Thank you Wyoming, and Goodnight!

The snow is piling up high and I'm glad I made it to the warmth of my home in time. I just made my final ride across the state of Wyoming, into Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and back again. I step down off my Courts Saddlery saddle, and tie my American Quarter Horse mare to the rail. My Dan Post boots keep my feet safe from the ice and snow beneath them, and my Star of the West Hat helps keep my body warmth in as I face the bitter wind that blows across this state.

Thankful I actually didn't make the trip on my horse, but instead in my "Live The West" Albany County Tourism decal truck. I can imagine though what the final journey would have been like for the cattle drives of the Wyoming Territory. Seeing the glowing lights of home welcoming you with warm arms, but the acknowledgment that the final drive is done. The thought tightens my throat, and my heart beats just a little faster. So, as I pulled into the drive way, my truck turns into my horse, and the garage slims down to a tack room where my saddle will be stored until the next I might be asked to join a drive across the territory. I make my way inside and settle by the fire, thinking back to my latest journey, a drive to "Sin City".

My trip to Las Vegas was an amazing way to conclude my year as Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2011. I had a reunion with 26 of my very closest friends! We spent a week taking in the sights of the MGM Grand Hotel and a few other attractions such as the Tournament of Kings in the Excalibur. We watched the 6th performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo where I cheered on the 7 Wyoming representatives. It was so much fun dressing in vintage outfits with these girls, each giving an amazing display of the early cowgirl styles. We danced on stage to various movie theme songs, and most of all, we all shared these experiences together! Did I forget to mention that while we were having the time of our lives, we were also competing in the Miss Rodeo America 2012 Pageant. The pageant was a great time, and congratulations to MacKenzie Carr, formally Miss Rodeo Oregon, for winning the title! I know she will represent rodeo great this coming up year and I'm excited to help host her in Cody, Wyoming. I may not have brought home an award from the pageant, but I know that I upheld Wyoming's Cowboy Code Of the West this past year and while in Las Vegas. I lived each day with courage trying new things, meeting new people, and becoming a better person. I took pride in the work I did this year and in Las Vegas, not wanting to change a thing. I finished every job I started, never breaking my smile, or stepping out of my saddle when I needed to be in it. I did what had to be done and I did it without being asked. I was tough this year, as many of my fellow queens would agree to, but I was fair knowing that not everyone was exactly like me. When I made a promise, I kept it even if it meant staying up late or waking up early to do interviews and autograph signings. I rode for the brand of Wyoming and all of my sponsors. I tried to talk less and say more, and I did that by just smiling at every person I could. I know that some things aren't for sale, but when they are, find the best price you can! And know where to draw the line.

My line is drawn December 31, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. At the moment I will be at the Miss Laramie Jubilee Days 2012 Queen Coronation and Fundraiser. I will have been introduced for the final time as Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2011, and I will have watched Kodie Lester become the new Miss Laramie Jubilee Days Queen. Laramie Jubilee Days holds a place in my heart, especially New Year's Eve. I was the first queen for Jubilee Days to have her coronation on New Year's Eve. On December 31, 2005 I started my journey to become Miss Rodeo Wyoming by being crowned Miss Laramie Jubilee Days 2006, and exactly 6 years later, my journey comes to an end. My line is drawn. As soon as the clock strikes midnight, as if living the tale of Cinderella, my crown and title will be passed to the best person I can think of, Kimberly Kuhn. She will begin her year and she will live by the Wyoming Code of the West, and she will have the most amazing experience of her life, just as I have.

So as that night draws near, I sit by the fireplace, dog sleeping at my feet, stars shining through the window panes; my pony is in the corral, my saddle is put neatly away, and the tack room door is shut one final time. I will make my way out into the crisp Wyoming winter air, and I will say one last time, "Thank you Wyoming! Thank you for letting me take this ride of my life!"

Ate breakfast at the Cracker Barrel in Springville, UT

One of many carts with my stuff being moved into the MGM

My parents and I watched the 1st performance of the WNFR in the Hollywood Theater at the MGM Grand.

Thank you Sharil Palaggi with MGM Grand for giving my parents and I the VIP treatment that night! What a great start in Las Vegas!

Being introduced during the sponsor break at the live feed of the WNFR in the MGM Grand.

Tyler Willis, PRCA Bullrider, and I were "Team Albany County". This was his first year competing at the WNFR, and certainly not the last!! Great Job Tyler!
~Live The West!~

Talking with my Cody Stampede crew at the Team Wyoming Breakfast.

Wyoming Governor, Matt Mead, wishing Tyler and I the best of luck during our week in Las Vegas.

