When Markie Battaglia and her family moved to Ramona more than 25 years ago, she had no idea that living in the country would change her life in incredible ways.

Initially inspired by her cousin Vanessa, a former rodeo queen, she dabbled in horsemanship at the Battaglia property, Mountain Valley Ranch. Since then, the family has established themselves as an integral part of Ramona’s cowboy country.

But when they first started, she says, “We had no idea what rodeo was.”

Battaglia holds many titles: Ramona Rodeo Junior Queen 2003, Miss California High School Rodeo Queen 2004, Miss Rodeo Lakeside 2005, Miss Rodeo Poway 2006, Miss Rodeo Clovis 2008, and Miss Rodeo California 2010. It’s an impressive lineup considering she got a late start at 14 years old.

After her family — mother, Joyce Battaglia, and brothers, John James Battaglia and Marcus Battaglia — moved to Ramona from Coronado, Markie would ride casually during a weekly summer series rodeo event at their ranch. She entered her first junior rodeo competition around 2002, at the recommendation of her mom to help her get outside her comfort zone.

“I ended up winning that competition,” she says.

A turning point, the win inspired her. Young women she competed against at the high school level had more experience, but she wasn’t discouraged. In fact, many of the people they competed against became lifelong friends.

Her hard work paid off, and in 2009, she was named Miss Rodeo California.

“In 2010, I got to represent the whole state and travel,” she says. “It was the best year ever — so great. I met lifelong friends through that.”

Battaglia explains that horsemanship was her challenge from day one, so it was surprising when she competed for Miss Rodeo America and won in that category.

While attending college at Arizona State University, she had two roping horses. Taking part in jackpot events during that time, she adds, “(Is) where I learned to be a competitor.”

For several years, Battaglia lived in downtown San Diego, which made it easier for her and her brothers to operate the parking business their late father, Mark Battaglia, established years prior. During that time, she traveled to and from Ramona to practice, see family and help with Mountain Valley Ranch, especially during the fall pumpkin season.

Last year, she decided to move back home.

“It’s fun,” she says. “I think it’s hard working with family, but we have been doing it for so long we know how to work well together. We try to communicate as best as we can.”

Living in Ramona, she says, “Is just so much more calming — it’s my happy place. Everyone is here, there’s more opportunities for family dinners and togetherness. It’s peaceful and nice.”

Along with operating both businesses, she still competes in team roping events, and she especially enjoys traveling to competitions with her mother.

Battaglia is giving back to the next generation of cowgirls by serving as national director for Miss Rodeo California and was also a member of the executive board of Miss Rodeo America from 2019 to 2024.

“I love working with the girls super closely,” she says. “They’re all so different. It keeps giving me hope.”

When asked whether young people still have an interest in rodeo sports, Battaglia shares that there’s been a resurgence in the last five years.

“Everyone is embracing the Western lifestyle and culture,” she says. “We don’t want the cowboy to be a dying breed. It’s our job to help instill and pass it on to the future generations. (The young women are) passionate about things, kind and want to help others. I think those are three qualities that are important in the current day.”

Battaglia showcases the country way of life both in the arena and at the farm with her family.

“Come September, the main focus is on the ranch,” she says, explaining that from day one, she and her brothers were picking pumpkins and helping any way they could.

“It’s crazy,” she says. “It was the best part of growing up in Ramona — it was the best thing my mom ever did. I’m so glad to be back here living full time. The ranch is so wholesome.”

She looks forward to seeing families that have been coming to the ranch year after year.

“It’s this wonderful family, a wholesome tradition everyone likes to join,” she says.