Wow! It has only been one month since the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant??? I know, I can hardly believe it myself.  So much has happened in such a short amount of time, but if you’ve been keeping up with my journey on our social media platforms then you are well aware of that.

Earlier in the month of February, I had an amazing opportunity to fulfill another dream that I discovered about 3 years ago… Scuba Diving! Yes, you read that right, scuba diving. Over the years the owners of Vortex Spring Adventures and I have created a lasting friendship that has led us on many journeys together. This one just so happened to land me in an Open Water Scuba Diving Certification Course. On February 4th I traveled down to Ponce DeLeon, FL to begin what was going to be the most exciting weekend of diving. Early that Saturday morning, I packed some of my belongings to head on down for the first portion of our course, the pool dives in Panama City Beach. Mr. Billy, my instructor, called and said “ok it’s your choice but the temperature is currently at 39 degrees and we have about 30 mph winds down here this morning. Do you still want to dive?” Of course, being the “no pain, no gain” cowgirl that I am, I said, “yes, I’m already in route!” I can happily say that we never left the toasty 84-degree water the entire time we were in class.

Later that afternoon, we moseyed on back to Vortex to complete the second portion of dives for that day in the spring. Note, this spring stays at 68 degrees year-round and produces nearly 28 million gallons of water per day. Needless to say, the wet suites came out for these dives. Two dives and a whole bunch of skills later, we had completed the first day of my diving course. Only two more dives to go before I received my NAUI Open Water Diving Certification.
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Around mid-day on Sunday we suited up, took some photos, went over our dive charts and prepared to make our final two dives, only this time we were headed down to the cavern, at an approximate depth of 50 feet, for some underwater photos, film and safety skills. Bam! Worked like a charm. My final two dives were complete and I was ready to get that certification card. We cinched everything up and now I’m ready to dive across the globe. Yes, I will most definitely be taking a trip to the “Keys” at some point. Major bucket list item there. The amazing thing about this experience is that it challenged me to trust myself and know that I could do it. You can too! Nothing is impossible because even the word impossible spells, “I’m Possible.”  A big thanks to Daryl and Angela Dockery for sponsoring this journey and for always taking care of “Vortex Springs Singing Cowgirl.”

Now, I’ve never seen a rodeo take place under water, but I have seen the “Fishing Rodeo” that happens every year in Destin, FL. If you’ve never been, that is something you need to check out.

Speaking of rodeos, you know what’s coming up? That’s right, my first rodeo of the season! February 25-26th I’ll be in Columbiana, AL where you need to come join us for an amazing weekend. Also, be sure to join us this Saturday, February 19th in Athens, AL. for my Coronation Banquet. Tons of food, live entertainment, auctions and more!
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Well, the time has come where I must head off to another meeting here in Nashville, but be on the lookout for some stellar news concerning the “Be a Dreamcatcher Podcast,” upcoming events and appearances. Trust me, you’re going to want to be a part of this journey.  
 
            Until we meet on the trail again,
            Jessie Lynn Nichols
            Miss Rodeo USA 2022

