Life Changing

On July 6th 2013, Boyd Polhamus called our names over the echoing sound system as the crowd of several thousand cheered. The six of us flew into the arena knowing that there was no turning back. The week of public appearances, interviews, speeches, horsemanship, friendships and rodeo was behind us and the moment of truth was upon us. 
Our horses could feel our anticipation as they pranced underneath us because our nerves were on end. It was hard to hear to the announcements. Not because of the noise from the fans but the sound in my saying a prayer that my preparation was enough to make the cut. The awards seemed to take a lifetime but for everyone else it was only a few short minutes. "Your new 2013 Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks... is... Kelsey Parmenter!" I could not believe it. I do not know how my horse knew to move forward because I think I was too excited to ask her too.

I have previously received several runner-up titles but God new that the timing at the rodeo was not right. I had a lot to learn and even more to work for before being prepared to have a title.I sold my horses in order to attend college and originally view this as a setback but through riding other people’s horses I have had the opportunity to learn from several very talented riders that I may not have otherwise. As a financially independent college student, I have faced a number of obstacles but none to challenging to overcome with the help of family and friends. The hours spent studying and practicing has been well worth it because it is what I genuinely enjoy. From riding lessons to honest opinions about outfits and from speech rehearsals to quizzing me on current events, I wouldn’t be half as prepared without the help of others. If it weren’t for those who helped me along the way, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I am ecstatic to write the next chapter in my life and hope that you'll come along for the ride!

"Ride with passion & Rope your dreams!"