Poway rodeo a sellout Saturday

By: RICK BELL - For the North County Times | Sunday, September 30, 2007 12:11 AM PDT ∞

POWAY ---- For as long as anyone could remember, Saturday nights at the annual Poway Coors Rodeo have been a sellout.

This Saturday was no different, as some 5,000 rodeo fans showed up at the Poway Valley Riders Association arena for the 35th edition of this bull-ridin', bronc-bustin' evening of entertainment.

Yet the big crowds and bright lights didn't seem to phase two girls entered in the junior barrel racing competition. Chloe Copeland of Valley Center and Tori Burfield of Poway were competing in the timed event for children up to 17 years old ---- a kind of training ground for the professional barrel racers who rode right after them.

"All that matters is me and my horse ... and God, too," said Chloe, 10, who said she took third place in this year's Ramona Rodeo and worked hard in the weeks leading up to the rodeo.

"I've practiced six days a week," said Chloe, whose 24-year-old horse, Savannah Dodger, is "really fast. She's used to this. I'm just going to do the best I can."

Tori, 14, is competing in her second Poway Rodeo.

"I was nervous last time," said the Poway High School freshman. "I don't really notice the crowd. I'm a little more confident this year. I'll just get focused in and ride hard."

A fun family atmosphere as well as the competition drew Escondido residents Jeffrey and Lyn Anderson and their young children, Ethan, 3, and Jacob, 1, to their second Poway Rodeo.

"It's a good way for the kids to see a little country," said Jeffrey, as he held Jacob. "Last year, a friend said we should come out and see it.

"We really enjoyed it and decided to come back again."

There was also something of an ulterior motive last year, he added.

"When we were here, Lyn was one day overdue with the baby. She was hoping to get Jacob out. It worked."

Rodeo Chairman Chuck Myers said many of the top Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association competitors are in Poway this weekend. Some will be competing at the annual National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December.

"This weekend is the end of the season," said Myers, who is in his first year as chairman. "We have one of the final rodeos of the year, which means we get an excellent lineup of competitors."

Rodeo committee member Joe Biggers added that with Poway being among the last rodeos of the year ---- there are rodeos in San Bernardino and Barstow this weekend, too ---- it's crucial to score well here.

"A lot of these guys are on the bubble, and a good ride here will help them solidify their place in the standings," he said. "Sunday should be a really good day here."

Following a large turnout Friday evening and standing room only Saturday, media coordinator Leslie Scott expects a good crowd today as well.

"It's military, family, seniors and Latino day," Scott said. "On Friday, it was breast cancer awareness night. The PRCA has done it at rodeos across the country. Many of the competitors wore pink, and all weekend we've had donation jars set up around the arena. Part of the proceeds will go to a breast cancer awareness organization."

Tickets for Sunday cost $12, with price breaks for families and children. Preferred, box and VIP seats also are available.

Call (866) PRO-RODEO or go to www.powayrodeo.com for information or online ticket purchases.

While some of the junior barrel racers compete for the fun of it, some, like Chloe, take the chance to race pretty seriously. Hoping to do the course in a speedy 20 seconds, it's a steppingstone to a pro career, she said.

"I want to be a world-famous barrel racing champion," Chloe said.

With a full house, a fast horse and that kind of determination, it just might happen.

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