Cal Farley’s understands every child needs to experience adventure, to feel the thrill of pushing his or her boundaries and the exhilaration of trying new things. Meeting this universal need is one of our core values. For many of our youth, the Boys Ranch Rodeo is one way to experience that adventure. The adrenaline rush of rodeo draws them to Marshall Cator Arena each year.
Yet, it isn’t that rush that gives rodeo its allure for 15-year-old Amaya.
“When I am getting ready and my adrenaline pumps, my nerves do as well, which makes it harder for me to focus,” she explained.
Instead, Amaya is drawn to the competition by what she knows will come after her performance is complete.
“Your confidence is boosted once you feel like you have succeeded in your event,” she said. “It’s scary and breathtaking to compete, but it also empowers you to do your best.”
“
Your confidence is boosted once you feel like you have succeeded in your event. It’s scary and breathtaking to compete, but it also empowers you to do your best.
Amaya and her peers in the 74th annual Boys Ranch Rodeo know all about doing their best. After all, it isn’t easy preparing for each year’s rodeo. Each aspiring rodeo athlete puts in hours of training and practice. This is Amaya’s second rodeo, and she is proud of what she and her peers have accomplished.
“Everyone should come and watch, because we put a lot of hard work and dedication into the different events we do in rodeo,” Amaya said.
Before coming to Boys Ranch, Amaya lived with her grandmothers. She spent most of her days alone while her grandmothers worked to support her. Though she wasn’t content where she was at the time, Amaya still had some reservation about coming to someplace called Boys Ranch.
“At first, I thought Boys Ranch was a juvenile facility,” Amaya said. “But when I finally got here, Boys Ranch ended up impacting my life in ways I can’t even explain.”
Perhaps that’s why Amaya puts so much effort into everything she does, from her classes to singing to the rodeo arena. It’s her way of giving back to the men and women who’ve given her these opportunities through their support of Cal Farley’s.
“Thank you for all your support,” Amaya said. “I can promise that all of your money, hard work and dedication will not be put to waste.”
Amaya’s grandmothers will be traveling from Clovis, N.M., to watch her compete this year in poles and barrels and goat tying. She’s understandably excited.
“My grandmas have supported me through everything,” Amaya said. “They deserve my absolute best.”