Black Hills Stock Show, Winter Wester Rodeo, and Silver Spurs

Love my new pickup Miranda!

One of the many blessings I have had this year is the support of some amazing sponsors. This year I am pleased to welcome two new Platinum Sponsors to the Miss Rodeo Wyoming Association; Wolf Dodge in Jackson and Dr. Angus Goetz with Orthopedic Associates of Jackson Hole.  Wolf Dodge in Jackson has jumped on as the new Truck Sponsor for Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2014. Brad Wolf has provided me a vehicle for the year; 2014 Ram 2500 (I have named her Miranda)!! This pickup is safe and reliable and is one that turns heads! Dr. Angus Goetz is an amazing orthopedic surgeon in Jackson Hole. He has been voted best knee doctor in Jackson Hole for many years. I am honored to represent these two amazing businesses throughout my year!

Myself on Deetz with Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Codi Miller

            My first trip in Miranda was to Rapid City, SD to the Black Hills Stock Show. Miss Rodeo South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, the new Black Hills Stock Show Queen and I were very busy throughout the week. From school visits, to autograph signings, to packing 60+ flags at the rodeos between 4 queens, it was a busy 7 days. A highlight for the week was when Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Codi Miller and I got to speak to classes about our platforms. Codi’s platform is on Anti-Bullying where she tells the story of Cowgirl Suzy and how she is bullied, and how the scars she receives from this will never leave. That along with my Character Counts platform made for some great school visits and really engaged the classes. A big thank you to Ms. Jerry Luckett for everything she did for us during the week. Also a thank you to Sutton Pro Rodeo for providing me with my horse “Deetz” for the week.

Carrying Old Glory in Gillette Wyoming

            My next stop was to Gillette Wyoming for the Winter Western. Mrs. Lori Franzen with Powder River Rodeo Co. was so kind to have me there. It was so cool to be at my first PRCA rodeo in Wyoming and I was honored to carry the American Flag. Carrying beautiful Old Glory is something that I never take for granted.

Ridin' the gator at Gatorland!!

            My next trip took me all the way to sunny Florida for the Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee. Leaving Jackson in a blizzard with -10 degrees, and arriving in Florida to 80+ degrees and humidity was a shock! Going from nice curly queen hair to stick straight in less than 10 minutes made all of us queens mad! But besides the humidity that killed our queen hair, Florida was a blast. The 27 of us all went to many school visits, gator watching, hog hunting, airboat riding, and much more! On the last day I was there we got to do the Special Rodeo. I was paired with a young girl who was very shy, but was drawn to the horses. The second we got her on a horse her face was captured by a beautiful smile that didn’t leave the rest of the time! It’s moments like this that remind me why I do what I do; inspire, educate, and promote the sport of Rodeo!

Miss Chelsie and I at the Special Rodeo in Kissimmee Florida

National Western Stock Show!

Wyoming, North Dakota, California, America and Kansas on the Wagon at NWSS

What a crazy couple of weeks I have had. My year started on January 1^st and boy has it already been amazing! My first official trip was to the WESA and the National Western Stock Show. Laurie Thoman and I spend the first few days shopping till we dropped, literally. I had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the amazing sponsors that Miss Rodeo Wyoming and Miss Rodeo America get to work with. From Bailey Hats and Cripple Creek, to Shackleford Sales and Twisted X Boots, I really have some incredible sponsors! I will be wearing some wonderful new apparel from them; I cannot wait to share them with you all. Market was also where I ran into the commissioners of Cheyenne Frontier Days. These men gave me insight on what to expect this year in Cheyenne. I can’t say much, but I will be a busy girl while I’m there; I cannot wait!

Cheyenne Frontier Days Commisioners

After all that shopping, I found myself at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo. 10 days of non-stop rodeo fun! I got to see a lot of the other state queens throughout the time I was there. Miss Rodeo America, Colorado, North Dakota and myself were there the whole time, for every rodeo performance! But it seemed that every performance was different and fun! Cervi Championship Rodeo provided us with horses to pack sponsor flags for the rodeo. I rode a few different guys, but my main mount was a great little horse named Yuma. By the last performance, he and I both were tired, but still loving every moment of our time together.

Codi Miller, Miss Rodeo North Dakota and myself! I rode Scott all week!

Throughout the week, the girls and I had appearances at different events on the NWSS grounds. My favorite was the Grand Champion Market Beef selection and events that followed. Did you know that every year, the Brown Palace (a hotel in downtown Denver) displays the Grand and Reserve Champion Market Beef in the lobby? I was so excited to be a part of this tradition. 

Mrs. Janice Shakleford and my new Cripple Creek fur!

Another event that I was honored to attend was the Citizens of the West Dinner. Miss Rodeo America, Colorado and myself were hostesses for the evening. The night was to honor a person who embodies the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer and perpetuates the West’s agricultural heritage and ideals. This year’s honoree was Mr. Fred Hamilton. Hamilton is a pioneer in the oil and gas business, philanthropist and advocate for the arts. Meeting and getting to know this man was such an honor. I also had the privilege to accompany and visit with Mr. Alan K. Simpson. Simpson is a politician who served from 1979 to 1997 as a United States Senator from Wyoming and is a member of the Republican Party.  It was an honor to be in attendance with so many influential people who have done so much for our agricultural community and our country!

Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn (parents of Kim Kuhn, MRW 2012) and myself!

When I arrived home I was very excited to receive my new pickup from Wolfs Dodge in Jackson. Brad Wolf is a new sponsor but is very excited about a new relationship with Miss Rodeo Wyoming. I am now riding in style in my 2014 Ram 2500! Let me tell you, this pickup has EVERYTHING! From a sun roof, to automatic sensored brights, its like driving a futuristic space shuttle! I am beyond blessed to have a sponsor like him! 

My next trips are to the Black Hills Stock show, Winter Western in Gillette then Florida! 

Till next time Wyoming,

God Bless!

Desiree Bridges

Meer Miranda, my new Ram 2500 pickup!! I cant wait to drive her all around our great state!!

Let us begin!

Hello Wyoming! It’s hard to believe that for the next year of my life I will be traveling all across the country as Miss Rodeo Wyoming! It has been a dream of mine for a long time and I am honored and excited to represent this great state that I love. Keep up with my travels here at The Wrangler throughout the next year!

Contestants after crowning!

Goofing around at Ag Appreciation Picnic!

There were eight incredibly talented girls competing for the title this summer; Bridget Seidel (Miss Cody Nite Rodeo), Maarissa Mason (Miss Teton Co. Fair and Rodeo), Kaycee Auen (Miss Wyoming Livestock Roundup), Trina Barnett (Miss Cody Stampede), Laurel Austin (Miss Laramie Jubilee Days), Christina Albertini (Miss Sweetwater Ranch Sorting Queen) and Lisanne Fear (Miss Sublette County Rodeo Queen). These ladies and I shared a long week of interviews, speeches, modeling, horsemanship, and appearances. We were judged by three very qualified judges from the surrounding states on three main categories; Appearance, Personality, and Horsemanship. Holly Kennedy, Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2013 was there everyday with us, assisting, setting patterns and being an incredible role model for us to follow. After 5 days of competition I was honored to win the following categories; speech and media interview, horsemanship, personality, most programs sold, and the title of Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2014! I had an amazing week with these women and made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!

Coronation night with Holly

 After State Fair, I was busy planning my coronation. I had a great coronation committee of 5 women who helped make my night a success; Amy and Susan Hindman, Marti Mason, Debbie Lutz, and Barbara Hubele (my wonderful mother). I want to again thank you all, you went above and beyond what I wanted and made my night a huge success! On the night of November 2nd, surrounded by friends, family and community members I was officially crowned Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2014. Words cannot describe the feeling I had when that iconic gold and jade crown was placed on my head, it is truly a moment I will never forget. 

Holly and I at MRA Fashion Show!

The Miss Rodeo America pageant was next on my itinerary. It was so cool watching 27 women competing for the title of Miss Rodeo America 2014. Holly Kennedy did such an amazing job representing our state at the pageant, from her moving speech about Wyoming, to her “Wyoming Brands” themed dress for the Gala; she was truly “Riding for the Brand”. She was chosen to receive the Sherry Smith Memorial Scholarship, which is an honor! Wyoming was very proud of Holly as she competed with class and poise. Holly, I have big shoes to fill, thank your for representing Wyoming so well!

 My first appearance will be at the National Western Stock Show. I will be around the grounds at various events… stop by and come say hi! I will be at the rodeos nightly and am very excited about Wyoming Night, Saturday Jan, 25th. I hope to see you all there. I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and are enjoying a very Happy New Year! 

God Bless,
 Desiree Bridges Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2014

Looking Back, Looking Forward

As I sit here writing what will be my final posting as Miss Rodeo Wyoming, on my last day as Miss Rodeo Wyoming, I am overwhelmed by the finality of it all. As I look back on this past year I contemplate how it has affected me, or has it effected me? Am I a better spokesperson? role model? cowgirl? friend? professional? and ultimately person for this journey and path I have ventured down?

As I sat at dinner last night with friends and mentors of mine discussing the ups and downs of being Miss Rodeo Wyoming and how it seems nearly all Miss Rodeo Wyoming's feel upon completion of their year-- broken. I look back on the great times, memories, and experiences I have garnered. I look back to the friendships I have made and the phenomenal people I have meet. As I look back on these great things that came about as a product of my time under the charm and spell of the Jade crown this past year... I wonder why and how is it we feel broken?

I have always been told ‘…as one door closes, another door opens…’. As I look back on this past year and the chapter in my life devoted to it drawing to a close, I can't help but glance forward. Wondering what is the next chapter, what is the open door waiting for me to step forward and begin writing that next chapter?

