“Youth of the Month”

Andrew Clarke

Andrew Clarke was born in 1994 to ranching parents in Ellensburg, Washington, growing up with horses, cattle and plenty of chores. He as part of the team--made up of CL (mom) and Terry (dad)--while still in a car seat in the old feed truck. The early responsibility of caring for stock was ingrained in Andrew from feeding the cattle every night through the winter months, and he has since been steadfast in his committment.

For three years, Andrew has raised angus steers as 4-h Beef Projects, showing and selling them at the Kittitas County Fairs. In 2005 his market steer was “Steer of Merit” in the carcass class, and he also placed high in fitting and showing. Andrew is currently the president of his Kittitas County 4-H Club, working with the members on a fund raising project.

Andrew started riding at two years old on his pony, ‘Pete’, then soon progressed to ‘Talon’, his Quarter Horse mare. When he was too small to get on her by himself, his folks would put him up in the saddle, and Talon seemed to understand she was supposed to take care of him. They became great partners and good help on the ranch gathering cattle.

Andrew’s rodeo career began riding sheep. The first year gave him some good experience. By the age of four, he decided it was time to get a champion buckle aboard those woolie buggers. His goal was complete when he qualified at the Kittitas Junior Rodeo and brought home the coveted prize - the Champion Mutton Bustin’ Buckle.

Bitten by that proverbial Rodeo Bug, Andrew and Talon started to compete in barrels, poles and goat untying. Because andrew still could not get on Talon from the ground by himself, his dad would help him remount in the arena after the ribbon was removed from the goat’s tail. Getting off proved exciting-- sometimes that gound was often rough and hard! But Andrew and Talon never gave up. They kept practicing and participated in more Rodeo events as he got older, such as break-away roping and steer daubing. Mom was his hazer for the daubing and helped him with his roping.

In 2004 Andrew made a goal to win the All Around Champion Saddle in the Eastern Washington Junior Rodeo association for his age group, Junior Boys age 9-11. Terry and CL assisted with his committment, hauling Talon and andrew to junior rodeos from Asotin to Newport and points in-between! Andrew was now competing in five events: poles, barrels, steer daubing, break-away roping and goat tying. He met this goal, and his trophy saddle is proudly kept on a special saddle stand in the living room. According to Andrew, Talon is the only horse that will ever wear the saddle, since she was part of the team that won it!

The Clarke family was recently honored with the Kittitas Cattleman of the Year Award for 2006. Andrew is the 5th generation on the box bar brand with his family. Andrew is also a member of the Junior Angus Association and has purchased a registered cow and a yearling heifer. He also has his own brand, the 6x. He plans to show the heifer in angus futurities. His cow had a bull calf this year and Andrew has great expectations for him.

Andrew attends Morgan Middle School in Ellensburg, and is on the honor roll. He enjoys sports, has played basketball, soccer and is currently on the wrestling team.

The future is full of challenges for this active young man, but given his dedication, purpose and work ethic, andrew should meet them and succeed.

Article submitted by Grandma Jessie Overman.

This page is a service of Horse Previews Magazine to enrich the youth community. If you are interested in appearing here, or know someone who might like to be a Youth of the Month, please contact: Horse Previews Magazine, PO Box 427, Spokane, WA 99210. Or e-mail horsepreviews@exchangepublishing.com