Photo Shoots to Farm Shows By Brittany Howard, Miss Rodeo USA 2017
< feb 22, 2017 >
The traveling has officially begun! I am so excited for all the adventures that this year is going to bring! After my coronation ceremony, I immediately began setting up plans for the following weekend. I left Kentucky on a Thursday and headed to Arkansas to spend a day with the one and only, Sherry Smith! Upon arrival, I quickly hurried and got ready to take the perfect picture. Which so happened to be on a windy hill, overlooking a beautiful lake, with the sun setting perfectly in the background, in 24 degree weather, and smiling like it was sunny and 75! Arkansas was beautiful and so are Sherry’s photography skills! She worked hard in the cold weather to make sure the photo was perfect, and it was!
Friday arrived and we were ready for another photo shoot! This one in particular was taken to highlight the sponsorship of Ariat, Horsemanship sponsors, and a few others that have so generously donated their time and funds to the Miss Rodeo USA Association. I loved the clothing provided by Ariat that keeps me ready to work and comfortable at the same time. We had the opportunity to use a couple horses in the photos, along with tack that I am so thankful to have won. Without the support of sponsors such as the Woods Family, Ariat, Smneek Family, American Hat Company, Sherry Smith Photography, and many others, I know the association would not be what it is today. Thanks to you all for all that you do and have done for many queens before me.
My time in Arkansas was over and I headed West to Oklahoma! It had been almost a month since I had crossed the Oklahoma state line and I was so excited to travel back! Now most of my friends know that I have a terrible sense of direction would never believe this, but I made it to my director’s house, Jamie, the first time without calling for help! Yes, I know, its hard to believe! By the time this year is up, I will be better at road directions than flying navigations! The following day, Saturday, brought me to another amazing photo shoot with Jenny’s Pics. Talk about having some fun, we drove around to different places in Lindsay, Oklahoma to find the perfect background before the sun set. We made it to a farm where I learned it wasn’t simple to cross cattle crossings in heels, and that the three minute rule in the pageant for changing outfits, was legit. We moved downtown to capture the historic brick walls of Lindsay and had one more stop to make before our session was done.
The airport. The night before an idea had crossed my mind, I wanted to take a picture standing in the middle of a runway with the sun setting behind me. Pretty random, right? For those that don’t know my aviation history, here’s the scoop. I started flying with my dad at a young age. It was our family tradition of going out on Sunday afternoons to the airport to take a flight around the patch, as we call it. At 16, I became a student pilot and started taking lessons from instructors to obtain my Private Pilot’s License. Although I am still considered a student pilot (because I put my education as first priority), I have many memories of heading to the airport to fly with my Dad. Eventually I soloed before I turned 18 and have been flying ever since. My plan is to finish my pilot’s license after my Miss Rodeo USA reign ends. So going to the airport was nothing strange to me. In fact, I knew we could just walk out stand on the runway, listen for planes, and take photos. Jamie and Jenny, not so much for them! After some “believe me, it’s okay, just run when you hear an airplane” jokingly pep talk, we made it out just fine and managed to snap a few of the coolest photos you will ever see!
I spent another few days in Oklahoma before heading to back to the bluegrass state of Kentucky. Just last week, I made an appearance at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Rodeo and agriculture go hand in hand and it seemed fitting to visit the largest farm show in the United States. I talked to many different agriculture professionals about what Miss Rodeo USA is and how I am not only the face of IPRA, but of agriculture as well.
My next appearance took me to Cullman, Alabama where I was honored to be asked to be a part of the judging team for the Miss West Point Rodeo Queen Pageant. I spent the day with Dodie Rogers, the daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, along with Travis Owen, a professional bull rider of 15 years. It was such an experience to have the opportunity to meet them both and have a part in choosing the next advocate to represent the sport in which we love, rodeo.
There is never a dull moment in the life of Miss Rodeo USA and I look forward to every memory that is yet to come! Thanks again to all the dedicated supporters and sponsors of the Miss Rodeo USA Association!
Friday arrived and we were ready for another photo shoot! This one in particular was taken to highlight the sponsorship of Ariat, Horsemanship sponsors, and a few others that have so generously donated their time and funds to the Miss Rodeo USA Association. I loved the clothing provided by Ariat that keeps me ready to work and comfortable at the same time. We had the opportunity to use a couple horses in the photos, along with tack that I am so thankful to have won. Without the support of sponsors such as the Woods Family, Ariat, Smneek Family, American Hat Company, Sherry Smith Photography, and many others, I know the association would not be what it is today. Thanks to you all for all that you do and have done for many queens before me.