​A lot can be said about a crowning moment… Many would refer to it as climactic, surreal, or in some cases simply unbelievable, but for me, my crowning moment was much more than that. To put it quite simply, and to quote a good friend of mine, “it truly was a dreamcatcher experience!”
            As the 2022 Miss Rodeo USA Pageant approached, my heart, mind, and dreams ran faster and faster with each passing day, until finally, it was here! The week kicked off in true “rodeo queen” fashion with room check-in’s, orientation, on-stage introductions, food (of course), amazing sponsorship packages and goodies, photography sessions, and a tea party fit for a queen. That was just day one… Can you believe that? 
            Fifteen contestants total, 7 days of interviews, 2 rounds of horsemanship, modeling, sponsored fashion shows, 2 speeches, impromptu questions, a surprise late night group interview, tons of great food, 4 rounds of the IFR, all packaged and wrapped up with some of the best fellowship and friends a girl could ever ask for made for an amazing experience.  Needless to say, our week was “jam packed and jelly tight,” filled with extra blessings and little miracles along the way.
            As Sunday rolled around you could tell that the weight of the week was laying pretty heavily on everyone during coronation day. Nerves, excitement, anticipation and exhaustion all filled the air as we prepared to step foot on the arena floor at the Lazy E. Introductions were quickly made followed by the announcement of fourth through first runner-up and then… (long dramatic pause for effect) they announced the name of the new 2022 Miss Rodeo USA! My heart literally jumped out of my chest as “the formers” surrounded me to place the crown on my hat, place my new sash across my shoulder, buckle a set of new chaps around my waist and legs, take some photos quickly, and then jump on the back of a buckskin 5 Star Quarter Horse to make my first lap as Miss Rodeo USA. Whew, talk about a whirlwind of emotions! At that moment in time, so many feelings, memories and emotions flooded my heart, mind and spirit. “A crowning moment” that quickly became defined by so many moments and stepping stones in life had just given me the opportunity to “be a dreamcatcher” and catch a dream that I had since I was a little girl. Wow, what an honor! I have been asked, “what was it like in the arena that day…” and quite honestly, all I can say is that it was the most humbling and reflective experience of my life.
            The more we get to know one another, the more you will discover that I am an avid woman of faith and truly believe that the Lord works all things together for our good. Most importantly, the Lord and Holy Spirit will discern what is the best path and trail for us to travel. It may not always be a bucket of apples and carrots, but it will be the best path for us to learn, grow, and help inspire others to be a better version of themselves than they were yesterday. I can confidently say that I am truly honored and proud that the Lord challenged me to step out my comfort zone and embark on what I believe is going to be the most amazing journey to date.  Most importantly, I am thrilled that He is working on me and is allowing me the opportunity to become the cowgirl and ambassador He would like for me to be. 
            As we close in on our first rodeo of the season, I would like to remind every cowgirl and rodeo queen out there that you can do it! Whatever your goals and dreams are, go for them because you never know what could have been if you didn’t try. Not to mention, we would love to have you all at next year’s Miss Rodeo USA pageant! Just as a quick reminder, The Miss Rodeo USA is selected based on the following judging criteria:  Horsemanship 30%, Public Speaking 25%, Personality 20%, Appearance 20% & Written Test 5%.  Although it isn’t necessary to win each judged category, it is very important to be consistent and perform well in each category during the competition. Horsemanship is the highest percentage category for good reason.  Horsemanship is crucial for a rodeo queen.  The rodeo queen never knows what type of horse she will be given to ride at each rodeo. Let’s ride! 
I encourage all of my Cowgirl friends between the ages of (18-27) to review the Miss Rodeo USA qualifications (missrodeousa.com), get out there, get involved, and start preparing for the 2023 Miss Rodeo USA pageant.  You will not regret it!  Remember… Be Genuine, Be Real and most importantly Be You! 
            Until we meet on the trail again, 
            Jessie Lynn® 
            Miss Rodeo USA 2022 

