PRORODEO Sports News February Digital Edition

JESS CARDON MAKING WAVES AS PICKUP MAN IN PRORODEO By Ted Harbin, Special to PRORODEO Sports News

A s Jacek Frost and Four Star Rodeo’s Topaz circled around to the right at the conclusion of their second-round ride at the Boot Barn California Circuit Finals Rodeo on Dec. 30, Jess Cardon guided her horse into position. The bay was alongside the gray bucker as Cardon reached down with her left hand and tripped the flank before continuing in stride and offering respite for the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bareback rider. It’s Cardon’s job, that of a pickup man who was chosen to do so by the bronc busters who are com peting in the regional championship at Red Bluff, Calif. “I couldn’t be more thankful,” said Cardon, who is believed to be the first woman selected to be a pickup man at a PRCA circuit finals rodeo. “They keep talking about how I’ve made history, but in the same token for me, I’m just getting to take this ride, and it’s unbelievable.” It’s not by happenstance. Cardon has earned her place in the mix, some four years after she began this walk in life. Raised on her family’s ranch near Caliente, Calif., she lives on the same spread with her fiancé, Josh Reed. Ann Seacrest Hanson is recognized as the first female pickup man, though Cardon is the first woman to earn her PRCA card as a recognized pickup man. Reed has also been her partner at the circuit finals, which is more than a coincidence. After Reed was injured at the 2021 PRORODEO in Bakersfield, Calif., the Rossers and Flying U Rodeo reached out to see if Cardon could serve as a replacement in Brawley, Calif. She hasn’t looked .“We’re engaged, but

Jess Cardon is believed to be the first woman to serve as a pickup man at a PRCA circuit finals rodeo. PRCA photo by Stu Hagen

28 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2026