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Rodeo riding is not for the faint of heart and two of our Rodeo Ambassadors, Pfeiffer and Skylar Alves are perfect examples of the hard work, commitment, skill, and sheer grit it takes to compete in this breathtaking sport, where a split-second can make all the difference. And, if you recognize their last name, it’s because they are both grand daughters of Scosche Founders Scotia and Roger Alves. They clearly both inherited the Alves’ family courage, determination and drive for success.

Cousins Pfeiffer and Skylar are the daughters of Scosche Co-Presidents (and brothers) Kasidy and Vince, respectively, and they do an amazing job of representing the Scosche brand and family.

At what age did you start riding, and tell us about your first pony?

I got my first pony, Dolly when I was three years old. Her actual name was Molly, which we didn't know, but she kept the name Dolly because of her kind personality. She was a buckskin and we loved her, she started my career until I grew into my next pony.

When did you start riding competitively? What made you choose rodeo?

I started riding competitively when I bought my first horse: Riosmashed, when I was about nine years old. She was incredible at barrel racing, and I have always loved western riding. I started to do jumping at the same time as I rode western, but nothing compared to the feeling I had riding with my quarter horses, so I chose to focus on western.

How many hours a week do you devote to your sport? And how do you balance that with your other activities and commitments?

I spend about three hours a day, not including most (entire) weekends with my horses. This makes for a lot of missed classes, and a lot of driving! Most of the time I keep up with school by constantly doing homework on the road while my mom drives. I also take part in sports like Cheer, where most games are held during the week, leaving weekends free. Time management is definitely a struggle, and unfortunately, I have had to say no to many things in order to keep up with everything going on in my life.

Worst (or most dramatic) fall? And what did it teach you?

I fell off a lot when I was younger, always hearing that "you're not a cowgirl until you've gotten back on after falling off of a horse”. It really taught me to keep trying, keep striving, no matter what doubts or fears take hold

Most exhilarating rodeo moment?

This year I qualified for the American Finals at the Fort Worth Stockyards in Texas. About 280 adult pro riders converged to compete and the entire stadium was sold out. I was so nervous. I had only competed there once before, at the Junior worlds. Despite my nerves, I made one of the best runs I've ever made, and ended up 33 out of all these insane girls. My horse and I ran three tenths faster than I had the month before – a large improvement in the barrel racing world. It showed me that my hard work had paid off and how incredible of a bond my horse and I had, to stay connected during such an important race.

Would you like to turn professional? Or do you plan a horse-related career?

Currently I am the Reserve Junior World Champion, but once I turn 18 I would love to join the pro rodeo circuit. I love the life I live now, one filled with education and the beach but still horses and passion – a city cowgirl, if you will. It is definitely a beautiful lifestyle worth pursuing, but my career will hopefully be built around communications and photography.

“This year I qualified for the American Finals at the Fort Worth Stockyards. It showed me that my hard work had paid off, and how incredible of a bond my horse and I had, to stay connected during such an important race.”