Talking with the Richard family from Cody. They are again reminding me that I am spelling my last name wrong. I love these people and can't wait to see them next time I'm in Cody.

Talking with Guy and Marci Warpness from the Laramie Jubilee Days Board. Congratulations to them and the LJD Board for being voted the Most Improved Rodeo in the Mountain States Circuit.

My dad and I talking with MRWA member and Wyoming State Fair Director, James Goodrich. Make sure to join us in Douglas, Wyoming in August of 2012 for the 100th Anniversary of the Wyoming State Fair.

With Siri Stevens, Rodeo News, and Kimberly Kuhn at the Team Wyoming Breakfast. She was fun at every rodeo I saw her at! She loves her job!

With Fred McClanahan, an amazing rodeo photographer I had the pleasure of working with this year, and Kimberly Kuhn at the Team Wyoming Breakfast the day before the pageant started.

I had the pleasure of signing autographs at Cowboy Christmas with Tyler Willes and Seth Glause. These guys were a hoot! Seth had won the round the night before, and Tyler won a paycheck too!! They were on cloud nine that afternoon! Good Job Boys!

Kim even found Tuff Hedeman at Cowboy Christmas!

We rehearsed right out of our boots! But don't worry.......

....Dan Post had our feet!
(Thanks Greg for EVERYTHING!!!)

The "Prince" from the Excalibur Dinner Show

"RUSSIA!!!!" Was sad the rider from my home wasn't riding, but our rider was a blast. I think he really enjoyed have 13 rodeo queens scream "RUSSIA" each time he rode by.

Ta Da!!!

Thursday, we were off to the President's Breakfast to see Brittany carry in our beloved Wyoming flag. She wore a gorgeous royal blue outfit with white flowers to accent, and looked very professional for the event. She had to answer a current event question and managed to bring light to the answer to give everyone a giggle!

Brittany was first out in speeches following the breakfast and did a great job in her beautiful green dress that accented the Wyoming crown. We were then shown the media interview the ladies had to do on the first day.

Friday, we watched the second round of speeches, then headed off to Cowboy Christmas to watch Brittany sell her Wyoming purse. She brought Wyoming to Las Vegas and even included a jackelope antler! Brittany has managed to be very light hearted at and ease bringing a smile to the audience.

Today the coronation will begin at 1:30!! Brittany has made Wyoming proud so any nice comments you would like to post on the facebook page would be greatly appreciated.

Cannot wait to see you all back home for the holidays!!!!

God Bless and keep the positive thoughts coming!!!

Signing out, this is Kimberly Kuhn! xoxo

Fashion Show Delight!

Last night Brittany and the other Miss Rodeo America contestants were able to go to the 6th round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Brittany looked great in her Live the West vest as she cheered on Wyoming's finest cowboys especially in the bull riding with Clayton Savage winning the Go Round!

Today Brittany came out like a shining star in the fashion show. She wore outfits that were donated by the PRCA Exclusive Sponsor, Wrangler, as well as her beautiful purple leather dress with a very neat design that looked great on the Hollywood Theatre Stage. The theme was "A night at the movies," and the girls danced to music from popular movies such as Pretty Woman, Top Gun, Risky Business and Dirty Dancing. Brittany was graceful in her modeling and did well with all the stairs she had to make her way down to model.

Following the fashion show was a great after party in the Crazy Horse theatre. The pictures were taken there and we even had the chance to visit with her for a little bit. Brittany will have the President's Breakfast in the morning where she will carry our wonderful state flag and answer a current event question. First round of speeches is also tomorrow. Looking forward to what is ahead!!! Please keep sending positive thoughts Brittany's way as she has done a great job representing Wyoming!!!

Thank You for Supporting Miss Rodeo Wyoming Brittany Richards!!

Retro Cowgirls, Fun Horses, and PRCA Rodeo

The Cowgirl Kickoff party was a really fun event at the start of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant to allow the girls to design their own retro outfit and describe it. Brittany definitely made a statement, in her ALL OUT retro cowgirl look. She was adorable and noticed by everyone! As seen in the picture, her parents have been great support. There was a live band at the event, and everyone had a really great time!

Brittany was up bright and early Monday morning in her beautiful red horsemanship outfit with gold accent. It looked great in the arena at the Excalibur. She rode two different stock contractor horses and drew really well for both her set pattern and her freestyle pattern.

After a tough morning of competition the MRA contestants were able to have a wonderful time all dressed up at the American Country Awards in the MGM. They were among true country music celebrities as they enjoyed this once in a lifetime opportunity, much like the journey of this week. Brittany is having the time of her life, all while representing her state with Wyoming pride!

