VALLEY CENTER VAQUEROS
MEET THE BOARD
Get to Know the Faces behind Valley Center Vaqueros
2024 Vaqueros Board
Julie Picot
President
Julie has lived in Valley Center for 20 years and feels blessed to raise her kids in Valley Center. Julie has several horses that she enjoys showing, trail riding, and riding in parades. In 2017 Julie and her daughter Samantha were honored to ride with the Vaqueros in the Tournament of Roses Parade. In addition to being club president Julie also volunteers as the the Queen Director for the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo. She loves to share her passion for horses by encouraging people to show their horses. Horse shows are a great way to bond and learn with your horse.
Lisa Toler Burkhard
Vice President
Lisa grew up in Valley Center and her family had ponies, sheep, goats and cows. She moved back 15 years ago with her husband and sons and joined the Vaqueros soon after. Lisa has been on our board over the years and is currently our Young Rider Leader along with Vice President. She has three horses, Sabo a 27 year old palomino Andalusian Draft cross. Doc a 17 year old AQHA chestnut and Jackpot a 16 year old palomino Registered Paint horse. Trail rides, gymkhanas and rail shows are her favorite horse activities.
Anjeanette Bowman
Treasurer
Anjeanette has lived in Valley Center for the past 11 years and has been a part of the Valley Center Vaqueros for 3 years. She has two daughters who compete at the Vaqueros shows and are also involved in the Young Riders program. She enjoys spending time with her 3 horses and doesn't ever miss an opportunity to go on a trail ride with the friends she has made being apart of this group.
Holly Soliz
Secretary
Holly and her family have been residents of Valley Center and members of the Vaqueros for the past 20 years. Although a rare sight to see Holly on a horse, she will always be up for hauling her daughter around to whatever crazy horse adventure comes up! Being a member of the Vaqueros Club is a great way to meet new friends with like-minded interests. Holly is excited to be able to serve as the Club Secretary this year and help coordinate barrel nights this summer!
Madelyn Wagner
Board Member
Madelyn Wagner has called Valley Center home for over 40 years and has been a Vaqueros member for most of that time. She serves as the Secretary for the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo and is a lifelong horsewoman. Madelyn is an accomplished colt starter and has worked for top AQHA trainers, in addition to competing in Mustang Challenges. In her free time, she enjoys trail riding and equestrian camping with her family and their herd of mustangs. Madelyn’s long-term goal is to aid the VC Stampede Rodeo in their mission of establishing a permanent equestrian facility in Valley Center which will serve as the home of the VC Vaqueros and other western and agricultural organizations in our community.
Leah Bjerknes
Board Member
​I have lived in the Valley Center area for 40+ years. I was a member of the Vaqueros’s in the early 80’s through the 90’s. We became members again when the first of our 3 horse crazy girls started riding. I look forward to helping the club continue to grow and provide a wonderful environment for all in our community who love horses. In addition to devoting her time as a board member, Leah also coordinates our Gymkhana series.
Kaitlynn Mault
Board Member
Kaitlynn is passionate about horses and brings her expertise to the Valley Center Vaqueros as a board member, managing the organization’s website and social media presence. Her love for the equestrian world is reflected in her involvement, as well as through her daughter, who is an enthusiastic member of the Young Riders group. Kaitlynn is dedicated to fostering a thriving community for riders of all ages.
Mia DiGiovanni
Board Member
Mia is a 21 year old lifelong resident of Valley Center. She has been a member of the VC Vaqueros for over a decade, since she was a little girl. From being a leader of the Young Riders drill team, earning multiple Champion titles for Open Rail Shows, to riding in the VC Vaqueros Rose Parade Group, Mia has been a dedicated participant and is now pleased to be in a position to give back to the club that has contributed to her growth as a horsewoman.
Abigail Bayne
Board Member
Abi has lived in Valley Center for 3 years and has been apart of the Valley Center Vaqueros for 2 years. She has been riding horses since she was a child. She has competed with a mounted drill team, rail shows, parades, some English and jumping, ranch riding, and trail rides. Abi is excited to be apart of the Vaqueros to contribute to the Valley Center horse community.