      Spur’n S Rodeo put on another successful, action packed weekend of rodeo in the Mountains of East Tennessee. The Mountain City Rodeo was a weekend filled with laughter, even outside of the arena. I rolled in to Mountain City Friday but got a little off track; the address I put in my GPS took me to somebody’s house where I was greeted by a giant white rooster! Chickens and I do nothave a good history, so I was quick to turn around. After driving around and getting verbal directions, I found the arena, which was hard to miss if you are on the right road. The arena was decorated with American flags, military flags and a designated trailer that had 13 American flags for each military member lost 3 weeks before the rodeo overseas. With the weekend being the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the opening ceremony was dedicated to remembering the tragic loss of American citizens and first responders, while still celebrating that we live in the Land of the Free. During the roping events, I helped push calves out, and when I wasn’t in the arena I was joined by Dallas Stalins. While I passed out autograph sheets, she sold trick ropes. Together we taught kids how to use the ropes, danced and sang along with the crowd and clown. Friday night came to a close and Dallas and I finished the night playing by the camper with her little cousin Colt. Saturday morning the owners of the Bed and Breakfast I stayed at made breakfast before I went on my way to Double C Western Wear. Eggs, fresh tomatoes and bacon never tasted so good! A huge thank you to Silver Keys B&B for welcoming me like family and making sure I was taken care of. I was greeted at Double C Western Wear by smiling faces of rodeo enthusiasts of all ages. The owners of Double C are no strangers to rodeo, Dianais a past high school rodeo queen and currently is a competitor in the cowgirls’ barrel racing. Diana and her crew would not let me leave empty handed and stocked me up with Double C merchandise. With only a few hours left until the final performance of the weekend, I made my way to the rodeo grounds. The stands were packed and everybody was ready for the rodeo. Throughout the rodeo, contestants, pickup men and even the judges all joined in the sing- alongs with Eugene Fowler, the rodeo clown. Spur’N S had yet another sold out rodeo weekend and I was thankful to be a part of it.  
​   The next weekend I joined another amazing family who rodeo together. The Brooks, the personnel of Southern Rodeo Company, and I spent a fantastic weekend in Gainesville, Georgia. The relief and joy I had when I pulled into the grounds and saw a fully covered rodeo arena was unbelievable. The whole weekend forecastcalled for rain, but it would not bother us a bit. Before thegates opened, the personnel, timers, and I spent some time catching up with one another. Dusty Myers and David Sharp were our clown and announcer for the rodeo, and the banter started early. Once rodeo time approached, I hopped on my mount for the weekend, Ole Yella. After the grand opening of the Seventh Assembly of Praise Rodeo, I visited with the crowd and signed autograph sheets. Dusty kept the crowd laughing with his acts, and the contestants brought the heat. During the rodeo, I met the North Carolina Rodeo Queen, Amber Welch and the new Sunbelt Ag Expo Rodeo Queen, Moira Taber. After chit- chatting and exchanging numbers, it was back to work for me, meeting the people of Gainesville and talking rodeo. Moira joined me again Saturday night in title. Shout out to Stacy Benton for always pulling through and providing great mount for rodeo queens.  Saturday night was standing room only. It is always great to rodeo with a full house! 
     My next two weekends will be busy, busy, busy! I will be joining The Lawrence County Cattlemen’s Association in Moulton, Alabama this next weekend. This will be my first rodeo back in my home state since May, and I cannotwait to see familiar faces in the crowd. My Lane Boots and I will be heading to Tennessee October 1st and 2nd to the 4th Annual FCA Rodeo in Lebanon. As always, keep your eyes peeled for my American Hat and Ariat Jeans. I may be in your hometown soon!   
 

When in Rome, rodeo- right? That’s what Southern Rodeo Company and I did for the Rome Rodeo. The Brooks brought in some of the best stock and contestants along with top notch announcer David Sharp and funny man Dusty Meyers. I rolled in Friday night before the rodeo and was welcomed with the smiling faces of Southern Rodeo Company and SAY JR. rodeo princess miss temperance. After the opening ceremony I stepped off of “Roach” and was on my way talking with the crowd and passing out autograph sheets. Temperance and I both agreed a sno cone was necessary, one of us didn’t think through our flavor choices and ended up with a blue smile! (Check out the pictures to find out who). Friday night came to a close and Saturday was quick to follow. The whole rodeo group met up for lunch at a sponsor restaurant and we celebrated worker and friend Caleb Combs birthday with a whip cream fight in the parking lot! After eating we all made our way to the rodeo grounds, saddled horses and pushed cows before the rodeo. Before we knew it might 2 of the #RomeRodeo was underway. The arena was a little sticky from rain overnight but we were all ready to rodeo. The opening ceremony song “Wave On” played while I made my entry lap, and we had a trip in the ground but just as the song says we got up and waved on! The rest of the rodeo was a success and finished strong. Southern Rodeo Company finished yet another great rodeo weekend on a high note. 


