By Lyndee Stairs
Special To Ropers Sports News
Recently I was asked by Marguerite Happy, California WPRA Director, to write about a very special lady by the name of Charlene Jespersen. If you live anywhere near the central San Joaquin Valley of California, you know who I am talking about. Barrel racers, including myself, have been trying to outrun her for as long as I can remember. She is a class act, always the beautiful and very gracious lady. She is always riding a fast and beautiful horse and always runs fast enough to that first barrel to take your breath away. She is truly an inspiration and role model to everyone.
Ms. Charlene is 79 years young. Yes, this is not a misprint. She was a high school secretary for 37 years, where during that time, she met her equally wonderful husband David Mueller. They currently own and operate Alma’s Flea Market that was started by her late mother Alma Evetts, who also barrel raced into her 80’s. So if you ever wonder where Charlene and David and family are on Mondays, they are working at Alma’s Flea Market.
When I asked Charlene what special awards stood out in her barrel racing career, she told me that in about 1967 she went to Fort Worth, Texas with Judy Marshall (also an NFR qualifier in case you didn’t know) and won best dressed. This somehow does not surprise me because I knew Charlene when she and Alma were dressed to the hilt and wearing custom made chaps to all the rodeos. They were a beautiful pair to behold. The trophy she won at Fort Worth was half as tall as Charlene and she was quite proud. It’s impressive that this award stands out for Charlene, since she has so many accomplishments to be proud of over the years.
Charlene has been a WPRA member since the 1950’s; her WPRA Card Number is 31, which speaks to her length of membership! Charlene has personally witnessed the incredible growth of the WPRA which was formed in 1948 (at that time called the Girls Rodeo Association, GRA, they started with only 74 members!) She was a tough cowgirl to beat when she started, and now, over 50 years later, she’s still a tough cowgirl to beat. She’s won many rodeos, large and small. She has qualified for the CA Circuit Divisional Finals every year since it was started up several years ago. She not only qualified for the California Circuit Divisional Finals last year, but running against the top 12 in California, she placed third at the Finals! Charlene qualified for the CA Circuit Finals almost every year, and she was WPRA CA Circuit State Champion several times. She ran at the NFR in 1974. She was elected CA Circuit Pioneer Cowgirl in 2013 to acknowledge her many years of breaking new ground, inspiring others, and supporting and enhancing the sport of barrel racing. She picked up checks at Porterville and Shandon just last month – and she’s not done yet!
Charlene’s brother is none other than World Champion team roper H.P. Evetts. He is married to my adopted sister Stephanie Evetts. They have six children, including Kailee, Houston, George, Savannah and 4-year-old Monty Evetts as well as Gage Medico. If you frequent any ropings, you may just get to see Charlene’s 16-year-old nephew George Evetts following in his dad’s and granddad’s footsteps. So you see, Charlene has no shortage of nieces and nephews. She also has a sister, Tonya Ann Pierce.
Charlene started barrel racing before high school age and followed her dad Hoke Evetts to the jackpot barrel races at the many ropings he went to and participated in. Charlene also team roped with her dad in those days. In addition to being a WPRA member, she also belongs to the ACBRA, WCBR and the NBHA. She won the 2003 NBHA Finals in the Senior Division, bringing home a beautiful championship saddle and buckle. She gets lots of practice at going fast!
Currently, her favorite rodeo is Salinas and her favorite barrel race is the NBHA Super Show in Las Vegas. Last year Charlene ran the 2nd fastest time at the NBHA Super Show on Friday when over 700 contestants had entered. Charlene stated that Jane Mayo was her all-time favorite barrel racer. She said she admired and respected her. For those who don’t remember the name, Jane Mayo was 3 times NFR champion (1959 to 1961), and she wrote the first book on barrel racing in 1961, “Championship Barrel Racing”.
She and David currently own three horses: NF Frenchman’s Brucey, her main mount; Bigalow Bill (he’s of Highbrow Cat breeding); and Blue Neon Rainbow, the beautiful gray gelding that is now retired. In the 1960’s Charlene rode an awesome stallion by the name of Lotta Dollar. She claims him as her favorite. When asked why, her reply was “He tried so hard, ran his guts out and won lots.” Her father Hoke Evetts also roped on him. In 1974 Charlene also went to the NFR on one of his daughters. Sure wish I had some of these bloodlines in my broodmare band!
I asked her why she still barrel races, she said that she really, really enjoys being on a horse and feels good on one. And may I add, that it sure shows. She said that she does not walk so good any more, but still feels really good riding. She also stated that she loves the speed and loves to win. You see, nothing hurts when the adrenaline hits. I want to add that she really looks good rounding those barrels.
Her ideal barrel horse is one that keeps moving, has lots of try and lots of rate. She likes a horse that loves to run barrels. She wants one that is consistent and honest. She is up there for the ride and does not want to have to kick or pull and only prefers to ride mares or geldings. Stallions are difficult because of the parking situations and the other riders.
She once attended a Marilyn Camarillo barrel racing clinic, has ridden a lot with Pam Ross, and has recently gotten some help from Sandy Perez. I am sure we are missing many others in a barrel racing career that has lasted six decades.
Mr. David Mueller, her wonder husband, keeps everything working for her. She stated that she could not continue to barrel race without his help. He saddles for her, videos the races, drives her, cleans and keeps everything going smoothly.
Charlene and David used to love to dance, but don’t have time anymore. She loves working out at the gym and does so several time a week. Her favorite television show is Dancing With The Stars. She likes to eat chicken fried steak, and loves horses, dogs and cats. Her all-time favorite movie is Pretty Woman and she likes listening to Johnny Cash. If she even needed a bucket list after all she has accomplished, going to Africa with David on safari would be on it. Unfortunately, she does not really care to travel.
Charlene Jespersen is quite an amazing lady and my barrel racing hero.
Charlene makes one of her signature runs at Cow Palace.
Charlene Jespersen, along with her mother Alma Evetts, were very well known for the beautiful chaps they wore while competing in barrel racing.
Charlene with her brother, 1974 World Champion Team Roper H.P. Evetts (l) along with her husband David Mueller. (Christy Burleson Photo)
