Rodeo of the Ozarks

Rodeo week was a hectic one. I originally planned to go into detail about the week but I believe that article would leave your head spinning. It was four days jam packed with events, rodeo queening duties, Rounders duties and lots of R-O-D-E-O! The 70th Annual Rodeo of the Ozarks was a great success. On Saturday night, it was one of th largest crowds recorded and everyone enjoyed the show. I heard nothing but positive comments from everyone in the stands.

Switching from queen mode to rounders in minutes was a bit difficult but everyone helping out made it possible. I had a full schedule until Saturday evening, so I was unable to get my boys rodeo ready. I left a VERY specific schedule of what tack to put on what horse and what time they needed to be ready as well as feeding, watering, cooling down and bathing schedule. I was so worried the entire time about things not getting done but there was only once where there was a slip up and it was quickly fixed. Charley Kay and Byron Mills, Nathan, Sara Avey, Kirk, Sydeny Tisdale, Sydnie Parsons, JJ Burton, Kent and Kelly Morris, David Edwards, Bailey Perdue,
Dean Miller and I'm sure a few others made my week possible! There were multiple times that I felt like a NASCAR pit stop every time I had to switch out horses. This team did a great job taking care of Cody and Max for the week. The queen's contest was a close one and the girls did an outstanding job.

I cannot believe a year ago I heard my name over the loud speaker as the next Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks. I knew it was a dream come true but I never imagined the impact it would have on my life. Last year in my speech I said "Whether rodeo of the Ozarks is a page or an entire chapter in my life I am thankful for the part that it has played and for the friends and memories I have already made!" I am so pleased to say that it has definitely become a life altering chapter. I have made lifelong friendships. My rodeo friends quickly became my very best friends. The experiences are irreplaceable.

 I am forever grateful to my friends, family and sponsors. Lonecreek Performance Horses, Farm Credit Services of Western Arkansas and Rush Springs Ranch kept me on the go all year! Supporters like the Pea Ridge Veterinay Clinic, Arvest Bank of Pea Ridge and Nicole Shelton Photography also played a part in making it happen as well. This has truly been a blessing of year. Thank you to the Rodeo of the Ozarks and their amazing board for this opportunity.

Multiple times I was asked if I am sad to give up my title. My response was an easy one: No, I am not, because it is part of the job as a rodeo queen. My title was a stepping stone to a more enriched future. It has been an outlet to express my passion for rodeo and a chance to be a role model for children. I now hand over the reins to the 2014 Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks, Tori Miller and wish her the very best in the year to come.

2013 Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks

Signing Out

Wrapping Things Up

I've yet found time to share my experiences with you about my last two weeks as Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks. The weekend of June 19th was a crazy one! On that Thursday I represented my title and rode with the Rounders at the Siloam Rodeo. Olivia and I pulled up an hour early! Yep, first ones there but I would much rather have extra time instead of not enough. That was the first rodeo I was going to be
using two different horses so I wanted to be sure I ample opportunity to get them both cleaned, tacked and warmed up. It was a bit of a strech and a little hectic but both horses did a great job. There was a bobble in the rounders routine with a miscount on our wagon wheel turn but it was soon recovered. My favorite part of the rodeo was getting to visit with some of my Farm Credit Family as well as several other close family friends.

On Friday, after work, it was off to the Cassville, MO Rotary Rodeo. Rounders had a clean run! Cassville was pretty laid back and everyone really enjoyed it. After getting home around 1am I had to get everything in line for the following day. I woke up at 6am to feed, get myself ready and head to Westville, OK to judge the queen contest. The girls did a fantastic job and Star Griscom did an outstanding job hosting the 2nd Annual Contest. As soon as the judging portion ended it was home to load up and make a b-line for the opposite direction because it was back to Cassville, MO.

Cody carried the flag during the National Anthem and did a superb job! He has handled everything like such a champ. One thing I love about him is that he tries to give 110% at everything he does. We stayed for the rodeo that night and enjoyed a relaxed evening after a great run.

The following day it was back to Westville for judging the final portion of the queen contest. Star and her current girls presented the judges with the sweetest gift baskets full of sweet treats, a throw blanket, coffee cup and several other small gifts. The lunch that was provided was a delicous brisket smoked overnight!

PLEASE NOTICE: nowhere in the above rodeo appearances did I experience any type of major mishaps! For one of my last experiences with my title I finally made it through a weekend with safe travels and a 100% positive experience! We made it everywhere on time and had the horses did fantastic. God is so good!