French-born, Rodeo-bred

Evan Jayne learned the ropes as an exchange student; Now he travels across the U.S. searching for a national title

James Barron | The New Mexican

6/28/2008 - 6/29/08

If he were just Evan Jayne of Huntsville, Texas, no one would bat an eye.

He'd just be another bareback rider, no different than the ones from Sulphur, La.; Amarillo, Texas and Tonalea, Ariz.

But when the public-address announcer mentions that Jayne hails from Marseille, France? Now that's an attention-getter.

"I think so," Jayne said of using his birth place instead of his current residence, which is Huntsville. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be talking to me right now. I'm French, so why not put down my real hometown?"

He's more than just a cowboy from another country. He is ranked 15th in the bareback competition of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association world money standings, which is right where he needs to be. The top 15 automatically advance to the National Finals Rodeo, the end-of-year event that determines the world champions in eight different events — bareback included — plus the all-around champion.

On the final day of the Rodeo de Santa Fe Saturday, Jayne held on to his ride, Eager Beaver, long enough to record an 80-point score. It wasn't enough for him to finish in the top eight and in the money, but he gave the crowd at the Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds plenty to cheer about as he rode out every buck and sway Eager Beaver could provide.

Rides like that have Jayne, 26, in his first full year as a professional, turning the heads of a few of his peers.

"He's gotten advice from us, and asked what he was doing wrong," Steve Andling said of Jayne's progression on the circuit. "We just tell him and he's taken off like a ball of fire."

Jayne grew up in France until he was 16, the son of a trick rider who assisted his father at rodeos and Wild West shows around Europe. The difference is that the rodeo in France is not what it is in the United States, and especially in the West.

"Rodeo is as popular in France as it is in New Jersey," Jayne said.

It's also treated differently. The participants of French rodeos are paid for their services, unlike the payout system for a top finish in the U.S.

"Over there, it's a show," Jayne said. "Over here, it's a sport."

He was introduced to the American version when he spent a year as an exchange student with a family in Houston. He further honed his skills at various rodeos around the state and one year turned into two, and then he earned a scholarship to be on the rodeo team at Sam Houston State in Huntsville. That was where he met his wife, Leslie, and earned his degree in agriculture.

He spent his first few years competing part-time while teaching at Coldspring (Texas) High School. He began to build friendships with other professional riders, including Andling, Ryan Stutes and Jake Halverson, who are now his driving buddies while on the circuit.

It's also where a cultural exchange took place. While Jayne learned all about the ins and outs of rodeo life, his friends got to experience Jayne's unique style and personality.

While many Americans have groused about the escalating prices of gas, Jayne has a different perspective — a gallon of gas back home costs $7. Still, he has enjoyed his time on the road with his friends as they crisscross the Southwest in a van with a tent to camp out.

He's not afraid of wearing Capri pants and flip-flops, and he dips his pancakes in chocolate milk. He still speaks to his mom in French, and has taught his friends some phrases, which Andling says is mainly to impress women.

"He don't like Cracker Barrel restaurants," Andling said. "He loves pancakes, though. I'm surprised he don't eat French toast instead of pancakes."

Jayne's transition from one country to another took a big step on Friday, which was his birthday. He completed his paperwork to be come a U.S. citizen, and he should know his status by the end of the year.

Then he went to Raton and scored an 84 in his signature event.

"It went great," Jayne said. "Everything is just kind of working my way the last two or three weeks. I've been able to stay in the hunt for the finals. So I'm right there."

If his luck holds up, Jayne might become more than just a cowboy from France.

Contact James Barron at 986-3045 or jbarron@sfnewmexican.com