The 2008 Toppenish Junior Rodeo Queen is a lifelong rodeo fan and participant, from an active rodeo family.
Jackie Miller, 15, said her brother is into roping and her father has hauled rough stock.

“I’ve been in it my whole life,” said Miller.

She said her specialty is barrel racing, and she will be among the competitors at this year’s rodeo.

Miller competes in that event on her 15-year-old quarter horse mix mare named C.B., which stands for Coffee Bean.

“I named her as a young child,” Miller said.

She said C.B. was trained by her aunt. The best course times she’s run on the horse were in the 16-second range, she said.

The attributes that make a good barrel racing horse are speed, great balance, and calmness, Miller said.

Conditioning and practice are important for both the horse and rider, but Miller said it’s important not to overdo practice for the horse.

“I don’t practice a lot,” Miller said, “so she won’t get sour.”

She said she does sprints with C.B. to work the horse’s leg muscles and keep her in good physical condition.

She feeds C.B. a mix of alfalfa and grass hay.

Miller said she keeps herself in good condition by running as often as she can and by participating as a member of the Goldendale High School dance team, where she will be a sophomore this fall.

She said her favorite part of being rodeo royalty is the opportunity it gives her to meet and visit with people.

“It’s being able to talk to people and share my love of rodeo,” Miller said.

Participating in community parades is an activity she enjoys, most recently at the Toppenish Fourth of July Wild West parade.

She rides her other horse, Chaska, a quarter horse paint, for parades, Miller said.

The thunder, lightning, and rain that started near the middle of the parade were a first for Miller.

“I’ve never been to a Fourth of July parade in the rain before,” she said.

She and Chaska both got soaked in the downpour, but the horse remained relaxed through it all, she said.

Completing the parade typifies Miller’s attitude about making the best of things when challenges arise.

“Just keep going,” said Miller, “and have fun.