National Western Stock Show At My Back

Greg Hensley with Dan Post Boots

Military Appreciation Night

Wyoming Day Opening Ceremony

My new chaps from Tim Bath

Myself, Tim (helped us with flags), and Brittany (Miss Rodeo CA)

Me and Fargo

Me and Tim Balding (Spurs sponsor)

I wrapped up my last visit to Denver for the National Western Stock Show. Miss Rodeo America, McKenzie Haley had a pretty bad spill, actually two, the day before I got there. The doctor told her she had to stay off horses for two weeks to make sure her head was ok. Therefore, I was honored to be able to partake in the last 8 openings of the rodeo. 7 out of those 8 times I carried the National Western Stock Show. The other time I was able to carry the Wyoming flag for Wyoming Day. Gov. Matt Mead and his family were on hand, as well as two representatives of the Wyoming Stock Growers. I was so exciting to hear the cheers for the state of Wyoming.

While in Denver, I become rather close to Fargo the horse. For those of you who remember what happened to Erin, I think she scared him because never once did he act up! He was a complete sweetheart and we got along great. This was also the first time the state queens actually got to hang out as queens. It was fun getting to know everyone. Miss Rodeo California, Brittany Slaton, discovered that not only do we share a name, but we also share a birthday! On the last day of the rodeo, Brittany and I were able to share a lunch with longtime supports John Cavey and Pat Thompson. We also shared many conversations with Carl and Kathy Wilkenson from Landstrom’s throughout our visit. Theses four individuals made our first trip as state queens so pleasant.

I had the pleasure of joining Miss Rodeo America, Miss Rodeo Colorado, and Miss Rodeo North Dakota at the Brown Palace in downtown Denver to see the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion steers of the National Western Stock Show. It was surprising to see two steer in the lobby of a five star hotel. But it was a beautiful setting for two amazing animals. That night we were on hand for the Junior Livestock Auction. We had to leave early because of the rodeo, but were able to watch the sale of the Reserve Grand Champion hog, Grand Champion hog, and Reserve Grand Champion lamb. Some of us queens even made it onto 9News, as they were airing the auction live.

I have had a few days off, but will be heading to the Black Hills Stock Show tomorrow morning. I am excited to visit another state as Miss Rodeo Wyoming, but I am counting down the days until I make my first appearance in 2011 as Miss Rodeo Wyoming in the state of Wyoming.
Saddle Up and Ride On!

Shop till your Boots Fall off!

I want to start by congratulating all of the incoming and outgoing officers on the Miss Rodeo Wyoming Association. The enthusiasm to see the association grow is remarkable! I know that with their devotion and passion, this year is going to be everything I hoped for. I want to encourage anyone interested in joining this amazing group of people to contact myself or Rod Myers, the Miss Rodeo Wyoming Association president, or any other association member.

The day following the Miss Rodeo Wyoming Association meeting in Casper, I made my way to Denver for my first appearance as Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2011 at the National Western Stock Show. I helped with mutton busting and carried flags in the rodeo. I also attended the Citizen of the West dinner honoring Pete Coors. Pete was being honored for being a staple in the western community. After having numerous photo opts with Wyoming and Colorado government dignitaries (pictures to come later), I was honored to present Pete Coors with the National Western Stock Show branding iron and custom Stetson hat, both a custom for honorees to receive. We ended the evening by receiving a special edition root beer bottled by Pete Coors. They make some pretty delicious root beer floats! I finished up that weekend with the National Western Stock Show Scholarship Goat Roping. This event was one to remember! Kellsie Purdy, Miss Rodeo Colorado 2011 and I competed in the pig penning and had the fastest time of the night. At the end of the event Kellsie, McKenzie Haley, Miss Rodeo America 2011, and I competed in the “goat pole bending”. I surprised myself by having the fastest time of the three queens. What a way to end the weekend!

I spent January 14, 15, and 16 with Laurie Thoman-Hernedez, Linda and Rod Myers, and Kerri Cook at the Western and English Sales Association (WESA) Market in Denver. We visited sponsors and bought some amazing things to help me during my year as Miss Rodeo Wyoming. I am so glad that Laurie, Linda, Rod and Kerri had been there before because without their experience there, I would not have made as many contacts as I did, and I would still be lost in the huge building! We had a great time and had a chance to get to really know each other.

I was honored to attend the Wrangler party on Saturday night. After having a rather interesting experience trying to park my truck with Kerri, we made our way into the party. We saw some incredible people who have worked so hard to make rodeo the #1 sport. I was even able to have my picture taken with Stran Smith and Stetson Vest. I met Tom Balding, the sponsor of my Miss Rodeo Wyoming spurs; Jennifer Smith, a past Miss Rodeo America and ESPN rodeo correspondent; Abe Morris, a Wyoming rodeo cowboy and author; and many other rodeo idols.

The past few weekends have been filled with laughs and memories which made the first 19 days as Miss Rodeo Wyoming amazing. I can only imagine what the rest of the year has in store for me! I will be heading back to the Denver to the National Western Stock Show tomorrow morning and remain there until the end of stock show. If you’re in the area, make sure to come to the Saturday January 22 rodeo performance at 3:30pm. This performance will honor the state of Wyoming and I will be giving the opportunity to carrying the Wyoming flag during the opening ceremony.

Thank you Wyoming, Let’s Ride!

Hello Wyoming!

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone is as excited about 2011 as I am! As I sat watching the glass ball in New York City drop, I realized that not only was I counting down to 2011, but I was counting down to the start of my dream come true!! Earlier that night I had the honor of helping the Laramie Jubilee Days committee and royalty at their New Year's Eve Fall Brawl rough stock rodeo. Holly, Pam, Tabitha and I helped with a dice game to win a couple Polaris "toys". We also were honored to carry in the flags for the opening. As I stood at the gate waiting for my name to be called, I forgot that they were calling me when I heard "Carrying the Wyoming state flag is Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2011." I had to wait to hear my name to know they were for sure calling me into the arena. It was a great experience standing in the arena knowing I stood before my community as Miss Rodeo Wyoming.

I want to thank Erin Heffron for doing such an amazing job this past year as Miss Rodeo Wyoming. She always had a smile on her face and was grateful for everything. She took this title to a new level, and I hope that I can carry on her enthusiasm and charisma. Thank you Erin for being such an honest and wholesome role-model!

This year is going to be one in a million and I am excited to make my way to Denver for the National Western Stock Show. I already have goosebumps thinking about what it will be like riding into the arena on a horse provided by Cervi Championship Rodeo .

Thank you Wyoming for believing in me! Let's Saddle up and ride on!