Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2010

Santa & MTRI Come to Town

2010-12-31T14:31:00.004-06:00

On December 22, 3 days before Christmas, Todd Crase and I dressed up as Santa Clause and MTRI for the day. We started in Winterset and traveled to all of the Genesis Development group homes handing out candy canes, and finding out what they wanted from Santa. We then traveled to Indianola to the Discovery Program. Everyone had the chance to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. They also got an autographed portrait of myself for them to take home.This is the second year I have done this with Todd and I can honestly say it touches me more and more each time.
Until we ride again...

Iowa Fair Convention

2010-12-31T14:30:00.002-06:00

On Saturday, December 11 was the Iowa Fair Convention. Last year I attended this event as Miss Extreme with Todd Crase and Ryan Skillett of the Extreme Bull Riding Tour. I returned this year as MTRI with Todd, Ryan and Elena. We spent the day talking with fair boards and filling up our 2011 tour schedule. A good friend of mine, Lacy Stevenson, was crowned the 2010 Iowa State Fair queen and she was there speaking and helping with the convention. Elena and I also made friends with some pro-wrestlers and had a wonderful time talking with them.For the second year in a row the Iowa Fair Convention has been a success for the Extreme Team and I was glad that I was able to join them again.
Until we ride again...

Viva Las Vegas!

2010-12-15T18:29:00.015-06:00

On Wednesday, December 1st, my mom and I flew out of the Des Moines International Airport for Las Vegas, Nevada. We were going out to support Jordanne in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant and saddle bronc rider, Wade Sundell, in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. After we arrived Wednesday morning I attended the Rodeo Royalty Information Seminar. All the Lady-in-Waiting's were there including Iowa's, Heidi Gansen, as well and aspiring rodeo queens from all over. Following the seminar, my mom, Paula Jameson and Heidi's parents, who'd just arrived, and I went out to lunch. Wednesday evening we all attended the fashion show with Bob Britton and Jordanne's mom and grandpa. Afterward there was a reception and I had the chance to finally talk with Jordanne, as well and many other state queens and Miss Rodeo America, Kelli Jackson. After a 2 hour time change and a whole day of running around my mom and I couldn't wait to hit the hay that night.Thursday morning my mom and I had the chance to sleep in. That afternoon we got to attend the PRCA Luncheon. All the Miss Rodeo America Contestants modeled their chap outfits and the "Best-Chap award" was given. The girls also answered a rodeo impromtu question. Thursday night Heidi and her parents, Paula and her brother Bruce, Bob and niece and my mom and I attended the 1st round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Wade won 2nd that night with a 86.5 and started the WNFR with a bang.Friday was spend at Cowboy Christmas. My mom and I loved a day for shopping and we got to see Jordanne auction off a purse to raise money for the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Fund. Friday night Heidi and her parents and my mom and I went to the Las Vegas Strip.Saturday was the day we had all been waiting for...CORONATION. My mom and I started the morning with massages at The Orlean's Hotel and Casino's spa. Coronation began and we all held our breath...Jordanne ended up in the Top Ten and McKenzie Haley, of South Dakota, won the title of rodeo's 1st lady. After coronation Jordanne was aloud to go out on the town with us. We all went to Fremont St. for dinner and some shopping. Heidi and I became very adventurous and rode a mechanical bull as well as zip-lined down Fremont.

I really enjoyed our trip to Vegas and look forward to someday competing in the Miss Rodeo America pageant.Until we ride again...

Some Fun Fall Appearances...