My time in Arkansas was over and I headed West to Oklahoma! It had been almost a month since I had crossed the Oklahoma state line and I was so excited to travel back! Now most of my friends know that I have a terrible sense of direction would never believe this, but I made it to my director’s house, Jamie, the first time without calling for help! Yes, I know, its hard to believe! By the time this year is up, I will be better at road directions than flying navigations! The following day, Saturday, brought me to another amazing photo shoot with Jenny’s Pics. Talk about having some fun, we drove around to different places in Lindsay, Oklahoma to find the perfect background before the sun set. We made it to a farm where I learned it wasn’t simple to cross cattle crossings in heels, and that the three minute rule in the pageant for changing outfits, was legit. We moved downtown to capture the historic brick walls of Lindsay and had one more stop to make before our session was done.
The airport. The night before an idea had crossed my mind, I wanted to take a picture standing in the middle of a runway with the sun setting behind me. Pretty random, right? For those that don’t know my aviation history, here’s the scoop. I started flying with my dad at a young age. It was our family tradition of going out on Sunday afternoons to the airport to take a flight around the patch, as we call it. At 16, I became a student pilot and started taking lessons from instructors to obtain my Private Pilot’s License. Although I am still considered a student pilot (because I put my education as first priority), I have many memories of heading to the airport to fly with my Dad. Eventually I soloed before I turned 18 and have been flying ever since. My plan is to finish my pilot’s license after my Miss Rodeo USA reign ends. So going to the airport was nothing strange to me. In fact, I knew we could just walk out stand on the runway, listen for planes, and take photos. Jamie and Jenny, not so much for them! After some “believe me, it’s okay, just run when you hear an airplane” jokingly pep talk, we made it out just fine and managed to snap a few of the coolest photos you will ever see!
I spent another few days in Oklahoma before heading to back to the bluegrass state of Kentucky. Just last week, I made an appearance at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Rodeo and agriculture go hand in hand and it seemed fitting to visit the largest farm show in the United States. I talked to many different agriculture professionals about what Miss Rodeo USA is and how I am not only the face of IPRA, but of agriculture as well.
My next appearance took me to Cullman, Alabama where I was honored to be asked to be a part of the judging team for the Miss West Point Rodeo Queen Pageant. I spent the day with Dodie Rogers, the daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, along with Travis Owen, a professional bull rider of 15 years. It was such an experience to have the opportunity to meet them both and have a part in choosing the next advocate to represent the sport in which we love, rodeo.
There is never a dull moment in the life of Miss Rodeo USA and I look forward to every memory that is yet to come! Thanks again to all the dedicated supporters and sponsors of the Miss Rodeo USA Association!
Hometown Blessings By Brittany Howard, Miss Rodeo USA 2017
< Feb 7, 2017 >
I cannot believe that is has been two weeks already since I started my journey as Miss Rodeo USA! Time is flying by and I know this year will too! Since coronation in Oklahoma City, I was able to come home and start preparing for my Coronation Fundraiser. It has been crazy (fun) around here visiting people, places, and sponsors. One of the first things I did when I arrived back home, was take some time to go visit the Mayor of Madisonville, Kentucky. I also made other stops to visit the Judge Executive, local sponsors, and met as many people as I could!
Coming from a non-rodeo town, it has been exciting to tell everyone what Miss Rodeo USA is. What better way to do that than do school visits?! I have had so much fun visiting schools and watching the students walk in to find someone standing there in a hat and “pretty jewelry” as they call it! To watch their faces light up and eyes fill with excitement has truly been a blessing to me. I’m learning that the community, students, and little children love to hear about all aspects of rodeo and it is amazing to be a role model for them. As part of my school visits, I like to give a little insight to what happens in a rodeo. I encourage students to get involved by asking questions, participating in the pony races, and voicing what they focus on and aspire to become.
In the past two weeks, I have also attended community meetings, dived further into becoming more involved with my community, and worked to plan my coronation fundraiser. It was just last night, February 4th, that my ceremony was held. First of all, thanks to all my sponsors, family, and friends for helping to make this event happen and be successful. In attendance, there were 120 supporters there to participate in the evening fun. A meal was provided by the amazing Brother’s BBQ of Madisonville, and entertainment was by Chris Knight! Knight is also from my little town of Slaughters, Ky and it was great to have him provide the music for the evening. After the music, we had a little live auction fun and auctioned off some wonderful cakes and desserts! Most were donated by Sissy’s Café which was voted best dessert in town! Overall, the evening was wonderful and I am so thankful for the support that everyone has showed me.