My next rodeo was one I had been anticipating since May when I first met announcer Jaime Osbrink and we did a promotional video for Blue Ridge, Georgia- “God’s Country” as Jaime likes to say. I was able to have my first round of school visits since May in Blue Ridge and was joined by Justin Hedrick pickup man for Hedrick Rodeo Company, but he wasn’t dressed in jeans. He joined me as the “rodeo clown”! After doing school visits at six different schools we stopped by a daycare to play with the kids. Some of the kids were excited over the clown and rodeo Queen coming. However, one wasn’t too keen on my rhinestones and crown. For the first time all year- I made a little kid cry! We came during snack time, the little boy decided he was over it and threw his spoon across the table and went into fussing. To say I was shocked is an understatement! We finished up with the daycare and stopped by the Dairy Queen for a blizzard! Friday before the rodeo we prayed for the rain to go away long enough for us to rodeo and it did! Friday night I was joined in the opening ceremony by the local Drill Team and ran sponsor flags throughout the night. Between two age groups of calf scramble for the kids, a women’s calf scramble, steer dressin and a boot toss I was one busy rodeo Queen during the rodeo all weekend! Saturday was another day of praying the rain away and barely sprinkled during lunch. The Hedrick rodeo crew and I were joined by Dan and his wife Robin Dailey who is a past Miss Rodeo USA! It was great getting to meet and talk to such iconic people in rodeo history. Saturday nights rodeo started with a bang and ended on a high note as well! Circle N Rodeo and Hedrick Rodeo Company put on yet another successful Georgia rodeo. 


If you’re in the Georgia area and haven’t been to a rodeo yet, you’re in luck! This coming weekend I will be at the Sandy Oaks Pro Rodeo. As always, keep your eyes peeled for my American Hat, Ariat Jeans and Lane Boots on the rodeo road. Don’t be afraid to holler and say “hey”! ​

​After the IFYR, I moseyed my way to Lincoln Co. Arkansas to Sherry Smith’s for a photo shoot with the newly crowned Miss Teen Rodeo USA, Lana Carter. Lana, Sherry and I spent the evening getting shots in our Lazy P Creations chaps. After having a few days of photography with Sherry, it was off to Huntsville Arkansas for the first -ever street dance and kid’s day. After dancing the night away and having ice cream for supper (thanks Leslie!), I headed to my host home and got ready for the next day of sponsor visits. Wednesday two rodeo board members, Leslie and Brooke, joined me and we drove all around Huntsville and neighboring towns saying thanks to the many gracious sponsors. We even were able to have some fun and make a TikTok dance video at Willow Brooke Farms. Thursday morning was an early start at the Kiwanis, Club. I was able to share my platform of Mentoring Matters along with what being Miss Rodeo USA entails. Throughout the day, we met with a local radio broadcaster and did live remote interviews at several different sponsor locations. While visiting with the White River owners, they mentioned toilet and bathtub go-carts. Me being me, I asked if I could take them for a spin! You can see videos from my time on the Miss Rodeo USA TikTok. Thursday evening we had slack, and I was able to help throughout the night. Friday was another full day of live remote interviews and driving around in our sponsored Ram truck before the first performance of the rodeo. Three other local queens who helped in the mutton bustin’ and passed out autographs during the rodeo joined me. I was horseback for the majority of the night, helping push cows and assisting with the calf scramble. Thank you Shawn Prater for letting me borrow Big Yella Friday night.  I always seem to find palominos wherever I go.  Saturday I was joined in the parade by Miss Teen Rodeo USA, Lana Carter, and we got to spend some quality sash sister time together before the rodeo. You can keep up with her by following the Miss Teen Rodeo USA Instagram and Facebook pages. Night 2 of the Madison Co. Rodeo, I was privileged to hop on “Percy” the black half quarter horse/mustang that I rode during the IFYR, as well as a paint of Brandon Harris’s. The whole weekend I ended up riding four different horses and each of them were superstars! We had our champion mutton buster announced and some great rides and runs during the rodeo. Being from Alabama, football is something taken seriously and the same goes if you are in Arkansas. I had the experience of ‘calling the pigs’ thanks to Jeff Lee bringing attention to the fact that I’m an Alabama fan. Sunday I got to relax with my host family and practice my roping skills for the first time on a tracking dummy and was able to catch at the lope! Thank you to The Reeds, Madison Co. Rodeo Committee, and sponsors for all you did to make this rodeo happen.
 
