There’s No Place like Arkansas

​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.