As for the future, I am already planning to head back to Oklahoma this week and couldn’t be more excited to meet sponsors and have a little fun doing photo shoots! This journey has just begun and I can’t wait to make the most of it representing the IPRA!
Coming from a non-rodeo town, it has been exciting to tell everyone what Miss Rodeo USA is. What better way to do that than do school visits?! I have had so much fun visiting schools and watching the students walk in to find someone standing there in a hat and “pretty jewelry” as they call it! To watch their faces light up and eyes fill with excitement has truly been a blessing to me. I’m learning that the community, students, and little children love to hear about all aspects of rodeo and it is amazing to be a role model for them. As part of my school visits, I like to give a little insight to what happens in a rodeo. I encourage students to get involved by asking questions, participating in the pony races, and voicing what they focus on and aspire to become.
In the past two weeks, I have also attended community meetings, dived further into becoming more involved with my community, and worked to plan my coronation fundraiser. It was just last night, February 4th, that my ceremony was held. First of all, thanks to all my sponsors, family, and friends for helping to make this event happen and be successful. In attendance, there were 120 supporters there to participate in the evening fun. A meal was provided by the amazing Brother’s BBQ of Madisonville, and entertainment was by Chris Knight! Knight is also from my little town of Slaughters, Ky and it was great to have him provide the music for the evening. After the music, we had a little live auction fun and auctioned off some wonderful cakes and desserts! Most were donated by Sissy’s Café which was voted best dessert in town! Overall, the evening was wonderful and I am so thankful for the support that everyone has showed me.
As for the future, I am already planning to head back to Oklahoma this week and couldn’t be more excited to meet sponsors and have a little fun doing photo shoots! This journey has just begun and I can’t wait to make the most of it representing the IPRA!
I survived the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant! by Brittany Howard, Miss Rodeo USA 2017
< Jan 23, 2017 >
January 15th, 2017 A day to remember in the history of the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant. It was on that day that I was blessed to bring home the Miss Rodeo USA crown to the bluegrass state of Kentucky for the first time in the 51 years of the pageant! Although I am from the wildcat state, I made my way to the pageant as a representative of the Sunbelt Ag Expo and Miss Sunbelt Rodeo Queen. I feel honored to have been selected to represent not only Kentucky and Georgia, but the International Professional Rodeo Association!
A recap on pageant week and the moments leading up to the coronation include a week long rigorous routine of early morning interviews, horsemanship competition, speech dinners, modeling events, and performances of the IFR 47. It was nothing short of amazing and time well spent with the 11 other contestants, and now life-long friends! We bonded over playing go-fish in between interviews, having midnight ice-cream parties complete with charades, and racing to finish our room swaps during the week! By the time the week was coming to an end, I knew that if the crown wasn’t placed on my hat, that any one of the other contestants would also do an outstanding job as queen. It was the positivity and encouragement given by the group of ladies that kept us all going and striving to do better. But when the time came for the coronation, we all held hands, bowed our heads, and prayed to the good Lord above for the friendships He has blessed us with and the opportunity of a lifetime.
When my name was called as the new 2017 Miss Rodeo USA, there are no words to describe the feeling that comes over you. All I could do was proudly step out and wave to all the fans gathered in the arena for the IFR. Smiling from ear to ear, the coveted crown was placed on my hat and the banner was pinned to my shirt. I placed my foot in the stirrup of my Paint horse and tried not to let my heart skip a beat as I excitedly took my first lap as Miss Rodeo USA!
I didn’t even make it off my horse yet before the media interviews had started! Questions like how do you feel as the new Miss Rodeo USA and who would you like to thank rang through the air. While trying to remember to breathe, my answers were recorded on Facebook Live and will remain a memory for me forever. As I dismounted, I posed for a picture in front of the Gateway of Champions realizing I was now considered a world champion!
I was quickly swept off to thank sponsors and take photos with people and businesses that support the pageant. When I turned around after taking a photo with Twister Saddles, there was my mom walking down the steps toward me. A moment I will never forget. Time stood still as I ran towards her and gave her the biggest hug ever and we both shared in my excitement.
