Since I last checked in, I have been able to have a few quiet days at home. I am using this time to prepare for my summer travels, the Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant and the Miss Rodeo America pageant. This year's trip to Vegas for the Miss Rodeo America pageant has a few changes that I would like to share with you. First off, the host hotel and location for a majority of the pageant will be the MGM Grand. The dates have also changed. We will begin the pageant December 3rd and crown the new Miss Rodeo America 2012 on December 10th. Detailed information can be found on the Miss Rodeo America website. I am excited for the "Whole New Pageant".
Shortly after returning home from Oklahoma City/Pocatello, it was time to crown the new National Circuit Finals Steer Roping (NCFSR) Champion. This is the second year that there has been a circuit finals for the steer roping, and Torrington, WY has been the home of the championship. The NCFSR Committee provided me with a hotel and meals during the weekend. One of the committee members, Larry, lent me one of his horses to ride. My horse, Dooley, and I carried the American Flag following the introductions of the contestants and assisted the arena usher, Jeff Rector, in clearing the steers. It was a great opportunity to participate in a true Wyoming tradition. Congratulations to all of the contestants and to Trent Mills from Gillette, Wy for receiving the NCFSR Trophy Saddle.
Carrying the American Flag on Dooley
Jeff Rector and I clearing the arena
Dooley and I, almost needed a ladder to get on him after lunch!!
I was invited to join two of my sponsors, Albany County Tourism and the First National Bank of Wyoming, at the Ag Appreciation dinner in Laramie. The local ranchers invited area businesses to join them in a night of prime rib dinner and a lecture about how agricultural business benefits the World. Dr. Sides was the speaker and shared some very interesting information regarding third world countries and the benefits of agriculture. I was joined by Miss Laramie Jubilee and her Lady-In-Waiting. I also had a chance to visit with Kati and Levi Hime with Wyoming Lifestyles Magazine. I worked with them while a member of Job's Daughters and am so excited for them with this new magazine which illustrates Wyoming and her residents. Thank you Albany County Tourism, First National Bank, and Sharleen Castle for allowing me to attend.
Dr. Sides, lecturer
Laramie Jubilee Days Royalty
Kati and Levi Hime with Wyoming Lifestyle's Magazine
Speaking of the Albany County Tourism, I want to thank them for working with me on my travels. Fred, Jamie, and Ann have offered so many resources to me as I travel! They have donated gifts for me to give to my out of town hosts, literature to distribute about my county, and have helped prepare my official Miss Rodeo Wyoming pickup. I will be driving across the state sharing the way to "Live The West" in Albany County. Thank you Albany County Tourism, and thank you Dad for the use of your truck!
(PICTURES TO COME)
I closed April by presenting the American flag and sponsor flags at the Laramie River Rendezvous. I was excited to be representing my Alma mater, the University of Wyoming. I watched the University's cowboys and cowgirls end their intercollegiate rodeo season, many of them competing for one of the finals spots to attend the National College Finals Rodeo held in Casper this June. The heart these athletes show makes me proud to wear the brown and gold colors of the University of Wyoming! Powder River Let'er Buck! Thank you to Kim Kuhn and Brooke Howard, who let me borrow their horses! While one of Kim's horses didn't think carrying the America Flag was much fun, I had a great time with her and the team!
Gypsy not wanting to play nice!
Speed is more Gypsy's thing!
Thank you Kim so much!!!
I left the college rodeo and headed north to the Big Wyoming Horse Expo in Douglas. This was the second year for the expo, and it is certainly a growing event! I was able to catch the last day of the expo and was offered a palomino filly to ride in the parade of horse. Jackie, Terry, and Barbara of Angel Quarter Horses in Riverton, Wy allowed me to show off their horse, Shiloh, and I appreciate it greatly! I listened to some very knowledgeable equine experts and learn a great deal! The shopping was also first class! I want to thank the committee for allowing me to join them!
Barbra, Shiloh, and myself
Showing off this amazing filly
Getting ready to address the crowd
I'm glad to have a break in my travels to spend some quality time with my family, friends, dog, and horses. This summer is going to be busy and I'm lucky to have a chance to spend time with the people who have supported me. Next on my queen calendar is the Miss Rodeo Wyoming Association meeting. Thank you Wyoming for the support and we will see you on the road!