2010-09-24T10:41:00.010-05:00

On Saturday, September 25th, Romeo and I returned to Waterloo and the McElroy Auditorium for Dances with Horses. Dances with Horses is a fundraiser event for the Aspire Therapeutic Riding Program. The Aspire TRP improves the quality of life for those they serve. Their primary clients are individuals with disabilities who benefit physically, emotionally and cognitively through animal-assisted activities, primarily through interaction with horses. Aspire TRP provides a variety of programming to benefit qualified individuals through year round programs and outreach programs. I was able to carry the American Flag during the National Anthem and prayer, and then I got to sit and watch the many performers with my mom, aunt, uncle and cousin who had come to support me.One of the performers was Wild West entertainer and mounted shooting competitor, trainer, and clinician, Denny Chapman from Florida. He and his assistant trainer/performer, Stephanie Cons, perform their trick act and mounted shooting act all over the United States. Check them out at www.DennyChapman.com, they put on a great show and were a blast to talk to.
Shannon Arritola was another performer with her beautiful friesian and Texas Longhorn, Cowboy. His horns were 5 feet from tip to tip...she rides him with a saddle and bridle much like I ride my horse...She was so fun to talk to and get to know, and Cowboy was quite the entertainer.
I would like to thank executive director, Marilyn Moore, for the invitation to this wonderful event...it is definitely an experience I will never forget and I would love to attend again in the future to support ASPIRE.
On October 1st and 2nd was Iowa State University's Annual Stampede Rodeo. Jordanne and I both attended. Jordanne rode Romeo and I borrowed Lakoda Kelber's horse for the weekend. Jordanne and I carried flags and chased out cattle all weekend. We could definitely tell that fall was here...Friday night cooled down really fast and Saturday we came better prepared for the chilly evening.
It was so fun because I am involved in the Rodeo Club at ISU and had the opportunity to represent Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa...it almost felt like a hometown rodeo and gave me a taste of what I'd like to do next year on ISU's Rodeo Team. Thank you to Lakoda for allowing me to borrow her horse for the weekend and helping Jordanne and I with anything we needed...you're a great friend and I wouldn't trade you for the world ;) Thank you to the entire Rodeo Club for all your hard work that weekend to make the rodeo a success.

On October 23rd I went down to Des Moines for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at the capitol with Todd and Tammy Crase. We participated in the 5k walk around downtown Des Moines and it was so inspirational to see everyone there walking...and running for a cure...
While promoting the Extreme Bull Riding Tour, the Extreme Princess, Abby McDonald, and I sell 50/50 raffle tickets to raise money for Susan G. Komen Foundation. With this summer being the 4th year that the Extreme Bull Riding Tour has raised money, over $17,000.00 have been raised for this great cause...this is truly something that touches my heart and any chance I can get to support the fight for breast cancer, I'll take it.

The very next day Miss Rodeo Lenox, Kayla Barber, and I headed up to Lake City for Jordanne's Send-Off Fashion Show. We got a sneak peak at all of the outfits that Jordanne will be wearing out at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant at the end of this month in Vegas. Jordanne also had her scrapbook laid out, as well as some snacks and refreshments. She held a silent auction with some beautiful donated items to help raise just a little more money to get her out to Vegas. Heidi Gansen, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2011, and Tally Roepke, Miss Rodeo Cherokee, Kayla and I were all of the visiting royalty.It was good to see the MRI board members again. Jordanne looked absolutely stunning in all of her outfits and did a wonderful job answering questions and performing her speech. I want to say God speed to her in Vegas, I know she will shine to her full potential...my mom and I will be attending to watch her in the pageant, and I am really looking forward to a few days in Vegas.
Until we ride again...

Missouri State Fair & National Cattle Congress Fair and Rodeo

2010-09-24T10:39:00.005-05:00

The last weekend of the Iowa State Fair and the weekend before I stated college in Ames, I loaded up with the Extreme Bull Riding Tour and headed for the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
We got down there Thursday night and set up the arena. Friday consisted of hanging banners and then having the day to walk around the fair. Friday nights bull riding started out great, bulls were bucking and the cowboys were managing to stay on. Right before the short go, it just started to down pour. We were ok with performing in the rain but once it started lightening we had to call off the event. Now I've been to my fair share of rainy rodeos this summer but this was the first to get called completely off.

