Whataburger's Whatakid: Emma Matchett

Region IX Emma Matchett

Congratulations to Region 9 Whatakid Emma Matchett, 17, a Senior from Marquez, TX.

Since the age of 5, Emma Matchett has been immersed in the world of rodeo. Her journey began with TYRRA, and by the time she was 7 or 8, she discovered a deep passion for goat tying, which eventually led her to pursue roping, continuing a tradition set by her parents and grandparents. Over the years, Emma has built an impressive resume, qualifying for the TJHRA finals twice and the THSRA finals every year of high school. These milestones are just a glimpse into her dedication and love for the sport.

Favorite Competitions and ChampionshipsAmong the many competitions Emma has participated in, two stand out as her favorites: the Hooey Junior Patriot and the Region IX rodeos. The reason these are so special? The incredible stock that competes alongside her. Emma loves knowing that each goat-tying match is a true challenge, not a drawing game. The Emmons’ family, who organizes the Region IX rodeos, consistently provides an authentic and exciting competitive environment. 

Over the years, Emma has earned numerous accolades, including: 2021 TJHRA Top 5 Ribbon Runner, 2021-2023 TYRRA Senior Girls State Champion, 2022 San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo 13-15 Reserve Champion Goat Tyer, 2022 Texas FFA Reserve Champion Goat Tyer, 2023 Texas FFA State Champion Goat Tyer, 2024 CTYRA Champion Goat Tyerand many more.

Emma’s two horses, Trapper and KitKat, are integral parts of her rodeo career. Trapper, her rope horse, is a black AQHA gelding known for his spunk and unpredictability. While his fiery spirit may keep Emma on her toes, Trapper is as honest as they come in the roping pen, always eager to do his job. One of Emma’s most treasured memories with Trapper was being surprised with him for her 15th birthday. After coming home from the 4th of July run, she found Trapper waiting for her in his stall, a gift from her parents after her previous horse was injured during the TJHRA state finals.

KitKat, Emma’s goat-tying horse, is a paint mare with a lot of attitude but unmatched consistency. Her precision in running down the pen to tie goats makes Emma’s job much easier. A memorable and funny moment with KitKat occurred during a winter practice when KitKat chased Emma’s Australian Shepherd dog around the arena. Fortunately, the dog learned quickly that the goat-tying pen belongs to KitKat. Emma got KitKat from the Mueller family of Region X after her previous goat and rope horse were injured.

Emma’s daily routine is filled with hard work and dedication to both her studies and rodeo. Her day begins at 6:30 AM, feeding her steer and turning out the horses before heading off to school. After classes, Emma returns home around 2:00 PM to work with her show steer and put the horses away. The afternoon is spent practicing roping and goat-tying with her younger siblings, followed by the routine of unsaddling the horses, feeding them, and finishing up her school and college work. Emma values the importance of balancing everything – from academics to her passion for rodeo.

In addition to her rodeo commitments, Emma is deeply involved in her school community. She’s helped organize fundraisers like the Angel Tree for the campus and has supported the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department by providing water and drinks during their events. She maintains an impressive academic record, having been on the All A Honor Roll since her freshman year. Emma is an active member of several organizations, including NHS, FFA (where she serves as Chapter Vice President), FCCLA (Secretary), and HOSA (Chairman of Fundraising). She also earned her Texas FFA Lone Star Degree.

Emma lives by the motto: “Love each other like we want to be loved.” In a world that can sometimes feel full of negativity, Emma strives to be a light, creating positive experiences for those around her. This philosophy extends to every aspect of her life, both in and out of the rodeo arena.

Alongside her commitment to rodeo, Emma has recently discovered a passion for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) and its effects on the body. She has purchased her own PEMF machine, become certified in both human and large animal therapy, and started her own business, EA Equine Therapy. This new interest has sparked her curiosity about pursuing a future career in large animal therapy, blending her love for animals with a desire to help improve their well-being.

Emma plans to continue her education at Texas A&M University, where she will pursue a degree in chemistry. While working towards her degree, Emma intends to continue tying goats and roping calves in college. After graduation, she hopes to either become a doctor or a licensed horse medical practitioner, potentially working in Bryan, Texas. Her passion for roping and rodeo will remain a constant part of her life, even as she focuses on furthering her education and career.

Emma considers JJ Hampton her hero, drawn to her grace and wisdom. Over the years, attending JJ’s clinics has taught Emma invaluable lessons, and one piece of advice has especially resonated with her: "Once the run is done, good or bad, don’t wallow in it. Place a smile on your face and move onto the next run, fixing what you did wrong." This mindset of embracing both successes and setbacks with grace and determination is something Emma strives to apply to every aspect of her life.

Rodeo is no easy path, and Emma has made sacrifices to pursue her dreams. She made the difficult decision to give up basketball and volleyball to focus on rodeo, and in doing so, she honed her skills in both roping and goat-tying. Rodeo is a 24/7 commitment, and this often means sacrificing time with friends, especially on weekends. However, Emma recognizes that rodeo families are incredibly close-knit, and the bond that forms between fellow competitors is a special one. They grow together and become like siblings, supporting each other both inside and outside of the arena.

To Emma, rodeo is more than just a sport – it’s a way of life. It represents family and faith. Being surrounded by a community that cares for one another, with faith at the center, has shaped her into the person she is today. She believes that rodeo teaches the importance of acknowledging God in everything we do, understanding that our achievements are not solely our own.

Emma Matchett’s journey through rodeo is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and deep-rooted values. From her early days in TYRRA to becoming a champion goat-tyer, Emma has proven that passion and dedication can take you far. As she continues her rodeo career and academic pursuits, Emma’s story is one of growth, sacrifice, and the unwavering support of family and faith. Emma is honored to be region 9s Whatakid.