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 16 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.
Sharon Murphy
Vice President
Sharon has lived in Valley Center for 20 years and has owned horses for forty years. She loves Valley Center and it's small-town feel. She also enjoys a good trail ride and spending time with her daughter, Cate.
"VC Vaqueros is a great place to meet and compete with others who may share my passion for the horse "lifestyle". It is a way of life. I am blessed to have the time and energy to take care of six horses - Daisy Mae, Savannah, Champ, Maverick, Angel , and Wiley."
Sharon Murphy
Anjeanette Bowman
Treasurer
Cinnamon Claiborne
Secretary
Joey Claiborne
Board Member
The Claiborne Family moved to Valley Center from Vista almost 6 years ago. They own one horse named Ruger, two sheep, a mini pig, ducks/chickens, and four different lizards. They are very active with the Young Riders and Valley Center 4H. In addition to volunteering his time to the Vaqueros Board, Joey also volunteers as the local 4H club's goat and lamb group leader.
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 and her family and moved to Valley Center in 2019. Kaitlynn and her family absolutely love the the Vaqueros events and the welcoming family-oriented environment the club has to offer. Kaitlynn owns three amazing rescue horses Milly, Bud, and Biscuit. In addition to devoting her time as a board member, Kaitlynn is our social media guru!
Judy Byers
Board Member
I was just another Horse Crazy little girl, showing hunters and jumpers at La Jolla Farms Stables in the late 50’s and early 60’s. After I married, we ran a Dude Ranch in SunRiver, Ore, took care of a string of Polo Horses at the El Dorado Polo Club, ran a Barangus Cattle ranch in Julian, all while raising a family. I have been a 4H Horse leader in Julian and La Pine, Ore. Also a 4H Beef leader in Escondido. I was hired into the Mammal Dept. at the Wild Animal Park and retired from there in 2011. I moved to VC in 1992. In 2012 I bought my horse, Winston, and joined the Vaqueros. I served on the board, in charge of sponsorships and Trail Challenges. I’m looking forward to this coming year! Thanks!
Lisa Toler Burkhard
Board Member
Lisa grew up her in Valley Center and has always been a horse enthusiast. She was so excited to move back to Valley Center as an adult with her family. Lisa owns four horses, Sabo, Doc, Jackpot and Biscuit. She has quite the affinity for Palominos as three out of her four horses are of that very color. In addition to showing and devoting her time as a board member, Lisa is also our Young Riders event coordinator.