How do you achieve your dreams?

I’m in the calm before the storm. The past few weeks haven’t been crazy (believe it or not!) like the rest of life has been! I have been able to enjoy some time at home the past two weekends. I booked a few additional appearances in my surrounding area of my hometown. The first was with Lonestar Rodeo Company, which is based out of Crofton, Kentucky. Crofton is right down the road from me and what an honor is was for me to appear at their Greenville, Kentucky rodeo March 10th and 11th. This particular rodeo is one I remember going to in my mid-teens. It’s about the only rodeo for the community to come and watch in my area.

 Flashback to January for a minute: I remember when I was crowned and my committee told me to go back to my hometown rodeo and start getting the word out. My parents were standing there with me when the look on my face turned to intense thinking. I said, “we don’t have a hometown rodeo and there isn’t anything in my town.” My dad piped up and commented with, “yeah, we don’t have a rodeo, but we do have a bunch of clowns!” My dad might just be the clown with his always funny remarks! Hopefully more funny stories from dad are coming to entertain y’all! Okay, so back to Lonestar! I participated in grand entry at their rodeo and loved getting to see many members of my community, family, and friends come to see a great rodeo. Helping with the kid events are always fun and full of pictures! Overall, I had a great time at the rodeo and would like to thank the Lonestar Rodeo Company for allowing me to appear!

I have been working with a local elementary school on finding the perfect time to visit their students.  I surprised their students on Career Day! Third, fourth, and fifth graders gathered for visiting different tables set up representing many different career choices that they could choose in life. My table as Miss Rodeo USA was so much fun! Talking to the students about how promoting rodeo, riding horses, and encouraging others to stay focused and chase their dreams is my career for this year! As part of my discussion with the students, I asked one 9 year old little boy “how do you achieve your dreams?” He calmly answered with, “you pray to God so that He can help you achieve your dreams.” I took a minute and just paused.  His answer was so powerful and something that the world needs to hear more of. I have always been raised in church and I thank my parents for that. To hear this coming from a student, reminded me that there is good in this world and that I am thankful to have been a part of his day! Thanks Southside Elementary School for allowing me to help your students stay focused on whatever their dreams are in life!

I have a cousin in 2nd grade who has wanted me to come visit her class. During my break time at home, I visited her school, Sebree Elementary. After talking to the students, a fellow classmate turned to my cousin and excitedly said, ”you know her?” I do believe my cousin was proud to claim me that day! As always, anytime I am at a school, I always try to coordinate a visit to the special needs classrooms. I met a few special young ladies that were excited to share stories with me. The teacher asked one child to tell me what made her special. She pointed to her heart and said, “I have a new heart.” Here was another special moment that touched my heart!

After seeing a post on Facebook that our very own past Miss Rodeo USA, Trisha Shields, was coming to Kentucky for a horsemanship clinic, I decided to take the opportunity and come visit! I awoke at 2:30 AM to make the drive to La Grange, Kentucky with my horse Fancy in the trailer. Trisha conducts horsemanship clinics the day before Fallon Taylor does her barrel racing clinics. After attending her clinic, I knew exactly why she does this! Trisha is AMAZING at what she does! She helps other to learn basic skills that are very important before and after stepping on their horse. After sitting in on the clinic, I see why it is important to take part in Trisha’s clinic and continue her training into the next clinic. My horse Fancy thought she was in retirement since I have been on the road a lot, little did she know we were going to have fun with Trisha! Fancy is 21 years young and has been the one who taught me how to ride and barrel race years ago. I am grateful that we got to make more memories together!

By now, we all know my platform of staying focused. I love that Trisha encouraged her students with staying focused as it relates to becoming a better rider, teacher, and athlete.  Trisha has so many neat tactics on how to educate others that I encourage you all to be at her next clinic! And the next day you can participate in Fallon Taylor’s barrel racing clinic! There is a world of knowledge out there and I am always willing to learn. Take advantage of every opportunity given to you and make the most of it!

Dallas Market is coming up soon and I am so excited to meet and talk to many amazing sponsors that give their time, money, and items to make the Miss Rodeo USA Association successful. I will be preparing this week for figuring out how to pack for two weeks like a pro! I am sure I will include cookies in my carry on along with cheese sticks in my COOLER POCKET of my new bag! Stay tuned to see what an amazing sponsor has done for me!