2026 Contestants
Queen Contestant #1
Lacey Bainbridge
Lacey Bainbridge is a proud Valley Center native who believes that dedication, heart, and perseverance are the foundation of success both in and out of the arena. With nearly two decades of riding experience, Lacey began her equestrian journey in endurance riding, where she developed a strong work ethic, discipline, and a deep partnership with her horse. At just nine years old, she took her passion for the western lifestyle even further by beginning to compete in rodeo queen pageants, sparking a lifelong commitment to leadership, community involvement, and ambassador-style representation. Alongside her rodeo involvement, Lacey is passionate about education and personal growth. She will graduate in April with a degree in education after maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout college and graduating as her high school’s valedictorian. She plans to become an elementary school teacher and eventually a school principal, with the goal of inspiring students to believe in themselves and reach their full potential.
Lacey also gives back to her hometown through her role as office manager and optician at Valley Center Optometry, where she enjoys connecting with patients, creating a welcoming environment, and serving the community that raised her. Whether she is working, studying, or representing Valley Center, Lacey strives to lead with authenticity, kindness, and confidence. Lacey is proud to be a Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Queen candidate and is excited to continue her journey of leadership, service, and community involvement. With a passion for western heritage and a heart for serving others, she is ready to represent Valley Center with pride both in and out of the arena.
Junior Queen Contestant #1
Vivian Gragen
Vivian Gragen is a 15-year-old cowgirl from Valley Center, California, who truly lives and breathes the rodeo lifestyle. A sophomore at Valley Center High School, Vivian has spent more than eight years honing her horsemanship skills in the arena alongside her trusted horse, Snowflake, while also being a dedicated dancer for over ten years. Her background in dance has helped shape her balance, discipline, and athleticism—skills she brings into every ride.
She balances a demanding academic schedule with active involvement in FFA, 4-H, and the Valley Center Vaqueros equestrian club, firmly believing that hard work, grit, and heart never go out of style. With a clear vision for her future, Vivian aspires to attend the prestigious UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to become an equine veterinarian, dedicating her career to the health and well-being of the animals she loves. More than just a competitor, Vivian hopes to inspire the next generation to believe in themselves, honor Western traditions, and ride for something bigger than a buckle.
Junior Queen Contestant #2
Audrey Bowman
Audrey Bowman is a 14-year-old resident of Valley Center, California, who has had a love for horses from a very young age. From the moment she began riding, she knew she had found her passion and quickly fell in love with the western lifestyle.
Currently, she competes in barrel racing, gymkhanas, and rail shows with her local Valley Center Vaqueros group. Growing up in the beautiful hills of Valley Center, she especially enjoys being an active member of the Valley Center Vaqueros Young Riders Group and the 4-H Horse Group, where she continues to grow as both a rider and a leader.
When she’s not spending time with her four-legged furry best friends, Audrey stays busy playing soccer and expressing her musical talents as a member of her school’s jazz band, where she plays the saxophone. Looking toward the future, Audrey hopes to combine her creative spirit and love for learning by one day becoming a teacher.
Audrey would like to take this opportunity to thank her family, friends, and sponsors for their continued love, encouragement, and support throughout her pageant journey. She is truly grateful, as none of this would be possible without them.
Young Miss Contestant #1
Lilly Webb
Lilly Elizabeth Webb is a 12-year-old from Valley Center, California. As one of six children, life in her home is always full of adventure, laughter, and love. When she isn’t spending time with her horses and pony, Lilly enjoys creating art projects, going on camping trips, and caring for her leopard gecko, Juicy.
Lilly is homeschooled and is a member of Christian Family Schools. She is actively involved in her community and church, where she volunteers in the preschool and nursery and serves on the youth group leadership team. Lilly also volunteers with Horse Connections, supporting therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapy programs. In addition, she participates in Vaqueros Young Riders and is an active member of a local 4-H equine group.
Lilly’s goals include continuing to grow as a horsewoman alongside her horse, River, earning a buckle at Vaqueros open shows and gymkhana, and further developing her riding and horsemanship skills. She hopes to use the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo platform to represent
her community with kindness, sportsmanship, and pride. In the future, Lilly dreams of becoming a nurse so she can help and care for others.
