meet the current queen court

Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Junior Queen

Sam Picot

Sam Picot is 17 years old and is currently a Senior at Valley Center High School. She enjoys being a member of the Associated Student Body and Varsity Girls Tennis team. Sam is ranked number 4 in her class and maintains an unweighted GPA of 4.0. She has been riding all her life and is a member of the local Valley Center Vaqueros horse club. With the club she enjoys riding in parades, such as the 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade, and competing in rail shows in both English and Western classes on her horses Connor and Prince. She has previously held the 2015 Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Little Miss and 2018 Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Young Miss titles and is honored to be given the opportunity to represent her hometown once again as the 2024-2025 Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Junior Queen. She wishes to say thank you to everyone that helped her get here, and that she’ll see you at the Rodeo next Memorial Day weekend!

 

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Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Queen

Ella Bjerknes

Hi! My name is Ella Bjerknes, I am 17 years old and was born and raised in Valley Center, CA. I’ve been grateful to have grown up with horses, livestock, and animals of all kinds on my family’s flower ranch that was established here in 1974. I currently work for an Equine Training and Rescue Center where I get hands on experience with equines of all types and sizes. After just graduating High School, I plan on attending Palomar College and later transferring to Montana State University to study animal health in hopes of becoming a large animal Veterinarian. My love for horses is eternal as instilled in me by my mother and her big red thoroughbred, Aroon. I’ve been an active member with the Valley Center Vaqueros Young Riders and have ridden on the drill team; as well as regularly competing in gymkhanas and other shows with my blind appaloosa mare, Penny. In 2021, I adopted a 2 year old BLM Mustang for the SoCal Youth Tip Challenge. She is now 4, and I still own the fiery mare who I named Ruby. Aside from horses, I’ve developed a passion for showing market beef and lamb in our local 4-H and FFA programs. For the past 6 years I have had the privilege to show around Southern California, from Bakersfield down to Del Mar at the San Diego County Fair, where last year I placed first in our market class and second place in showmanship. While my lifestyle is clearly AG driven, I do also enjoy spending quality time with my family, going to the beach, the desert, and Lake Havasu. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to hold and represent the title of Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Queen and give back to the town that has raised me! 

 

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Valley Center Stampede Rodeo 

Young Miss

Jennaca Sanchez

Jennaca Sanchez, born and raised in Valley Center, CA, exemplifies youthful excellence as a dedicated scholar at Heritage Flex Academy, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Beyond her academic achievements, she embraces a variety of interests, including competitive soccer, youth group activities, family camping trips, and a profound love for horses. As a member of the Valley Center Vaqueros Young Riders Club, Jennaca actively participates in community events, rail shows, gymkhanas, and local parades. 
   Her journey into the equestrian world began at age 4, and by 5, she fell in love with the sport of rodeo when she fearlessly embraced the thrill as a mutton buster. With each passing year, her passion for the sport continues to grow, culminating in a heartfelt connection with Divalicious, her beloved American Quarter Horse adopted from Falcon Ridge Equine Rescue. 
    Looking ahead, Jennaca's ambitions extend far beyond the arena. With dreams of becoming an equine surgeon, she envisions a future where she not only heals animals but also fosters hope through the establishment of her own equine rescue. Jennaca is looking forward to inspiring others to understand and appreciate the greatness of rodeo. She is honored to represent her hometown rodeo as the 2025 Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Young Miss.


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Valley Center Stampede Rodeo 

Little Miss

Layla Sanchez

   Layla Sanchez is a spirited 6-year-old born and raised in Valley Center, CA. She is an active member of the Valley Center Vaqueros Young Rider’s Club where she enjoys various community events along with gymkhanas and rail shows. When Layla isn’t in the saddle she finds joy in dance, youth group activities, and camping with her family.
   Her journey into the vibrant world of rodeo commenced at the age of 5, when she fearlessly entered the arena as a mutton buster. Since then, her passion for horses and the sport of rodeo has only flourished. In 2022, Layla's dream came true with the adoption of Cookie, her beloved pony from a local rescue, Milly’s Place. Through Cookie, Layla has learned invaluable life lessons in responsibility and patience, fostering a deep bond between them. Empowered by her newfound confidence, Layla now rides her family horse, Encore.
   With a sparkle in her eye and passion in her heart, Layla proudly wears the crown as the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Little Miss. She is thrilled to represent her hometown rodeo and share the western way of life with others. Layla is a shining example of youthful ambition, ready to make her mark on the world.

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