involved in the steer business . I ’ ve known them both for years . They called me and I worked with Jacalynn . I could see right away that she had a natural ability , a great talent for showmanship and a dedication to the business . The first year she was involved in 4-H , she had a grand champion .”
Jacalynn ’ s show career success came quickly . Showing a steer named Yogi , she won several county jackpots . When she turned nine and could compete at a higher level in major shows , she made the top 10 out of more than 70 youths , showing Ribeye at the Fort Worth Stock Show in 2012 .
“ We were thrilled ,” her mother said . “ People couldn ’ t believe a 60-pound girl was showing a 1,165-pound steer . We knew right away that she ’ d found her calling .”
The next year her parents purchased a red Angus from Dan Leddy . That led to winning Breed Champion in San Antonio , along with a $ 10,000 scholarship , a big banner and a shiny buckle .
She also won with Rojo at the West Texas Fair in Abilene and the Heart O ’ Texas Fair in Waco , claiming two more banners and a $ 500 scholarship .
“ Jacalynn Aldridge has accomplished such huge accolades both in and out of the show ring ,” said Leslie Chalmers , spokeswoman of Weatherford Christian School , where Jacalynn is an 8 th -grader .
“ She consistently strives to put her best boot forward , whether she is showing one of her steers , maintaining her classwork on the road between shows or competing in sports at Weatherford Christian School . Jacalynn is one of those kids that can just about do it all and always does it with a showmanship smile and true class .”
Jacalynn , involved in 4-H at Spring Creek since age 6 , is now the chapter ’ s president .
“ Talent and dedication at the level that Jacalynn has is pretty rare ,” Martin said .
She refers to Martin as “ Papa Jim .” “ Papa Jim is like a grandfather to me ,” Jacalynn said . “ He is hilarious .”
“ Without the help of Jim Martin , we would not have gotten such great show cattle ,” Stephanie said . “ We believe that if you work hard , you ’ ll do well .”
These days , Jacalynn is preparing for a busy 2017 livestock show season , with her focus on the Fort Worth Stock Show .
“ Shorty ( a shorthorn ) is sassy ,” Jacalynn said . “ He ’ s the one I ’ m taking to the Fort Worth Stock Show . Winning Fort Worth would be a big deal . I ’ ve dreamed about winning Fort Worth all my life .”
But it ’ s Afroman , a steer that looks like he ’ s made of velvet , that seems to have her heart . He ’ s slated to show at the San Antonio Stock Show , and he ’ s the steer that seems to tug hardest at Jacalynn ’ s heartstrings , something that can make winning a bittersweet experience for a young cattlewoman .
How does she deal with the sad reality of winning the show but watching a steer she raised from a calf be led away to become restaurant fare ?
“ That ’ s OK . I ’ ve gotten used to it ,” Jacalynn said , her turquoise eyes suddenly grew a bit brighter and there seemed to be a touch of sadness there . “ I used to cry and have a hard time with it but Papa Jim would tell me , ‘ It ’ s OK . You ’ ll get another calf .’ But , I ’ m probably going to be more attached to these two calves because I ’ ve raised them since they were really little . I ’ ve been attached to all my calves except for the mean ones . I had one that was named Fluffers that was a mean one . He hated women . He tried to hurt me . The ones that are mean I don ’ t really do as well with showing them as I do with the ones that like me .”
It ’ s only one of numerous valuable lessons on life , death and reality that Ag kids glean from their experiences in 4-H , FFA and other Ag programs , and is something that some city-dwellers have a hard time understanding . Lots of parents and educators of 4-H and Ag kids feel that the best lessons are learned while the participants are very young and that the whole experience is one that builds strength and character in young people .
“ Showing livestock and being involved with FFA and 4-H teaches kids so much about life in general ,” Chalmers said . “ The responsibility , skills and work ethic they gain from taking care of animals all year around or being responsible for projects truly prepares them for real life situations . It educates them about a process from start to finish and gives them a finer appreciation of seeing things through to the end , working hard in order to experience success .”
“ I love working with my steers and showing ,” Jacalynn said . “ It ’ s helped me develop responsibility and set goals for my future .”
Jacalynn says she hopes to go to Texas A & M University and one day become a veterinarian .
But , for now , the future Dr . Aldridge is too busy to dwell on the details concerning where her practice will be based , and if it will be focused on large animals only . She ’ s too busy getting ready for the Fort Worth Stock Show .
“ Jacalynn is a great kid ,” Martin said . “ She adorable and she ’ s focused . She ’ s going to be a success at whatever she puts her mind to .”
What does Jacalynn like most about her 4-H activities and showing her steers ?
“ I like working with them , brushing them , feeding them . It ’ s a lot of work . I enjoy it all . But , most of all I like to win .”
JANUARY 2017 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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