Brittany showed her Poke Pride at the Wrangler National Finals Luncheon on Tuesday where she modeled her chaps and was able to describe them. She thanked Tim Bath for his great work and wonderful support for the past several years and described the word given to her to speak on, Riggin. Brittany has done a great job of bringing her love of Wyoming and its heritage into her answers and introductions this week. Tomorrow, I really look forward to cheering her on at the fashion show and keeping the wonderful Miss Rodeo Wyoming fans informed. Please keep good thoughts headed this way!! God Bless and stay warm if you are back home!

<3 Kimberly Kuhn

Viva Las Vegas Baby!

Brittany Richards has made it to Las Vegas and alongside the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, she is well on her way into the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Brittany started off her journey yesterday morning with the Team Wyoming breakfast hosted by Wyoming Tourism at the Gold Coast Casino. It was a great morning as it showcased the true talent we have in our Cowboy State when it comes to rodeo. The guest speaker at this event was the honorable, Governor Matt Mead, he gave everyone who attended the breakfast kind remarks. Brittany then made her way over to Cowboy Chirstmas at the Convention Center to sign autographs alongside a few of the Team Wyoming cowboys. She met with many different people and was even able to see a few familiar faces.

Today was the official start of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Her scrapbook was turned in as she made her way to the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand to receive her banner and attend orientation. "Pinky" (Brittany's favorite pink hat) made a special appearance at the orientation as she answered a question from her application.

Brittany was able to get settled into her room in the Grand Towers at the MGM and from this point forward, she will not have access to her cell phone or internet. If you would like to send Brittany words of encouragement, please do so by e-mailing missrodeopageant@yahoo.com type WYOMING and BRITTANY RICHARDS in the subject line and one of the chaperones will be sure to get it to her. Also, if you would like to keep an "eye" on Brittany this week, do so by looking at pictures posted by the official pageant photographer, John Shooter, at www.shooterenterprises.com. He will be taking pictures at all of the Miss Rodeo America events.

On behalf of Brittany I would like to thank you for your support of her as Miss Rodeo Wyoming. Your thoughts and prayers are truly appreciated throughout this week and please tune in for more details to come!

God Bless each of you!!~

Kimberly Alexis Kuhn

Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2012

Miss Punctuality at your service!

Well, my bags are packed and I’m ready to head to Las Vegas. I can’t believe that I will be heading south in 24 hours. So many people made this adventure possible that I can’t begin thank everyone enough. The past few months have gone by so fast, which is why I haven’t been able to update the blog. It’s a little late, but here goes.

James Goodrich from the Wyoming State Fair called me and asked me to ride in University of Wyoming Homecoming Parade. The Wyoming State Fair will be celebrating its 100^th Anniversary this coming summer and had a wagon advertising the centennial in the parade. It was fun riding along side James in the parade. It was my last as Miss Rodeo Wyoming, and while it was a little sad to close that chapter of my year, James made it fun with his smile and laugh. Thank you, James!

Miss Rodeo Colorado, Kellsie, and I made our way to Rock Springs, Wyoming for the Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo. The Finals rodeo made the move from Denver to Rock Springs this year. It was very well attended and the stock contractors brought some of the best stock I have seen all year! Kellsie and I carried our state flags and the American Flag for the openings, led the victory laps, and cleared cattle during the event. Congratulations to all of the contestants and to the Champions who will represent the Mountain State Circuit in Oklahoma City at the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo.

And the race is on!

Thank you Cody Brinton for the photos from the finals!

Martendale’s Western Wear of Laramie asked me to be a model for their store during the ZONTA Fashion Show. I was able to pick out my outfit and had fun accessorizing to match the blingy boots I chose to wear that night. I was joined by 75 other models to walk the runway. It was a fun evening that raised a lot of money for local groups.

Before the show with the Jubilee Days royalty

The next morning I packed up and headed to Sheridan, Wyoming with my parents for the Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2012 Coronation and Fundraiser. That evening I placed the jade and gold crown on Kimberly Kuhn’s white hat. It was a great evening and Kim had so much support from the Sheridan/Buffalo area and even folks from Cheyenne were able to make it up. Kim was given so much love that night that I know her year as Miss Rodeo Wyoming, starting January 1^st, will be amazing!

With Alton Miller, he provided music at the beginning of the night

The next weekend I went to visit my grandparents in Sundance and made a trip across the border to Rapid City, South Dakota to see my hat sponsor, Brad, at Star of the West Hats. Brad shaped every hat I own and got me all set up for Las Vegas! Thank you Brad! You are an amazing sponsor!

