It's Payday
At age 18, Payday is an accomplished veteran who “still does all he can to win,” says co-owner Connie Pearce.
Phil Doyle Photography
BY PAYTON BLADOW
Starlight's Payday, born Feb. 20, 2002, has been a true champion and teammate to a number of current and former Cal Poly Rodeo athletes over the years, including Assistant Rodeo Coach Meghann McNulty.
However, Payday's story began before his birth at the Alberti and Madonna Ranch in San Luis Obispo. Clint and Connie Pearce, founders of the Cuesta Community College Rodeo program and longtime supporters of the Cal Poly Rodeo program, took a chance on a talented mare in foal to the stallion Alfana 194. The couple purchased the pregnant mare consigned by Jack and Phoebe Hearst- Cooke at the 2001 Madonna Inn Horse Sale, with the sale's proceeds going to support the Cal Poly Rodeo program.
The accomplished veteran has won many roping titles and competed in various rodeo events, including breakaway roping, team roping, and barrel racing. Clint Pearce rode Payday in numerous roping competitions, including the 2019 Cal Poly Alumni roping in Spanos Stadium. Payday also helped qualify the Pearces’ daughter, Audrey, for the California High School Rodeo State Finals and Silver State Finals from 2007 to 2011. He went on to win the West Coast Regional Intercollegiate Team Roping Champion twice with Cuesta Community College student Tristan Ruffoni.
The horse's best trait, according to Clint Pearce, “is his quick start and easy handle.” Connie Pearce adds that even at 18, “Payday still does all he can to win.” Still, he knows when an amateur is on his back and takes care of all his riders.
Read more in the 2020 Rodeo Newsletter