This past weekend was the highly anticipated Miss Rodeo USA Clinic.  To say I was excited is an understatement. I was able to attend the clinic in Alabama last year as a participant,  but was ecstatic to be a clinician at a new location at Jasper Springs Ranch in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Several past Miss Rodeo USA’s and board members were able to attend,  along with some impressive cowgirls that wanted to be part of helping these young and upcoming queens advance their knowledge in the industry. We had 25 young ladies attend, along with parents and even had sponsors stop in during meals so the attendees could meet those who helped put on the clinic and support our organization. Thank you to all the sponsors who helped make this event the success it was! From a full day of horsemanship, modeling, rodeo 101, media interviews, hair and makeup tips, and even a photo shoot for each participant, everyone attending was sure to walk away with new and improved rodeo queen skills.  We had attendees from 8-27 years old, and each person improved throughout the weekend.  I can’t wait to watch the journey of each and every one of these queens. 
 
I am now back on the rodeo road to Rome, Georgia with Southern Pro Rodeo, loaded down with my Ariat denim and Lane boots for both inside and outside the arena.
 

       July has been nothing short of thrilling for me on the rodeo road. I drove 11 hours, leaving my house at 2 a.m, for Fort Scott, Kansas to rodeo with Hampton Pro Rodeo. When I arrived, announcer Jeff Lee greeted me. After introducing myself, he asked where I was from, because he knew it wasn’t anywhere close by. He got a kick out of how I say my home state, Alabama-and didn’t let me forget it!  After meeting Kevin and Gina Hampton and the rest of the Hampton Rodeo crew, we shared some homemade cookies courtesy of Gina, and I got a quick nap in before rodeo time. Friday night’s rodeo started with Ole Glory and I entering the arena on “Jessie”, an AQHA buckskin of the Hampton’s. The personnel kept the rodeo moving and before you knew it, the rodeo clown, Colten Ulmer, was up with his miniature horse “Rocky”. They gave the crowd a show to remember and left them cheering for the dynamic duo! The Calf Scramble was up next, and kids seemed to appear out of air to get into the arena for their chance at winning a gift card. Kids of all sizes got a little rowdy in the rodeo arena chasing calves, and all got a dollar for coming down! After bull riding, they even had a “money the hard way” challenge for the adults. Two brave souls got in the arena and tried to grab a ribbon placed between a bull’s horns for $500! The first performance ended with nobody badly hurt and people excited for the next night’s rodeo. Saturday morning the weather was not in our favor with tornado and storm warnings for the entire day. Thankfully, by showtime it had cleared up and all we had to worry about was not getting stuck in the mud. After the opening ceremony with “Jessie” I started walking through the crowd and saw familiar faces from the night before! Many rodeo fans wanted to see who the overall champions were for the rodeo, and if anybody could win “money the hard way”. Even though this rodeo was muddy, we still had the calf scramble for the kiddos and I HAD to join in! I was on kid un-sticking duty and had to do a little digging through the mud to find a few pairs of shoes, but everybody left with all their belongings and rodeo mud as a souvenir. After the Fort Scott Rodeo, the Hamptons and I both were off to Shawnee, Oklahoma for the International Finals Youth Rodeo. 
 
