Credit where Credit is Due

I am constantly posting about all of the events, rodeos, schools and local volunteer opportunities that I participate in but all to often I forget to mention those that make it possible. Without my sponsors, I literally could not do my job. The duties of a rodeo queen can be overwhelmingly expensive; from chaps and belts to diesel and repairs. My sponsors are so generous and simply inspiring. Their willingness to help me reach my dreams has encouraged me to give back in the same way when I am financially stable and able.

One of my largest supporters is my Farm Credit of Western Arkansas family. After two years of employment and making some of my closest friends there, I cannot be more thankful for their monetary help and overall supportiveness. FCS opened up opportunities and helped me gain experiences that I undoubtedly could not have done otherwise.

I am grateful to Pea Ridge Veterinary Clinic and Arvest Bank of Pea Ridge for their financial support. It is such an honor to recieve support from the community where I grew up; they shaped me into who I am and I am so glad to call Pea Ridge my home town.

Lone Creek Performance Horses has played a HUGE and irreplaceable part by donating my beautiful autograph sheets. I met Davids Edwards at Rodeo of the Ozarks last year and he quickly became my friend. His enthusiastic willingness to help me is such a blessing.

Rush Springs Ranch is another family that I am proud to be a part of; after riding there several summers, I have grown close to the owner and workers. Rush Springs Ranch paid my entry fee for the contest in addition to gave me a horse to use throughout the year. Maximus, my sponsored horse, was not being used and needed some polishing. Owner, Russ Van Elk, quickly offered to sponsor him to me during my rein. Max and I have become quite a team; as I work with him and he has taught me so much.

I have my great friend, Nicole Shelton,  to thank for my awesome photograhpy on my autograph sheets. Nicole Shelton Photography does a great job at making you feel special during your photoshoot and is so such a sweet young lady to work with.

The Rodeo of the Ozarks Board of Directors has quickly become another extension of my family. I have turned to them with any needs and they are quick to meet them. I am overwhelmed by their continued support and willingness to help. 

Various others have supported through monetary contributions for gas to rodeos, trucks to pull my gooseneck and even new tires on my truck. I never dreamed that becoming Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks was a dream I would fulfill and the experience has been a hundred times more rewarding than I imagined.

When looking back over this list. I realized that I repeatedly use the word "family" to describe my networking throughout the year but that is truly what my supporters have become. My family.

All In A Days Work

Miss Kaliegh Jo was such a doll & so energetic!

I got to work at 7am on Tuesday and began my daily office tasks. I couldn't help but to think that I was forgetting something. Hmmm... the 19th, I kept racking my brain but couldn't quite remember so I pulled out my daily planner. Oh yes, in all caps "MCNAIR BOOK FAIR." Lovely, just lovely. I have an 8 hour work day followed by a 2 hour lecture class and a study night planned plus I did not bring any clothes to change into.

Part of being a rodeo queen is being able to think quick and adapt to any situation. I could have easily decided not to go but I had committed and was not about to back out. Thankfully, I have a great work community where they are very understanding and work with my schedule.

Kennedy knew she wanted a horse book & a horse poster.
I love visiting with little girls who love horses!

At 11, I headed home to study for Farm Management test and get ready then head to Horticulture lecture. On my way home, I get a call from Pat, a Rodeo of the Ozarks board member and absolutely fantastic pageant director saying that the board meeting date had been moved to tonight. Which actually worked out quite well since I would already be in the right attire to appear at the board meeting.

After class I headed straight to McNair Middle School to visit with parents and kids as they shopped around and handed out autograph sheets. I then proceeded to Parsons Stadium to the board meeting and give spill on the events I've been involved in the last month and the events that I plan on getting involved in. I am beyond excited about

future involvements and can't wait to start sharing the experiences with you!

Thank you for taking the time to read my posts! Happy Friday Ladies & Gents!