her photographs by utilizing Father Sun to highlight her subjects with vibrant colors. With her images she chooses to connect with her viewers, making visual connections and personal connections. Carrying on the traditions and capturing new legacy are what Kayla’s images portray.

Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “I have to pay my respects to the cowgirls who have trail-blazed the trails before us. Those tenacious strong cowgirls have built this great name we stand proudly behind. We owe it to them to keep on blazing the trail with fresh tracks. The future of women in our Western industry is in the youth we raise to be kind-hearted cowkids. I want to focus my efforts on the youth in the Western industry. I believe we as an industry must try our best to encourage the youth in becoming respectful cowgirls and cowboys. We owe it to our elders to carry on their legacy with our youth. We must educate the new eyes we attract in a nice way. This day and age we can easily communicate with social media and social encounters. I believe we all need more cowgirls and cowboys in our lives.”

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COWGIRL 30 Under 30, presented by Wrangler, is sponsored by Cavender’s, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, Durango Boots, Montana Silversmiths, and The Cowboy Channel.

Sarah Van Vuren

Professional Title: Certified Personal Trainer & Owner, Barrel Racer Fit
Age: 28
Home: Azle, Texas

Fitness and horses have always represented an interesting dichotomy in Sahra’s life. Growing up in a very competitive baseball/softball family, strength and conditioning started at a young age, but so did her love for their horses. Just like many girls, Sarah had aspirations of running down the coveted alley of the Thomas & Mack one day.

After graduating from college, beginning her career in marketing, and starting to consistently barrel race again, Sarah had a strong pull to help others and be a part of something bigger than herself. While at a jackpot, Sarah had the realization that we hold our horses to such a high athletic standard, but it became clear that most of us barrel racers don’t do the same for ourselves.

From that moment, she decided to jump in head first to make an impact on the industry and sport she loves so much by combining those two constants in her life — fitness and horses. Unlike many mainstream sports, sport-specific training hadn’t quite become a thing for barrel racing, so Sarah became a Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutrition Specialist for the sole purpose of helping barrel racers become better athletes specifically for their sport.

Sarah has had the opportunity to work with so many barrel racers over the last few years including 2020 NFR Qualifier Jimmie Smith. Sarah doesn’t have dreams of running down the alley of the Thomas & Mack anymore, but she does have dreams of helping as many women as possible to get there.

Vision for the future of women in the Western industry: “Like the evolution we’ve seen in the importance of health and fitness in many other sports over the years, I envision barrel racing to being no different. As the horsepower continues to get better, it’s only fitting that we continue to raise the bar for athletic standards for ourselves so we can jockey these incredible animals.

I see the next generation of barrel racers normalizing the need for sport-specific training and understanding the competitive edge that bettering themselves as athletes will give them in the arena. Not only by increasing their strength and mobility, but also increasing overall health to withstand the wear and tear they endure being on the road for a majority of the year.|

The future of this sport and the amazing women competing in it is so bright, and I hope I can play even just a small role in taking both to the next level.”

Follow along with COWGIRL on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more news and updates regarding COWGIRL 30 Under 30!

COWGIRL 30 Under 30, presented by Wrangler, is sponsored by Cavender’s, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, Durango Boots, Montana Silversmiths, and The Cowboy Channel.