My name is Jordyn Quinn, and I am a 19-year-old equestrian with over nine years of riding experience. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of training and competing with my 6-year-old Quarter Horse mare, Carrie. Together, we’ve grown into a strong team, currently competing in barrel racing and training in breakaway roping. Our journey has been one of hard work, resilience, and deep commitment — values I carry into every aspect of my life. Carrie and I have participated in the Canby Games series twice, competing in events such as pole bending, key race, figure 8, and flags. Most recently, we reached a major milestone by competing in our first rodeo on July 5th in La Pine, Oregon. Carrie handled the high-energy environment with confidence, and I left feeling more inspired than ever to continue pursuing my
goals in the rodeo world. Beyond competition, I’m passionate about giving back. For the past two summers, Carrie and I have volunteered at a nonprofit kids’ camp, introducing children to horses and helping them build confidence through riding. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the rodeo and equestrian community — a community that has shaped who I am and who I aspire to become. What makes my journey unique is that I didn’t grow up in a horse family. My love for horses began when my sister and I started taking lessons in Corbett, Oregon. At 14, I began volunteering at J Bar L Ranch in Sandy, Oregon, cleaning stalls in exchange for lessons. That’s where I met Carrie. Over the years, I’ve grown from a student to a trainer, and the ranch owners generously gifted me Carrie in recognition of my dedication. Today, I continue to manage and care for the horses at the ranch, training and supporting their program. I believe that being part of the rodeo community has taught me invaluable life skills — discipline, perseverance, leadership, and compassion. These qualities will serve me well as I pursue my long-term goal of becoming a dental assistant. I will be attending Clackamas Community College in Fall 2025 to begin this next chapter. I’m excited to bring the same level of commitment and heart to my studies that I’ve brought to the arena. Outside of my equestrian life, I’ve also participated in 4-H, showing goats during my junior year of high school. I come from a blended family and currently live with my mom in Gresham, Oregon. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been filled with purpose, growth, and a deep sense of pride in the community I’ve built through horses and rodeo. Receiving this honor would not only support my educational goals but also allow me to continue representing and giving back to the rodeo community that has given me so much. I am proud to be part of this tradition and excited to carry it forward into everything I do.