Makenzie Mayes during the PBR Finals Championship Round 1. Photo by Josh Homer/Bull Stock Media. Photo credit must be given on all uses.
Makenzie Mayes, a third-generation cowgirl, has spent her entire life around horses and rodeo events. This way of life is deeply part of her identity. Balancing her time between school and the arena keeps Mayes very busy, but she enjoys every moment.
Mayes, along with her horse Chicado Moon (nicknamed Rouse), made a remarkable impact at the 2024 WRWC. They emerged as the Barrel Racing Challenger World Champions and even set a Cowtown arena record with a time of 12.946 seconds.
“Winning the Challenger World Championship was extra special because it was with Rousey. It felt like a moment given by God,” she says proudly. “Everything with Rousey has just worked out – she’s got the mindset of a champion, she’s really tough, and loves what she does. She means a lot to me and my family.”
Currently, Mayes has a rodeo scholarship at Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant, Texas. She’s working toward two associate degrees—one in business administration and another focusing on accounting—while competing in college rodeos, amateur rodeos & WCRA events. Taking online classes this year has allowed Mayes more time to focus on her career in the arena.
“I’m pretty much always at the arena,” she shares about her daily routine. “I get up early and spend my mornings at the barn until around noon, then I do my schoolwork and head back to the barn in the evenings.” She sometimes visits college in the mornings to practice roping but spends most of her time at home with her many horses. “I have young horses I’m training & I compete in amateur rodeos often. We also offer cold laser therapy and help rehabilitate horses.”
Following her significant win at WRWC, Makenzie advanced to the “Pro” division. Years of hard work paid off as she’s now among the top barrel racers in WRWC, even qualifying for the 2025 WRWC in breakaway.
Mayes is not only focused on finishing her degrees & qualifying for both barrel racing and breakaway for the 2025 WRWC; she’s also preparing to enter ProRodeo for the first time.
“I’ve been waiting to get my card for ProRodeo because I want to aim for Rookie of the Year,” she explains. “My goal is to make it to NFR at least once. Being a third-generation NFR qualifier would be a significant achievement.”
As a young woman competing in rodeo events, Mayes is very grateful for the opportunities provided by WRWC for female athletes.
“Our experience at WRWC & Kid Rock Rodeo was incredible. It’s like something you dream about attending,” she expresses with enthusiasm. “Who takes the initiative to give women such opportunities in this sport? There aren’t many events dedicated to women, period. The way WRWC treats their contestants is outstanding. It’s truly an honor to be part of it.”
First published by the WRWC September 15, 2024 Posted by Carly Billington
