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

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.