      The first performance of the IFYR Sunday in Shawnee came fast and the excitement was in the air. The richest youth rodeo in the world was underway with three arenas going at once. I had the honor to carry the American flag on Brandon Harris’s (pickup man) horse during the opening ceremony. Abigail Benz, media personnel for the IPRA, and I gathered contestants to do quick interviews with throughout the night. Even with three arenas going at once, the rodeo lasted for two hours! After driving all day and rodeoing through the night, I was ready for bed when the rodeo finished. Monday morning came early with the morning performance at 9 am. Each day, there is a morning and evening performance. In between performances, two of the youth board directors and I had the opportunity to speak at the Shawnee Rotary Club on how we got into rodeo, and our future plans inside the industry and out. In conjunction with the IFYR, there was a Miss Rodeo TEEN USA pageant, making history for the Miss Rodeo USA association and the IPRA. The girls checked in Monday night and settled their horses in during the nighttime performance. Tuesday morning I somehow managed to convince the announcers Jeff and Monty to let me help out in the crows nest announcing and writing times. They both were infatuated with my annunciation of Huntsville, Alabama. After the morning performance, I was able to join in and say “hi” to the 16 young ladies competing for the Teen title at the Shawnee mall where they had impromptu questions, interview and written test. Seeing a few familiar faces from Alabama was a treat, but meeting all the young ladies from across the country and getting to know them throughout the whole pageant was special. The contestants joined in for Tuesday night’s performance carrying sponsor flags during the opening ceremony. The girls were expected to be at each performance to fulfill their job of carrying sponsor flags as well as daily portions of the competition. Wednesday after the morning performance, I dropped off the horse Brandon Harris let me ride and he stopped me as I was walking away and asked if I had any of that “glitter stuff” for Friday night’s championship go around. I told him I didn’t have any, but I could get some ASAP! His daughter Harley and I were in brainstorm mode for what we could do to “Percy”, a Percheron and mustang cross. Wednesday was a “fun” day for the girls, judges and myself as we joined together for a paint party courtesy of Tish Ross. A few of the girls and I found out there was glitter and were able to spice up our paintings with a little bit of sparkle! One of the helpers asked us if we would like any, we all three looked at each other and said, “yes please!” You do not tell a rodeo Queen you have glitter, and expect them to turn it down. Wednesday evening’s performance was unique and special to the state of Oklahoma and rodeo. Governor Kevin Stitt carried the flag during the opening ceremony and national anthem. It was such an honor to have him there, showing  he cared for rodeo, the youth and the impact they both have on the future of our country. Thursday was a big day for the contestants in the rodeo and the pageant. The top cowboys and cowgirls were battling it out in the final go around before championship day, and those not competing were shopping at the expo center where you could find any and everything rodeo and equine related. From clothes, hats, tack and even jerky, the expo had so many vendors that  you could get lost in it! A huge shoutout to Drake with Shorty’s Caboy Hattery for touching up my American Hats and the girl’s. The rodeo queen contestants had to prep and get ready for speeches and modeling at the Ritz in Shawnee after the morning performance. To say I was excited to put on my brand new dress made by Brooke Wallace (Miss Rodeo USA 2020) and red Lane Boots was an understatement! Brooke truly worked wonders on my dress.  I showed her a picture of a rock I found in a museum, and she brought it to life in the design of my dress. All the girls did wonderful through their speeches and looked stunning. Sherry Smith Photography, the official photographer and videographer for the pageant, was able to capture beautiful memories for each young lady.   After speeches, the judging for the Queen contestants was complete, and they all relaxed a little more. Thursday night’s performance was fun, fun, fun for the girls as they were relieved to make it through the week. Friday morning’s performance had the top competitors in the final go before championship round and everybody was on the edge of their seat watching each event. There were record times including a 1.7 in breakaway! The youth of our industry are true rockstars. The Queen contestants and committee had lunch at Farmers Daughter where we got to fellowship and release some pre-coronation nerves.
 
     Friday might have been my favorite day because it meant- glitter! Miss Harley, Brandon’s daughters and I went to town with the red, white, and blue glitter and ribbons throughout Percys mane, tail and whole body. Hairspray and glitter were flying but the final product turned out fabulous! Once Percy was ready for showtime. I was off to the coronation of the first ever Miss Teen Rodeo USA. I danced with the girls in line up and joked with them to help relieve any nerves.  They all looked beautiful and cheered each other on as the awards were announced. Congratulations to Lana Carter for being the first ever Miss Teen Rodeo USA and all the young ladies who competed. After coronation, it was the championship round for the IFYR.  The world champions for each event were crowned immediately after the rodeo, and the all-around cowboy and cowgirl were awarded their NRS Trailer. 
 
     I am now making my way through Arkansas; keep an eye out for my next blog to hear about my time with Sherry Smith in Lincoln and Hampton Rodeo Company in Huntsville, Arkansas for the 24th Annual Madison County Pro Rodeo!