Paula Jo McLean was born December 1955 to Gerald and Patsy Davis of Newcastle, Wyoming. Both parents were RCA members. Gerald roped calves, bulldogged, and rode bareback horses. Patsy was a trick rider. Paula Jo had one older sister, Shari. Both girls were raised on ranches riding and working cows. In 1960 Gerald lost his battle with cancer. Patsy continued trick riding until re-marrying Texas calf roper Bobby Seals. The family relocated to Texas.
Paula Jo completed high school and college rodeos in goat-tying, barrel racing and breakaway roping. In 4-H she showed horses. In 1980 Paula Jo acquired Bar O Top Sail; AKA: Spot, the sorrel paint stallion with four socks. Spot was successfully campaigned on the horse show circuit in Texas and Oklahoma to become an APHA Champion with numerous ROM’S to his credit.