Jayci Mead inspires fans nationwide through bulls

Thermopolis local and hometown hero Jayci Mead returned in October from the Million Dollar Bucking Bulls Games with not one, but two bulls in the top 25. Her two bulls, Call Me Trigger and Wyoming Dominator, finished tied for 10th and 18th respectively out of 200 bulls.

The 21 year-old Thermopolis native's fate was seemingly sealed when her high school had a career day during which students could explore possible career paths for the future. Mead chose 'bucking bull stock contractor' because of her interest in bull riding and her love of attending Profession Bull Riding (PBR) events.

Mead's dream is to have one of her bulls go to a PBR event, and after her big wins in Las Vegas, it seems like this dream is close to becoming a reality. In fact, since Mead started choosing and raising bulls in 2011, she has won six belt buckles.

Professional rider LJ Jenkins rode one of Mead's bulls at a recent event, and another one of her bulls bucked a three-time world champion rider.

"It's just incredible to see the people that follow her here in Thermopolis," said Mead's mother Valerie. She added that members of the community would live stream events in which Mead's bulls competed. A Facebook page for Mead's bulls, called JC's Dream Team Bucking Bulls, has over 500 "Likes".

Mead's story has inspired people in Thermopolis and throughout the country. Her notoriety reached its current peak when Exclusive Genetics was inspired to start its Bucking Autism campaign after being so impressed with Mead and her bulls' performances. Exclusive Genetics' campaign is aimed at raising awareness as well as funds for the National Autism Association.

"Our company slogan is that owning a bucking bull is the 'thrill of a lifetime,' said Exclusive Genetics CEO Billy Jaynes in a company press release. "Jayci is the perfect example of that, and, for me, knowing that we are helping more people just like her is my own thrill."

"Anytime that we, as a company and as an industry, have an opportunity to use our stage to highlight an organization as incredible as the National Autism Association," Jaynes continued, "we are very happy to do so."

Mead, who currently owns eight bulls, will continue to compete for titles and belt buckles in the future. It took her only two years to win her first buckle, and in the last two years she has won an unprecedented six buckles.

For Mead, however, such success would be impossible with the help and support of others. She thanked God, her friends and family, Exclusive Genetics for their Bucking Autism campaign, LJ Jenkins, and Dona and Bill Larson of the Triple V Rodeo Company.