Horse Tails, Horse Tales and other Tales

Last week, I read an article on the front page of the Northwest Arkansas Times about a program called Horse Tales for Literacy. It is a program designed to encourage students to read and get them excited by allowing them a hands on opportunities. Find out more by going to: http://horsetalesliteracy.org/

After reading it, I knew I wanted to get involved so I got in touch with those in charge and soon found myself at the front door of Harp Elementary in Springdale, Arkansas. At Harp I was placed at a station that talked about the uses of horses around the world, specifically divided between work horses and recreational horses. Can you guess what my section was?? You got it, recreational = rodeo! I spoke to 4th grade students from Harp, Lee, George and Jones elementary school about the 6 events in rodeo that use horses and briefly described each. The time was a bit restraining on how much elaboration I could do but nonetheless, I great way to introduce kids to the sport and promote my rodeo. I was sure to mention Rodeo of the Ozarks, since it's in their hometown. When beginning the presentation, we ask the kids, "Can anyone name some uses of horses?" One student exclaimed "To eat them!" another quickly and seriously retorted, "no, that is illegal." I'm thankful I didn't have to address that one much, I quickly diverted by saying that here in the U.S. we do not because we consider horses to be a companion animal but they do have many important uses...

This morning I was at Bayarri Elementary and stati

oned at the grooming/ shoeing area. The kids have a journal of questions that they are supposed to filling out as the rotate stations. In this group, I was able to speak more and the kids seemed to enjoy it more because of the hands on factor. I had a table of grooming utensils set up and briefly told the kids about the most important ones while letting them touch each one. Some of the comments and questions asked were very interesting because they ask things that a horse person, never thinks twice about. Thankfully, when preparing to run for Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks, I had a great support team (especially my boyfriend) who helped prepare to answer questions on the spot. I can attribute my ability to think quick because of the pop up questions he would ask me and I would rattle of an answer in a heartbeat. After giving the students a run down of grooming, we split them up into two lines and each child got to brush a horse several times then pass it to the next person. While they were brushing, I asked them if they had any other questions about horses or about me. By the second part of the day, I though I'd heard it all when the ultimate question was asked, "How do you tell if it's a boy or a girl?" A quick wave of panic probably swept over my face but all day I had been relating horses to the kids so my response, "just like you boys and girls have different body parts, so do horses. If you look underneath them, you can tell the difference." In another group, we some extra time so I asked if they had questions about me. One question turned into another and one student asked to touch my belt buckle so I let her... bad choice because if you let one, the rest of them have too as well. As if that wasn't a lesson learned, another kid wanted to see my crown so I squatted down to let him see it. And... you guessed it, all of them had to see it. The result? My leg workout for the day was one really long squat!




I had such a great time, not only working with kids, but getting to know the kind people behind hosting such a spectacular opportunity. Jacci Perry and the team presented me with the sweetest box of gifts in order to thank me for helping but in reality, no thanks is needed because it was such a rewarding time. I look forward to the next Horse Tales for Literacy events in Bentonville and Rogers around March or April.

Hope everyone is staying warm!

It's beginning to look alot like...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! I cannot think of a better way to wrap up the month of November and get in the Christmas spirit by gathering with friends at the Rodeo of the Ozarks hometown, Springdale. This year's largest to date, parade had over 50 floats from local organizations and hundreds of spectators. It was about forty five degrees, which felt much cooler on top of the convertible sponsored but it could have been much worse. A tremendous thank you to Everett GMC for the flashy ride! Kenzie rode with us and helped me greet spectators during the parade by using her princess wave and saying Merry Christmas. The floats were an absolute joy to see all of the variations, creativity and lights. Emma Street was completely lined with people and you could feel the familiar magical Christmas attitude with smiles, hot chocolate, warm blankets and even warmer wishes. Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas to you and your 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!

School is Cool

Schools are one of my favorite places to be... provided of course, that I am a visitor and not attending!



Last week I visited Root Elementary where I was made to feel famous! They advertised for several weeks in advance so several kids came to the book fair just to see me. When I got there, the kiddos kept saying, "Miss Rodeo" is here! I welcomed people to the book fair, signed autographs, took pictures and visited with students and parents. They were all so welcoming and eager to talk, the two hours absolutely flew by! In exchange for my time, they allowed me to choose a couple of books. The books are going to come in handy for future children's reading. Additionally, I am going to be featured in the November Newsletter for Root Elementary!

On Friday, the 8th, I had the great privilege of speaking at the 18th annual Central Junior High Veterans Day ceremony. The ceremony was absolutely breathtaking and truly encompassed the attitude of honoring our military. It consisted of hymns by the choirs, dance routines, speakers, letter readings, posting of the flags and special honors to those attending that are serving and that had served. It was an honor to be asked to speak in the presence of such true heroes. After the ceremony was a reception where I had the opportunity to visit with some of the great men and women who serve our country and enjoy refreshments before heading to class for the day.

