New Year, New Dreams

2013 was a year of some pretty huge changes. I transferred colleges. I became Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks, which is a huge milestone. I met a man who changed my life. I was sponsored a horse that has become my other half. I’ve changed jobs and changed back jobs. I began photography. I’ve been through family trials that are close to indescribable. Every time the roller coaster called Life seemed to bring me to lowest point, God pushed the cart back up and brought me back to the highest hill.

2013 was a crazy one but the year has shaped a bright future and changed my perspective on a lot of things. It made me decide to become an Agricultural attorney. Go big or go home. Right? It also made me decide to run for Miss Rodeo Arkansas.

Several years ago I would not have imagined myself in the boots that I am today. I didn’t have the opportunity to grow up on the back of a horse like most rodeo queens. But I have had the opportunity to grow up in a family of discipline. I want to overcome the stereotypes. I want to prove that if you have a dream; you can reach it with hard work and determination.

 I am a typical small town girl from a middle class dysfunctional family and divorced parents. I drive an old ’93 Ford. I am 5’2” on a good day, which makes mounting tall horses a workout. I have freckles that I can’t stand. I am average but I have a dream. It is my goal to be an example for children and a role model to those who don’t have one. I want to make kids realize their own dream and to have the opportunity to share a sport that I have fallen in love with. Rodeo has shaped me into who I am and I dream of the chance to share it with others.

In 2014 I plan to run for Miss Rodeo Arkansas. With past queens like Kirbi Allen, Shana Carter, Jessica Chitwood and Dilynn Dodd I have some big shoes to fill. But it is ladies like them who have inspired me. My work will be cut out for me because it is a big commitment. I will be riding every chance I get and learning every moment I can.

“Keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart.” May 2014 be a year of reaching your dreams!

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!"