Before heading home I went to Casper for A Tribute to the Great American Cowboy. Dona Vold with Triple V Rodeo invited me and the Cheyenne Frontier Days Queen and Lady-In-Waiting to be a part of the art show and rodeo. We had a great time getting to know Kolton, the Children’s Western Wish Foundation recipient. Kim Kuhn arranged for me to use her horse and I greatly appreciate it! This was my last time in a Wyoming arena as Miss Rodeo Wyoming, but I had a blast, made some great memories, and closed yet another chapter in my rodeo queen year in fine style.

With Kolton, the Children's Western Wish Foundation recipient, his brother, and Kim Kuhn

Right after the rodeo I headed back home to prepare for my Send-Off Party. I got a few hours of sleep, thank goodness for Daylight Savings Time, and then started moving my mass of a wardrobe to the University of Wyoming Hansen Arena meeting room. My best friend, Stacie (Kline) Thompson, Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2006, served as emcee. Some of my closest friends and supporters joined us for an afternoon of viewing my clothes for the Miss Rodeo America pageant, listening to what the pageant will be like, raising some money, and eating homemade chili. It was so much fun and it really helped me get prepared for the fast approaching trip to the bright lights of Vegas! Thank you to my mom, dad, Dusty, Aaron and Stacie (Kline) Thompson, Justin Tarr, and Jerry and Nola Hoff for helping me with this event!!

Stacie (Kline) Thompson and her husband, Aaron

My last event in the state of Wyoming before my 13 hour drive to Las Vegas was the Carbon County Royalty Fundraiser in Baggs, Wyoming. It was great supporting a local queen program and getting to know the girls who will work very hard next year for the sport of rodeo! We had a great dinner, live and silent auctions, and danced to the music of Trainwreck. The queen and I were auctioned off for the first dance. My friend Justin was the big bidder for my dance, while the queen’s dad was pretty happy to get the first dance with his daughter. It was a wintery event, with the interstate closing and everything. I had to drive 7 miles east to Dixon, Wyoming to find a hotel to stay at until the roads opened the next day. It was a slow drive home, but I made it!

That brings us to the countdown! It went from months, to weeks, to days, and now to hours! I can’t believe how fast this year has gone! It has been amazing, beyond words, more than life changing! I would love to talk more about my year, but I have shirts that need ironing, vests needing even more rhinestones, and a trailer that needs packed!

For those of you who want to follow the Miss Rodeo America pageant, Kim Kuhn (Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2012) will be posting updates on this blog through the pageant which starts December 3 and ends with the crowning of the new Miss Rodeo America 2012 on December 10. There may also be updates on the Miss Rodeo Wyoming Facebook page if you have Facebook.

If you would like to send me an email during the pageant, the Miss Rodeo America association has set up a process to do that. From the Miss Rodeo America media chairperson:

Pageant contestants can be sent messages of encouragement while at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. During the pageant they will not have access to their personal e-mail addresses or phones.

The e-mail rules are as follows:
>e-mail address: missrodeopageant@yahoo.com
1. We will start accepting messages on Saturday, December 3, 2011
2. Please include the State in the subject line.
3. All messages are read prior to printing to ensure appropriateness of the message. The committee reserves the right to not deliver a message they feel is inappropriate.
4. Messages may not be printed after Friday, Dec. 9th
5. Messages received after the pageant cannot be sent to contestants, we have no means of doing so.
6. Contestants DO NOT have access to e-mail during the pageant, please do not expect a response.
7. Due to circumstances beyond our control, messages may not always get to us. We try very hard but technology is not 100% accurate.

I would love to receive emails from you all throughout the week! You can also order flowers for me to help brighten my day by calling A French Bouquet in Las Vegas at (702)739-8484 or by visiting http://www.vegasflowers.com/.

I am excited to wrap up my year as Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2011 by competing for the title of Miss Rodeo America 2012. It’s been a long road here, competing three years for the title of Miss Rodeo Wyoming, winning 1^st runner up all three tries, overcoming obstacles in my life, discovering so many new life-long friends, and most importantly, finding out who I am and what I stand for. This year has made me strong and confident and I am proud to be known as Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2011.
Thank you Wyoming, Let’s Ride!

Make your Voice Heard!! VOTE!!!!

Voting beings today, Halloween, at noon for the Miss Rodeo America 2012 Pageant People's Choice Award. Today is the day to show the World how Wyoming is just as strong at the other states. Let's show them even though we are small...we are mighty. Go to VOTE (the Miss Rodeo America Facebook page) and "like" my photo. That is how simple it is to vote for Miss Rodeo Wyoming! Voting begins today at noon!! Tell you friends and family! Powder River.. Let'er Buck! VOTE!