No Bubble November!

No bubble November- we were in the thick of travel.
​     If you thought November would be slow for this cowgirl, think again! Yes, we are nearing the end of rodeo season but it’s not over yet. This cowgirl is determined to book as many weeks in her calendar as she can. We started the month with a world premiere screening of US Charros, an amazing documentary film, focusing on the history and importance of charro rodeo in the United States and as a fourth generation Mexican-American, I got to learn a little bit about my culture and reconnect with my roots.  The documentary even highlighted escaramuzas which are the cowgirls of the Mexican rodeo world, they even have their own queens!  It’s amazing to watch these ladies ride in full skirts, riding side-saddle, and being just as handy as the boys. When the event was done, I made my way to my friend Heather Drewry’s house.  Not only do we get to talk all things horses and Rodeo Queen, she’s also an amazing sponsor of Miss Rodeo USA! She’s one of my favorite home away from home when I am visiting the Fort Worth area. I was sad I had to say goodbye less than 24 hours later, but I knew I would be seeing her again and we would be able to recount all of her and her daughter’s horsey and queen adventures.
      A few days later I was out to Kerrville TX to send off the beautiful Ashlyn Williams, Miss Rodeo Texas and wish her good luck at Miss Rodeo America.  It was a wonderful send off dinner and fundraiser where I got to see some of my best Texas girlies!  Texas may be one of the largest states, but I'm convinced the people here have the biggest hearts and tightest communities.
     My next stop was to Fort Worth for the Cowgirl Museum Hall Of Fame induction ceremony.  Over 1000 attendees and so many trailblazing women; cowgirls from all backgrounds and walks of life attended, and it was such an honor to be on stage alongside Miss Rodeo America, awarding the 2024 inductees their Hall of Fame metals.  Fort Worth is a magical place, every time I visit some amazing event goes on and I feel invigorated and inspired to continue telling my truth and preserving the western way of life.  I got to reconnect with so many of my friends I’ve met throughout the years as well as create new friends and connections within the cowgirl community.  It was also my first time visiting the National Cowgirl Museum, and if you haven’t already, I would highly recommend checking it out, they have so many rotating and permanent displays showcasing the art and spirit of the cowgirl.
     My next stop took me back up to Oklahoma where I would be representing at my last IPRA rodeo of the year before heading to the finals in January.  I was once again in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the Heart of Shawnee Expo Center for the Southern Region Tour Finals.  You could feel the electricity in the air as cowboys and cowgirls in the top 20 competed one last time before giving it their all at the Lazy E.  The bubble race is strong and stressful in November!  It was also  my first rodeo of the year that actually felt like fall, it was so cold I had to bring out my beautiful leather jacket I received from the Lazy E last year.  After two days of rodeo, meeting new Queens, and just about freezing every time I walked outside the arena, it was time to head back down to warm and sunny Texas. I made a special appearance at the historic Cowtown Colosseum for the second annual Mexico in our Blood production.  This event is in his second year and showcases, rodeo and specialty acts, talent, and Mexican tradition.  This year had a special Dia de los Muerto theme, and I took that time on the arena floor with a microphone and a sold out show, to quietly thank and remember my grandfather’s, who always supported my dream of becoming a cowgirl.  They definitely carried me through that one minute speech on the arena floor, and I know it was because of them that I spoke clear and true.
     We may only be halfway through November, but we still have a lot of rodeo left to do! 
     Hopping on a plane, I made my way to Arizona for the first time for the Gilbert Days Rodeo.  Not only were there over 30 visiting queens in attendance, including Miss Rodeo Arizona and Miss Teen Rodeo Arizona, it is also my board member’s rodeo, Joan Musgraves!  Hopefully this rodeo will become an IPRA rodeo again, and truly be the last rodeo of the IPRA season before finals, because the committee was so welcoming and the show was so explosive that they didn’t have any problem filling up all their seats.  I have to say I think it was one of the most fun rodeos I’ve been to this year, between the visiting royalty, the VIP section (thank you Texas Roadhouse for feeding me every night), the energy of the vendors, mutton busters, getting to see my board member, and making many new friends.
    And last, but not least the inaugural, historical event of the Kime’s Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway Roping rounded out my November in Scottsdale, Arizona.  An aggregate winner and high money earner took home saddles and a championship ring, but all the cowgirls competing deserve to be recognized as making their mark on history.  This is a new era we are entering for women’s breakaway and sports, and it was an honor and pleasure to be able to be alongside the greats and the future generations that will keep the sport thriving.  Saturday night was a sold out show and Fox Sports covered the event, so if you didn’t get your tickets this year, make sure to mark your calendars for 2025! Listening to a podcast where Amanda Kimes was interviewed, it was awe inspiring to learn that this event was only just an idea in January 2024.  Kimes really did that in less than a year!
  With these amazing  people, brands, and businesses in our corner, there is nothing us cowgirls can’t do!