Jesse Kohlhepp

Hey, Ya’ll, I am a junior at Joseph High School. I live with my mom and dad, Amy and George Kohlhepp, my older sister and best friend, Josie, and my little brother, Daniel. I have lived in Wallowa County my entire life. I am involved in basketball and softball. When I was three years old, I wrapped myself around a horse’s leg and have had a strong bond ever since. I grew up going to work with my dad, and we moved cows and doctored calves. I might not have been much help with that because, normally, all I did was hug my horse and carry the medicine box. At the age of ten, I had a job moving pipe and then graduated to the Pack Station, where I took people on horseback rides into the mountains.

My very first day of riding was on our old gelding Rocky (R.I.P. Rocky). I gradually moved to other horses and then found Oreo. Now, together we are one. Oreo has a great personality and loves hearing the crowd cheering for him as he runs the barrels or around the arena. He is my best friend and I am glad to have him sharing this experience with me. I am very excited to go to all the rodeos with the other girls on the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Court. I have known both of them forever. It will be nice to experience it with my friends and have stories to remind each other of when we get old. I can’t wait to see ya’ll at the 65th annual Chief Joseph Days Rodeo!

Emily Howerton

Howdy rodeo fans!  My name is Emily Howerton.  I am sixteen years old and a junior at Joseph High School.  My parents are John and Lorri Howeton and my one and only sister is Erica.  I have lived in Wallowa County my whole life.  I am involved in FFA, where I show a market hog, and 4-H, where I show in dog and horse.  I participate in varsity volleyball, basketball and track.  I enjoy fishing, camping, boating on Wallowa Lake and scrap-booking.

My mount is Zan Chief Joseph or aka Joe.  Joe is a thirteen year old sorrel and white tobaino paint gelding.  I have used him for four fun–filled years.  Joe is my friend and awesome teammate.  I would like to thank the Yost family of Joseph, Oregon, for all of their help and support in letting me use Joe.

I am proud to represent our hometown rodeo, Chief Joseph Days.  I am looking forward to this summer and the adventures we will take.  I can’t wait to see all of you rodeo fans this summer!

Alex McCadden

With out the support of my parents, Kevin and Melanie McCadden, and my younger brother, Will, I would never have had the opportunity to participate in all that I am involved in. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, teammates and fellow club members. However, when I’m not busy with all of my activities, you will find me enjoying a trail ride or helping my parents with our small ranch on Alder Slope. My mount for this summer will be my 9 year old breeding stock paint mare, Sage, who I have owned since birth, started training as a 3 year old, and have shown in 4-H and open shows for several years. I am more than excited for this year as one of the trio with Jesse and Emily, and can’t wait to make many unforgettable memories with them in the action paced atmosphere of rodeo.

I hope to see you all the last full weekend in July!