This week, I have a bit of break from rodeo queen public appearances. I am spending more time working on establishing my photography skills; so if you know of anyone in need of photos for any occasion, please get in touch!

Until next time....

Happy Fall Y'all

The smell of pumpkin spice everything, leaves changing into panoramic views, hot chocolate, campfires and sweatshirts. Ah yes, all the sensations of things starting to move in a slower pace... right? Wrong! After wrapping up the fall rodeos in Little Rock, I rolled right over into getting involved in my surrounding community. 

University of Arkansas fall break was on the 21st and 22nd of October, so I was finally able to attend a Rodeo of the Ozarks board meeting. I typically cannot because I have a Monday night class and meetings are held the 3rd Monday of each month. It was such a pleasure to spend some time with the board. They are so supportive and I am honored to be a part of their team! Get ready for some big plans at the 70th annual Rodeo of the Ozarks. 

That same week, I attended Kirbi's Fundraiser. She had a great turnout for her silent auction, chilli cookoff, city slicker rodeo fundraising event as she prepares to compete for the title of Miss Rodeo America this December. We enjoyed a day of crazy critters and some serious baggo winning! Best Wishes to Miss Kirbi as she heads to represent Arkansas, the sport of rodeo and the western way of life. 

The following Monday, I attended a Farm Credit Customer Appreciation Dinner. It is always an honor to attend Farm Credit events! Not only are they a fantastic sponsor and employer but my second family. Farm Credit of Western Arkansas embraces the true meaning of community involvement in more ways than we recognize. One of which, is the annual Customer Appreciation dinner. With about 200 in attendance, I'd say it was a hit!


Last Friday I was invited to Asbell Elementary to talk about Responsibility during their Red Ribbon Week. I forgot what it was like to have energy at 7:45am! With 450 elementary students assembled in the cafeteria, the day after Halloween it was quite the way to begin an early Friday. The students sang several interactive songs then I spoke about the importance of responsibility and some of my responsibilities as a rodeo queen.

Although the fall hasn't quite brought the slower pace, one may expect, I am not the least bit remorseful. I love everything that I do am honored to have the opportunity to play an active part in my community while promoting rodeo. 

Change of Plans

I woke up with a set plan of action to conquer the day. The game plan: load queen clothes and accessories, pick up horse blanket from my best friends, pick up chaps from Robby, hitch trailer, load Max, arrive early with plenty of time to settle and warm up Max and chit chat with contestants. The reality: a quite different story. It started off right on track and with a perk! Nathan took off work early to drive me to Little Rock so I don't have to do so alone. Despite truck key switch ups and daily to dos interfering  we hit the road at 3pm thinking we'll get there just on time. 

All was going smooth until we hit Russellville. Good Ole RussVegas. Let me add, I went to Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR for two years and NEVER witnessed traffic on I-40. Never. We sat at a standstill for 45 minutes. Provided, it did give plenty of time to do makeup and get ready. We attempted to relieve the tension by singing crazy songs really loud... but eventually I had to face it. We were going to drive three hours and not get to do a queens run. I called the pageant director to let her know I would probably be late and got exciting news that due to an added performance, the queens runs got pushed back to 7:45! 

Upon arrival, I did a quick and calm tack up. Threw on my sash and hat and trotted Max around for about 10 minutes. Not long enough. We got to the coliseum just in time but Mr. Max was not a fan. He's never been road indoors before and the noise seemed to echo. He started trying to buck before our run but then did not even want to lope! He just got all bunched like a balloon ready to pop! I got him to finish out with a decent run but he was not happy. 

During the PBR I had the privilege of visiting with the five talented young ladies vying for the title of Miss Rodeo Arkansas State Fair as well as the current queen. And of course, did some autograph signing and photo taking. After the performance, I rode Max in the coliseum for a good forty five minutes. When we were finished, he was drenched but still had white in his eye because he was still on edge. I gave him a long cool down and walked him a round a while outside because it was pretty cool. 

We arrived home at 3am. The last 30 minutes of the haul were brutal! Loud music, windows down, our eyes were still slamming but we had one more rodeo under our belts and wrapped up the fall season. Now to practice, practice, practice until the spring rodeo season!

 

Husky Hoedown!

I officially participated in my first school visit as Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks! I absolutely love interacting with kids; they were absolutely fantastic! The event is a fall fundraiser to raise playground money for the students. Parents, students and others gathered to play rodeo related games, face painting, and purchase silent auction items (very similar to a fall festival). The school faculty supplied me with a GIANT queen chair (although I did not do much sitting) and a perfect spot to greet families, sign autographs and take lots of pictures.

I have 2 book fair visits, one veterans day assembly and one class presentation already schedule! If you or anyone you know would like me to a school or public event, please do not hesitate to get in touch.