​Finally….my rodeo season has kicked into full gear.   I spent much of the week before last promoting my hometown college rodeo at the University of Tennessee at Martin with school visits and a visit to a day care.  I was even able to take my horse “Baby” to the daycare to give a little lesson on horse care 101.  That really pumped up the kids and got them excited about attending the rodeo!!!
 
Following the UT Martin rodeo promotions, I travelled to Priceville, Alabama for a PCA rodeo. This rodeo is especially near and dear to my heart, because at this rodeo last year, I was crowned the 2017 Morgan County Sheriff’s Rodeo Queen. Going back to promote and represent this rodeo meant a lot to me as this was the title that sent me to the Miss Rodeo USA competition. It was so fun hanging out with my Morgan County committee – they are the most dedicated and hardworking women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. All week I went to promotional events and sponsor visits, but Thursday was my favorite day by far. That morning, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Posse hosted a special needs rodeo. About 170 individuals with special needs were able to experience the western way of life and watch a rodeo that was produced especially for them.
 
After the special needs rodeo, I drove all the way back to Tennessee for the Thursday night performance of the 50th annual college rodeo in my hometown of Martin. It was wonderful to be recognized at my hometown rodeo as Miss Rodeo USA. I also was able to see many of my rodeo friends I haven’t seen since being crowned Miss Rodeo USA. Bright and early the next morning, I got up and hauled back to Alabama for more sponsor visits and for the rodeo performances Friday and Saturday night.
 
Sunday I got to spend a little time with my mom and dad before heading to Statesboro, Georgia for the Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo. I hit the ground running bright and early Monday morning! We went to plenty of sponsor visits and school visits, and I was able to meet most of the committee. Today, I had more sponsor visits and school visits as well as a county commissioner meeting and Kiwanis Club meeting. Tomorrow, I get to meet Freedom – a captive bald eagle that all the past Miss Rodeo USAs have taken a picture with!
 
I can’t wait to see what else the week holds, and I’m even more excited about the rodeo! Stay tuned for more adventures, and always remember to enjoy the ride!

​What a whirlwind! My travel has officially started, and it’s already been so much fun! Right after I got back home from RFD-TV’s The American, I spoke at our county mayor’s meeting and was recognized as an outstanding citizen of Weakley County. After being acknowledged by the county mayor and county commission,  I was able to speak to the citizens of Weakley County about the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming Miss Rodeo USA. It’s wonderful knowing that my community is so proud of me!
 
Next, Kirbi Allen-Carter, Miss Rodeo USA 2015 and I drove to Dallas, Texas to the Dallas Western Market. I’ve never been to Market, so this experience was incredible. I was able to meet and thank old sponsors as well as meet new ones! Every new sponsor we met was so excited to begin working with the Miss Rodeo USA organization. I am so  excited to continue these new relationships and help these sponsors grow.
 
This past week, I went to my first rodeo as Miss Rodeo USA. The rodeo was held in Brunswick, Georgia by the Brunswick Exchange Club. The proceeds from the rodeo go to local charities that help kids in the community. This committee was so welcoming and hospitable that I felt right at home! During the week I went to several promotional events in the community and met many of the locals who live in Brunswick. It was interesting to hear their stories of living on the east coast and learn about the history of the beautiful town. During the rodeo, I had so much fun carrying the American flag and signing autographs for the kids. The Hedrick Rodeo Company put on a great show and I look forward to working with them throughout my reign.
 
One of the fundraisers the rodeo has is a raffle for a horseback ride on the beach with Miss Rodeo USA. On Easter Sunday, a few lucky winners and myself took a beautiful ride on Sea Island. I rode a nineteen hand draft horse named Gunther, who turned out to be a gentle giant! It was such a fun experience, and an amazing way to celebrate Easter. After all, it combined two things that I love the most: horseback riding and the beach!
 
Without a doubt, my travels have begun, and I’m having so much fun representing the association and sport that I dearly love. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!