Vicki Adams (trick rider) facts for kids

Vicki Adams (born May 13, 1951) is a famous cowgirl who is part of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. She is known for her amazing rodeo performances.

Early Life and Rodeo Roots

Vicki Adams was born on May 13, 1951. Her birth name was Vicki Herrera. She was born on the Yakima Indian Reservation in Toppenish, Washington. Vicki has a rich Native American background. Her family includes people from the Yakama, Snohomish, Puyallup, Cowlitz, Cayuse, and Umatilla tribes. Vicki chose to be officially part of the Cowlitz tribe because her great-great-grandmother was a full-blooded Cowlitz woman. Her special Native American name is Le Yi Ah, which means "woman who sews fast."

Vicki's father was a rodeo champion. He taught her all about rodeo from a young age. She became a skilled barrel racer and also performed exciting trick riding. In 1969, when she was 18, she was chosen as an alternate for Miss Indian America. Around that time, she met and married Leon Adams.

A Rodeo Power Couple

For 50 years, Vicki and Leon Adams were a fantastic team in the rodeo world. They entertained crowds with their special acts. These included roman riding (standing on two horses at once), trick riding, and even performing with dancing horses and trained bulls! They traveled all over the United States and to other countries, showing off their talents. They lived on a large 2,500-acre ranch in Stuart, Oklahoma.

Both Vicki and Leon competed in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). This is the top rodeo group in the U.S. They were both recognized for their amazing performances. Leon won the PRCA Specialty Act of the Year award in 1982. Vicki won the same award in 1984. They both won it together in 1987 and again in 1997. For 19 years in a row, they were nominated for this special award!

Awards and Recognition

Vicki Adams has received many honors for her contributions to rodeo. Besides being in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, she was also welcomed into the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2012, Vicki received the Tad Lucas Award from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This award celebrates women who have made a big impact in rodeo.

Later Years

Leon Adams stopped competing in rodeo in 2005. Vicki Adams retired from performing in 2006. Leon was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2008. He passed away on October 30, 2017, in Stuart, Oklahoma.