I write this only half way through my year
as Miss Rodeo New Mexico 2014, but I can already say this has been the biggest
adventure of my life! I knew being crowned last June that my duties would
entail representing New Mexico, promoting the sport of rodeo and encouraging
young ladies to participate in royalty titles. I could not have foreseen the
experiences I would have, the places I would see, the relationships I would
form, the laughter I would share or the moments that would touch my heart
forever.
My year started off at the world famous
National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. It was my first appearance as
Miss Rodeo New Mexico 2014, and while I was only able to go for a few days, I managed
to pack a lot of actives in a short amount of time. Some highlights of the trip
included doing the morning weather and helping out with both the Colorado vs
The World Rodeo and the Mexican Rodeo. The Mexican Rodeo was a blast to watch!
I must say we were impressed with the flag girls riding side-saddle, in
DRESSES! Best of all I made a friend who I will share the rest of the year’s
adventures with – Miss Rodeo Oklahoma 2014 Lauren Heaton.
I returned back to work at the Legislative
Council Service just in time for the start of the 2014 legislative session. I
was honored to be introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Anna Crook
and in the Senate by Sen. Pat Woods. Members of the legislature and the Council
Service have been so supportive of my journey. It was bittersweet when I
decided to leave my job in April to fulfill the remainder of my year.
The next stop on my calendar was the Silver Spurs Rodeo in
Kissimmee, Florida! I had been looking forward to this trip since I was crowned
Miss Rodeo New Mexico and it sure didn't disappoint. I was lucky to have two
outstanding host families that opened their homes to me and treated me so well
– the Bakers and the Kempfers. During the trip we got to help with the
“Exceptional Rodeo”, play in some waves and watch four performances of the
greatest sport on dirt.
While the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo
(RNCFR) was not exactly what I had planned, it was a great reminder of just how
tough Rodeo Queens have to be! After a less-than-fortunate encounter with a
horse named “Stretch” and a red squiggly spotlight of death, I returned from
the sidelines to carry sponsor flags for the final two performances at the
legendary Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. During our time in Oklahoma we also got to
shoot skeet at the OK Corral Gun Club with RNCFR contestants and visit with the
Clydesdales at the Express Ranch.
This year truly has been a wild ride and I cannot wait to
see what the rest of the calendar has in store. I will continue my preparations
for Miss Rodeo America while traveling to all of the New Mexico rodeos, Payson
and Prescott, Calgary Stampede, the Snake River Stampede (Idaho), Cheyanne
Frontier Days and many more! I will also be making school visits and helping
local rodeos thank their dedicated sponsors.
It is such a privilege to promote Land of Enchantment and
the great title of Miss Rodeo New Mexico! I am grateful for this opportunity and
the chance for personal growth and development. With great anticipation of the
experiences ahead of me, I am constantly reminded that the view is always the
greatest from atop the back of a horse.
