Step into the world of rodeo media with Clay Noel Harper, the 26-year-old Editor-in-Chief of Rodeo Life magazine who's reshaping how Western stories are told. Born into what many consider "rodeo royalty," Clay Noel shares her unique journey from college rodeo competitor to becoming a respected voice in rodeo journalism.
With remarkable humility, Clay Noel opens up about growing up in a family deeply rooted in the Western way of life. Her father, a retired bullfighter turned renowned Western artist with a secret passion for Sasquatch hunting, instilled in her the importance of giving back to the industry that gave her so much. This mission has guided her career from New Mexico State University through positions at Cowboy Channel and now as an independent media professional balancing editorial leadership with sideline reporting at major rodeos across the country.
What makes Clay Noel’s perspective particularly valuable is her insider-outsider position in the industry. Married to professional saddle bronc rider Joe Harper, she provides intimate glimpses into the challenges rodeo athletes face—from judging inconsistencies to the physical toll of competition. Yet as a media professional, she maintains the analytical eye needed to tell these stories authentically. Her passion for showcasing the human element of rodeo shines through as she discusses memorable interviews, including her final conversation with bareback rider Trenton Montero before his tragic passing.
Clay Noel’s insights about rodeo's evolution are particularly fascinating. She discusses how modern competitors approach their sport with professional athlete mindsets while maintaining rodeo's gritty spirit. She celebrates the industry's growing inclusivity while emphasizing what makes rodeo unique—particularly its recognition of animals as athletes in their own right.
Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan or just curious about Western culture, Clay Noel’s story offers a compelling look at an industry balancing tradition with innovation. Subscribe now to hear how faith, family, and flying hooves have shaped one of rodeo media's rising stars, and discover why her voice is helping preserve the authentic stories of the American West.

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Mrs. Clay Noel Harper

Joe Harper

Rodeo Life Magazine

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The Manning Family

Miles Barry

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