After leaving the arena, I made my way back to the Wyndham Garden Hotel for the pageant awards ceremony. I walked in and as all eyes and ears looked my way, was introduced as Miss Rodeo USA! Even at this point, it is still hard for me to wrap my head around what just happened! Awards were given and goodbyes were said to the other contestants. We shared a week of fun memories and every lady worked so hard to be there and give it their all.
My first official Miss Rodeo USA appearance was shortly after at the Gold Buckle Presentation ceremony. I was privileged to help hand out awards to the winners of the IFR and meet many of the faces that I will be spending my year with.
The first few days following the coronation flew by as I learned the ropes. I spent some time going over important documents, taking photo shoots, and communicating with those who would be a major part of my year. I was able to head back to Kentucky for a few days to pay a visit to the Mayor of my hometown, speak with sponsors, and plan my coronation ceremony.
I am so excited to get my year started and can’t wait to travel and represent the IPRA. I remind myself daily that hard work pays off, focus on your dreams and you WILL achieve them, and never settle for less. These little pieces of advice are what brought me here and led me to accomplish my dreams. Who would have thought that I would be writing my first blog as Miss Rodeo USA 2017? I sure didn’t, but know that it was the support of my parents, family, friends, coaches and committee that encouraged me to keep going, stay focused, and never give up. Thanks to all those who have influenced my life and I can’t wait to share my journey with you as Miss Rodeo USA 2017!
A recap on pageant week and the moments leading up to the coronation include a week long rigorous routine of early morning interviews, horsemanship competition, speech dinners, modeling events, and performances of the IFR 47. It was nothing short of amazing and time well spent with the 11 other contestants, and now life-long friends! We bonded over playing go-fish in between interviews, having midnight ice-cream parties complete with charades, and racing to finish our room swaps during the week! By the time the week was coming to an end, I knew that if the crown wasn’t placed on my hat, that any one of the other contestants would also do an outstanding job as queen. It was the positivity and encouragement given by the group of ladies that kept us all going and striving to do better. But when the time came for the coronation, we all held hands, bowed our heads, and prayed to the good Lord above for the friendships He has blessed us with and the opportunity of a lifetime.
When my name was called as the new 2017 Miss Rodeo USA, there are no words to describe the feeling that comes over you. All I could do was proudly step out and wave to all the fans gathered in the arena for the IFR. Smiling from ear to ear, the coveted crown was placed on my hat and the banner was pinned to my shirt. I placed my foot in the stirrup of my Paint horse and tried not to let my heart skip a beat as I excitedly took my first lap as Miss Rodeo USA!
I didn’t even make it off my horse yet before the media interviews had started! Questions like how do you feel as the new Miss Rodeo USA and who would you like to thank rang through the air. While trying to remember to breathe, my answers were recorded on Facebook Live and will remain a memory for me forever. As I dismounted, I posed for a picture in front of the Gateway of Champions realizing I was now considered a world champion!
I was quickly swept off to thank sponsors and take photos with people and businesses that support the pageant. When I turned around after taking a photo with Twister Saddles, there was my mom walking down the steps toward me. A moment I will never forget. Time stood still as I ran towards her and gave her the biggest hug ever and we both shared in my excitement.
After leaving the arena, I made my way back to the Wyndham Garden Hotel for the pageant awards ceremony. I walked in and as all eyes and ears looked my way, was introduced as Miss Rodeo USA! Even at this point, it is still hard for me to wrap my head around what just happened! Awards were given and goodbyes were said to the other contestants. We shared a week of fun memories and every lady worked so hard to be there and give it their all.
My first official Miss Rodeo USA appearance was shortly after at the Gold Buckle Presentation ceremony. I was privileged to help hand out awards to the winners of the IFR and meet many of the faces that I will be spending my year with.
The first few days following the coronation flew by as I learned the ropes. I spent some time going over important documents, taking photo shoots, and communicating with those who would be a major part of my year. I was able to head back to Kentucky for a few days to pay a visit to the Mayor of my hometown, speak with sponsors, and plan my coronation ceremony.
I am so excited to get my year started and can’t wait to travel and represent the IPRA. I remind myself daily that hard work pays off, focus on your dreams and you WILL achieve them, and never settle for less. These little pieces of advice are what brought me here and led me to accomplish my dreams. Who would have thought that I would be writing my first blog as Miss Rodeo USA 2017? I sure didn’t, but know that it was the support of my parents, family, friends, coaches and committee that encouraged me to keep going, stay focused, and never give up. Thanks to all those who have influenced my life and I can’t wait to share my journey with you as Miss Rodeo USA 2017!