My mantra while competing for the title of Miss Rodeo Wyoming was: ‘Let It Be’. That spring while debating whether or not to throw in my bid for a shot at the title I finally decided—If you never give fate a shot, you will never know what hand she might have dealt. So, I submitted my application and gave fate a chance to intervene. I competed for the title with complete peace that whatever the outcome, it was what was meant to be.

So, here I am a year of ups and downs later, knowing it was meant to be. It was all meant to be. As I sit here feeling shaken, cracked, and perhaps broken from the hardships, trial, and tribulations.

I know it was perhaps part of the experience for a reason. We have all heard the expression 'without darkness we could not appreciate light'. Perhaps this is why-- to make the good experiences sustain a greater impact, or become more memorable by contrast. Or perhaps, it was to serve as a source of motivation. Motivation for myself and others who have felt and experienced the same emotions, to make a stand. To stand for the change we believe in and want to see. The change that must be seen to allow the title to not only continue but also stand for the grandeur it should. 

As I look forward I know part of this journey into my next chapter will be to help future Miss Rodeo Wyoming's in their year. I am overwhelmingly grateful to the previous Miss Rodeo's that have reached out to me. Reached out with words of experience, wisdom, and encouragement. They, along with so many others helped build me up and keep 'my cup full' so that I could give more of myself to build up and inspire others. 

As I look back on my year as Miss Rodeo Wyoming I am grateful for the good, and even for the bad. I am even grateful for this broken feeling I am left with in the pit of my stomach. I am grateful because I know it is a temporary feeling. One I was given to inspire, drive, and ignite me. As I accept the good, with the bad, and on this New Years Eve I resolve towards a more resilient self. I am given peace. A deep peace knowing that it was all meant to be and will soon serve as a solitary chapter in the story of my life because it effected and affected me in ways I may never fully understand or comprehend. I resolve to believe in some (or perhaps many) ways I am better spokesperson, role model, cowgirl, friend, professional, and ultimately person for this journey and path I have ventured down. 

Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2013

Holly L. M. Kennedy

 

 

NCFSR

National Circuit Finals Steer Roping 18th-21st 2013

For the 3rd year Torrington Wyoming has served as home for the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping. It was a very well put on rodeo with phenomenal hospitality. The finals kicked off with a hospitality banquet with oysters on the half shell, smoked tuna, cocktail shrimp, a cheese assortment, and other delicious Hor d` ouvers. All weekend the committee rolled out the red carpet for the contestants, their families, and all of the personal. It was a great time with great people!  Thank you to the committee for providing me with a hotel room & a big, beautiful, black horse to ride all weekend.

Look who I bumped in to-- long time friend and sound guy Derek Barton. If you have not had the opportunity check out his 'Talk Radio"be sure to!

Miss Rodeo Wyoming Queens Clinic March 15-17

Thank you to The Range Arena in Laramie for hosting this years Miss Rodeo Wyoming Clinic! It is a beautiful facility and we sure enjoyed having a heated arena to ride in as it was a little chilly that weekend. We had a great turnout, with with girls from Wyoming, South Dakota and even California! This year all participants rode provided horses, in preparation for Miss Rodeo Wyoming Horsemanship & similar draw type horsemanship competitions.

Thank you to Miss Rodeo Wyoming Association Members, Stacy Berger & Lindy Johnson, for all of their hard work towards making the clinic such a hugh success! A Special thanks to this years clinicians: Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2012 Kimberly Kuhn, public speaking instructor at the University of Wyoming Jamie Pond, Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2010 Erin Heffron Kyle, & Veterinarian Christa Branch.

March 2013

March 2nd   Mid-Winter MR T Bull Riding

I was honored to be asked by Barb Burns, of Burns Rodeo Company, to attend their Mid-Winter MR T Bull Riding as the hostess for the Western Wishes Recipient. This years recipient was Laramie's own Ariana Ruskey. 'Arie' is an incredible young lady that has battled a rare form of cancer with incredible strength, and resolve.  I would encourage everyone to check out the great ways Western Wishes is touching lives.

Arie's Family & myself during the presentation. 

Thank you to all of the contestants that signed her cowboy hat keepsake!

March 3rd  Laramie Jubilee Days Queens Clinic

Thank you to Zoe Curtright and Jamie Stine for including me in this years Queens Clinic! I had a great time working with Jamie Stine and the girls on horsemanship.

  Shelby Page, Laurel Austin, myself, Kaycee Auen, & Lizzi Snyder.

Princess Clinic attendees, Emily Browning and Kemsley Gallegos, listening 

eagerly to instruction from myself and Jamie Stine.

CONGRATULATIONS to LJD Clinic Attendees: Shelby Page, and Emily Browning on recently being named as LJD Lady-In-Waiting and Princess!

-and-

Lizzi Snyder on being named as a finalist for the Miss Rodeo Colorado Pageant!

March 7-9th   Rodeo Queen Boot Camp

I once again attended the Rodeo Queen Boot Camp in Ogden, Utah to polish my skills as MRW '13! It was a fun and educational weekend. Pictured below is my roommates and I in our 'groovy' outfits for 70's night!

 

 Taking a short break from the presentations for a quick photo!