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!

January & February 2013

Phew! What a great start to an exciting year. It has been 2 months, 4,000 miles, 18 rodeo performances, 30 days on the road, and a priceless opportunity since beginning my journey as Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2013.

January 5th 2013   Laramie Jubilee Days Coronation

I could not think of a better first official appearance than the 2013 Miss Laramie Jubilee Days Coronation! It was such an honor to serve as the co-emcee along side Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2012, Kimberly Kuhn. Thank you to my Jubilee Days Family for including me!

 

Kimberly Kuhn, myself, and Zoe Curtright (Jubilee Days Queen Committee Chair)

 Laurels' acceptance speech!

Congratulations to Miss Laramie Jubilee 2013, Laurel Austin, and the Laramie Jubilee Days Royalty Committee on a fun and successful night!

January  11th - 13th 2013   Denver WESA Market

Next, I was off to the Denver WESA Market for some shopping!!! Thank you to Crystal Meyers and Laurie Thoman for making the trip to Denver to assist me in my shopping decisions.

Thank you to Bob Kipperman and all of the Kippy's crew

 for helping me design a custom, one of a kind

 Kippy's Jacket and some great Kippy's belts!

I also met Mike Hammerman of Bailey Hats. Thank you for your great support!

  Thank you to former Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Sandy (Meyer) Brazile, for generously sponsoring me some great pair of Twisted X Boots! 

A special thank you to Greg Hensley with Dan Post Boots for your continued support. I am excited to wear my stylish new Dan Post Boots!

 Thank you to Parker Enterprises for sponsoring my briefcase. I carry it everywhere and would be lost without it.

LOOK who found me at the Wrangler Party, Miss Rodeo Wyoming Association member, Rachel Kelderman!

Janurary 23rd - 27th 2013   National Western Stock Show

My next stop was back in Denver for the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). I truly enjoyed being included in so many great events at this years NWSS!  

The first event I attended was the Citizens of the West banquet honoring Dr. John Matsushim. The ' Citizen of the West' award is given annually to individuals who: "...embody the spirit and determination of the western pioneer, and who are committed to perpetuating the West’s agricultural heritage and ideals." Dr Matsushim has devoted his career to teaching students and innovating cattle feeding technologies. He is responsible for the development of steam-processing corn grain into ‘corn flakes’, a technique used worldwide today to increase efficiency in cattle feeding. Thank you to Dr. Matsushim for your commitment to our western lifestyle!

I was honored to have been afforded the opportunity to carry our great flag in the rodeo's opening ceremony on "Wyoming Day". 

Pictured above: Miss Rodeo CO, Miss Rodeo AZ, Miss Rodeo America, myself, & Miss Rodeo ND waiting to go in the arena for the opening ceremony on our great Cervi horses. Thank you to Cervi Championship Rodeo for providing us great horses to ride!


I owe a special thank you to Paul Andrews for all of your hard work and warm western hospitality at the National Western Stock Show! 

Myself, Miss Rodeo WI, Mr. Paul Andrews, Miss Rodeo CO, Miss Rodeo America, & Miss Rodeo ND at the rodeo appreciation breakfast.

 Catching the opening of the rodeo with Miss Rodeo IL and WI!!!

January 28th - February 2nd 2013  Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo

My next stop was Rapid City, SD for the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo! Thank you to Sutton Rodeo for allowing me to attend and for providing my great mount 'Gilbert'. Gilbert was fun to ride and always kept us entertained with his great personality and antics in the alleyway!

Miss Rodeo CA, myself on Gilbert, and Miss Rodeo IL.

While in Rapid City we of course had to make the trek to nearby Mount Rushmore National Monument. It was a VERY chilly morning but had a great time!

 My roommates were ID & MN. We had a lot of fun as you can tell!

We had a great time at school visits, participating in the fashion show, attending the Stockman's Ball, shopping, and of course at the rodeos!



February 8th, 9th, & 10th     Coors Pro Rodeo

After getting to spend a couple days at home I was excited to head up to Gillette for the Coors Pro Rodeo! Thank you to Hank and Lori Franzen of Powder River Rodeo for including me in the rodeo and providing me with a pair of great horses to ride for the weekend!

 It was SUPER exciting to debut my custom Tim Bath chaps at my first WY rodeo of the year!!! Thank you to Tim Bath for donating my chaps. Also, a big thank you to Roy Martin for  painting them. They turned out GORGEOUS!

 February 11th - 18th 2013   Silver Spurs Rodeo

After driving through a blizzard in subzero weather to get home from Gillette it was quite a shock to step off a plane less than 24 hrs later into 100% humidity and 80 degree weather! Thank you to my great host family, the Simpsons, for your great hospitality. I appreciate you opening your home to me for the week!

Myself and Miss Rodeo Nebraska, Sam Chytka, at the Miss Silver Spurs Rodeo Pageant 

 Beach day at Cocoa Beach!

 Silver Spurs Special Rodeo-- I had a great time with my special cowboy! I was overwhelmed by how many attended and how the Silver Spurs family rolled out the red carpet for their special guests.

All the state queens with the 'Boot' after the Special Rodeo.

While in Florida you have to get in some great Gator spotting right?! Thank you to Boggy Creek for sponsoring us a great air boat ride! We had a ton of fun looking for gators and other Florida wildlife.

Me and my roommate, Miss Rodeo IL, getting ready for our airboat ride!

We even got THIS close to a Gator (arms length away)!

 

I could not have dreamed of a better way to spend my birthday than surrounded with great friends at the Lake X Adventure Camp! It was a great day of rock climbing, zip lining, and a boat ride on this peaceful lake. That evening at the rodeo I even found my flag! Pictured below is the young man who had the honor of carrying the Wyoming Flag during the opening ceremonies at the rodeo performances. 

 Who would have ever thought I'd even get to go surfing!?!?!

My time in Florida was an absolute blast! Thank you to Laura Kessler for lining up such great activities for us all week and hosting us at the Silver Spurs rodeo!



Until next time,

Holly L. M. Kennedy
Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2013