A Big Thanks!!

12/31/09

Dear Wyoming:

I woke up this morning knowing that by the end of the day today, I would officially be Miss Rodeo Wyoming! I had to pinch myself to remind myself that this is all real. It would be selfish of me to think that I did this all by myself because I owe this wonderful year ahead of me to my loving parents, the community that raised and supported me, all of my close friends and the 7 other amazing girls that I competed with.

I want to take a moment to recognize the 7 young ladies who graciously competed with me for the prestigious title of Miss Rodeo Wyoming. They came from all corners of the state and each one has touched not only my life, but also the lives of the citizens they represented. It is my pleasure to introduce to you the true ladies of Wyoming as I know them.

Ashlee Estel, Miss Laramie Jubilee 2009 comes by her nickname of “Shorty” honestly. She may not be tall, but anyone who knows her can attest to her brilliant personality and honest laugh. Ashlee is generous and kind hearted and she always puts other people first. Last fall, when I was going to school and running cross country at the University of Wyoming, Ashlee invited me to help her ride her horses. She ended up having more horses than she could ride and knew that I needed some horse medicine. We spent a few afternoons riding and getting to know each other. Ashlee and I have shared many laughs throughout the year and I am thankful for her friendship!

I met Miss Rodeo Crook County, Raenell Edsall two years ago in our photography class. Raenell and I sat on different sides of the room but even on our first day of class, I could tell that this girl had a passion for agriculture. We were required to present our class projects at the end of the semester and her photos really reflected her personality. Raenell is a classy girl who can make zebra striped chaps look good! I had a great time getting to know Raenell this year and I am excited to keep up with her life after her graduation this fall!!

When I think of Lacey Strub, Miss Cody Nite Rodeo, the first word that comes to my mind is cowgirl! I first met Lacey at the Miss Rodeo Wyoming Clinic and I was very impressed with her knowledge of the sport of rodeo. She is originally from Montana but moved to Cody and spent quite a bit of time working for the Cody Nite Rodeo. This was the perfect fit for Lacey because she can spout out any rule and knows the ins and outs of how a rodeo performance is put together. Lacey is quick to smile and is poised and a knowledgeable spokesperson for the sport.

Sadie Rabold, Evanston Cowboy Days Queen is one of my favorite people in the world! She kept all of us giggling during the competition and almost had me rolling on the floor laughing more than once!! Sadie is blessed with the gift of humor and was very good at lightening the mood during the pageant. I didn’t know Sadie very well before the pageant but after the few days we spent together I feel like I’ve known her for years. This is a quality that many people strive for and Sadie accomplishes this with grace and poise.

I had the opportunity to work with Brittany Richards, Miss Butch Cassidy Days, three years ago. She was very gracious in pushing me in the right direction and she helped get me started with queening. Throughout the years, I’ve been able to work with Brittany on numerous different projects such as her “Random Girls on Horseback” club that she created at the University of Wyoming to get girls involved with the homecoming parade. Brittany has a passion for the sport of rodeo and she is very proud of the western heritage. She has been actively involved with the Wyoming Territorial Prison and is a spirited tour guide!

My first experience with Jamie Pond was the first year I attended Laramie Jubilee Days. She worked tirelessly to find a horse for me to ride during the rodeo and parade so I wouldn’t have to haul my horse across the state. Since that summer, Jamie and I have shared many experiences and she also took me under her wing to teach me the ins and outs of the world of queening. We have some great stories to tell about branding at her uncle’s ranch so next time you see Jamie, be sure to ask her about “professional calf riding!!” Jamie has a big heart and is quick to laugh and spread her enthusiasm for the sport we all love so much! I am honored to call Jamie Pond my friend.

Shawna Praeuner, Miss Rodeo Weston County has the ability to brighten up a room with her funny speeches and her sweet smile! I have had the opportunity to get to know Shawna through various queen functions over the past year. After going to clinics and rodeos, I was able to see the passion that Shawna has for Wyoming and the sport of rodeo. She is very comfortable on horseback and holds a deep respect for her family who has shaped her into who she is today.

Each of these girls has a special place in my heart and I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to get to know each other during the week we spent competing for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo Wyoming! I never would have had the opportunity to get to know these girls if we didn’t all make the decision to put ourselves out there to compete for the title! Ashlee, Raenell, Lacey, Sadie, Brittany, Jamie and Shawna, thank you for your support and friendship!!

God bless!!

Erin Heffron

Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2010