Lilly would like to thank her family, friends, and supporters for their constant encouragement. She is excited and honored to be chasing her dream of becoming the 2026 Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Young Miss.
Young Miss Contestant #2
Sophia Sanchez
Born and raised in Valley Center, Sophia Sanchez is a sixth grader at Heritage Flex Academy. She maintains a 4.0 GPA while balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and her love for horses.
Sophia began horseback riding at the age of seven, and just two years later her passion grew even deeper when she adopted her first horse, Encore, from a local rescue, Milly’s Place. This experience taught her responsibility, patience, and the importance of giving animals a second chance. As a proud member of the Valley Center Vaqueros Young Riders Club, Sophia participates in parades, gymkhanas, open shows, cattle sorting, and drill team. She also spends much of her time traveling with her family to rodeos throughout Southern California and Arizona, where she continues to learn from the sport, the community, and the traditions that have shaped her love for rodeo.
Outside of the arena, Sophia’s talents and interests continue to grow. She stays active in theater, tennis, art, 4-H, and youth group activities, and enjoys spending time outdoors on family camping adventures. Through these experiences, she embraces opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others. Whether she’s on stage, in the saddle, or trying something new, Sophia brings heart, discipline, and a positive attitude to everything she does.
Sophia is proud to be a Young Miss candidate for the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo and is excited to compete for the opportunity to represent her hometown with pride and enthusiasm. With a genuine love for horses and a positive, determined outlook, Sophia’s future is as bright as her spirit, and she’s ready to shine every step of the way.
Young Miss Contestant #3
Annabel Matson
Annabel Matson is proud to be a Young Miss candidate for the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Queen Pageant. Annabel is a 5th grader at Vintage Hills Elementary School in Temecula.
She has grown up around horses and is actively involved in her family’s carriage business, where she enjoys helping with rides, caring for the horses, and greeting guests.
Annabel has a special love for parades and enjoys high-fiving kids along the route, sharing her excitement for horses and rodeo with the community. Through her experiences with horses, she has learned responsibility, kindness, and confidence.
In her free time, Annabel enjoys riding, spending time at the barn, and helping with family events. If selected as Young Miss, she would be honored to represent the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo with a positive attitude, good sportsmanship, and true cowgirl spirit.
Little Miss Contestant #1
Addison Bowman
Addison is a bright and spirited 8-year-old, born and raised right here in Valley Center, a place she is proud to call home. She is a 2nd grade student at Lilac Elementary School, where her love of learning shines just as much as her love for the outdoors.
Addison has a true passion for animals, especially her two beloved horses, Lainey and Chuck, who were both adopted from a local Valley Center rescue. She is an active member of the Valley Center Young Riders Program and enjoys competing in local rail and gymkhana horse shows, where she continues to grow as a rider and teammate. In addition to her equestrian activities, Addison participates in the 4-H small animal program. When she’s not spending time at the barn, you can find her fishing with her dad, hiking, or exploring the outdoors with a big smile and an adventurous spirit.
Addison is thrilled to be competing for the 2026 Valley Center Stampede Rodeo Little Miss title. She would be honored to represent the rodeo, celebrate its traditions, and share her love for Valley Center.
Little Miss Contestant #2
Avalon Holtz
Avalon Holtz is a proud 7-year-old Valley Center cowgirl who’s been in the saddle since she was little enough to need help reaching the reins and stirrups! She rode in her first parade at just three years old and has now proudly participated in over ten parades across Southern California.
Avalon loves learning all things horses, helping out on the ranch, practicing, competing, and spending time with them. When she’s not riding, she enjoys painting, drawing, and dreaming big.
With high hopes of one day becoming both an artist and a future rodeo queen. She aspires one day to wear the crown of Miss Rodeo California and even Miss Rodeo America.
As an active 4-H member, Avalon is preparing to show her Holland Lop rabbit this year and brings the same determination to school, where she loves math and problem-solving.
With her bright smile, kind heart, and big cowgirl dreams, Avalon is excited to represent the western way of life and her hometown she loves so much as a contestant for the 2026 Valley Center Stampede Little Miss.
