story by Lindsay King
Gracemont, Oklahoma, cowgirl Kenna McLemore is the reigning four-time COLBRA all-around champion, adding a new event championship title almost every year. “I love rodeo, mostly because I am very competitive. Rodeo makes it even more fun because I have so many friends who support and cheer me on, and I do the same for them,” said the 12-year-old. The OKJHSRA allows Kenna to rodeo with her friends as well as look forward to extra events at rodeos. “I always love the Thomas rodeo because there is a shaving cream fight afterwards.” Kenna advises to bring goggles and plenty of shaving cream.
With too many saddles, buckles and cashed checks to count, Kenna works hard on all of her events. She runs barrels, poles, ties goats, breakaway ropes, ribbon ropes and rides the trail course. “Pole bending is my favorite event because I get to ride my favorite horse.” A 21-year-old sorrel gelding named Streak has helped Kenna to the winners circle the last four years. This includes the 2017 state pole bending title.
She also has a favorite mare known as Fancy on her good days and Hagatha on the others. “She is our true all-around horse. She has smooth runs in every event we have entered in the last five years. I have taken her in every event at least once.” Kenna’s proudest accomplishment was the 2014 NLBRA finals when she captured the Little Wrangler All-Around World Championship title.
Born into the sport, Kenna started riding at four and dummy roping at six. “My mom, Shaunya, was a barrel racer and my dad, Randy, roped calves and team roped with his brothers when he was younger.” Kenna credits her parents and uncle Rick with helping her the most in rodeo. “My uncle has a pen of calves at his house that he lets me practice on. And he gives me advice when I am having trouble.” Kenna looks up to Lisa Lockhart because of her sweet personality and Trevor Brazile. “Trevor never cares what is said about him, he just goes out there and ropes.” Kenna plans to continue to rodeo in college but if that does not work out she would like to play basketball.
The number 14 since she started basketball in third grade, Kenna is usually a point guard. She might be on a baseball team this year since her school does not have softball. “I have played softball for six years now. Hopefully our softball team will merge with another school so I do not have to play baseball.” She also runs cross country and likes to go hunting on occasion. At home, Kenna loves to drive the skid steer. “I help my dad move dirt, gravel and trees around our place. I like to be destructive with it.” At Gracemont Junior High, Kenna likes P.E. the best since she does not have to be in a desk for that class and gets to play more basketball. She is a fan of the OSU Cowboys and Golden State Warriors.
“When I grow up I am planning to go to OSU to become a veterinarian. I like large animals, pretty much anything except snakes and rats.” Kenna’s favorite rodeo to watch is The American. One day she would like to compete in it.
A cougar attacked her new barrel horse when she was younger before Kenna owned her, leaving her with the name Cougar. “We have high hopes for this mare this year. My goal is to ramp up my game in Oklahoma. I plan to win the state all-around, poles, breakaway and ribbon roping titles.”