Saturday was very muddy but way less humid. We started off the morning by going to Gene's Boots and Hats for an autograph signing. The Missouri State Fair Queen even stopped by for a quick picture. Steve and Amy James came down from Winterset to watch Saturday nights performance which stayed dry through the whole thing. After the rodeo everything came down, banners, announcer stand, arena...everything.
Thank you to the Missouri State Fair Rodeo Committee for having the Extreme Bull Riding Tour back again this year. Thank you to Toyota for being the main sponsor for the event, along with all of the other sponsors. Thank you to Gene's Boots and Hats for coffee and donuts Saturday morning as well as the shirts. Todd and Tammy, thank you once again for carrying all of my queen stuff down to Missouri for the second year in a row. Finally thank you to Steve and Amy James for bringing me back early Sunday morning so I could get home and get up to college.

The National Cattle Congress Fair and Rodeo was Sept. 17-19 in Waterloo Iowa. I was only able to attend Saturday nights performance with Jordanne. She carried the American Flag and then I chased out calves during the roping events. You could definitely tell that fall was in the air as it was very chilly but thankfully the event was indoors at the McElroy Auditorium. I had a ton of fun but needed to get back to Ames to study for tests. A huge thank you goes out to Tally Roepke and her mom for making the trip to Waterloo for Jordanne and I on Sunday.

Until we ride again...

8 Performances in 9 Days

2010-09-09T23:57:00.032-05:00

DAYTON Rodeo-
On Friday, Sept. 3, Romeo and I headed to Dayton for the Labor Day weekend. The Roepke family joined me and brought a 51' living quarters horse trailer for us to stay in. Friday night's performance was very fun. Tally, Miss Rodeo Cherokee, and I split chasing back with the Dayton Rodeo Queen, Jami Hadaway, and the Dayton Rodeo Princess, Danielle Hadaway. After catching John Payne, The One Armed Bandits, performance and the Wild Horse Race, Tally and I headed out on the hill to sign autographs.

On Saturday night Jordanne joined us up in Dayton. We had a great night again with the Dayton Rodeo Committee along with Announcer, Boyd Pullhamus, Gizmo McCracken and Cory Wall the bull fighter.

Jordanne also joined us on Sunday for Tough Enough to Wear Pink night. It was amazing to see everyone on the hill decked out in pink.

On Monday morning was the parade. Tally and I, along with the two Dayton Queens and Cervi Rodeo Company led out the horses. Dayton is a pretty tiny town but they had a very long parade and so many people came out to see it. Monday afternoon was the last performance of the weekend and afterward I headed back to Ames to get some homework done before I took off for Fort Madison on Wednesday.
A huge thank you goes out to the entire Dayton Rodeo Committee for having me at their rodeo, Paula Jameson for the Cowgirl Pendent, Blake and Tammy Roepke for letting me stay with them in the AWESOME trailer, and of course my mom for meeting me in Ogden to take my dirty clothes and bring me clean ones.

TRI-STATE Rodeo-
After only 1 full day in Ames, on Wednesday, Sept. 8, Romeo loaded back up and headed out for Fort Madison for the Tri-Sate Rodeo along with the Miss Rodeo and Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa pageants.I made it down there in time for Wednesday's Tough Enough to Wear Pink night. The Miss Rodeo Iowa contestants, Rachel Bergren, Rachel Burton, Heidi Gansen, and Abigail Peterson, were already there and checked in.
On Thursday morning Jordanne, Rachel Kelderman, Miss NFPB, and I went to an elementary school for a school visit. We also stopped by a special needs classroom and signed autographs for the kids. After that we met up with the Miss Rodeo Iowa contestants and 3 judges for lunch. At 3:00 that afternoon the Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa contestants, Charity Howk and Caitlin Kuehn, had check in and then went to the rodeo grounds for the rodeo. Before the rodeo, Jordanne and I signed autographs at the Dodge Rodeo booth and also did a quick radio interview. While Jordanne and I stayed horseback the whole night with rodeo announcer, Boyd Pullhamus, the contestants mingled through the crowd with people's choice buckets.

Friday morning started with the horsemanship portion of the competitions. It was kinda rainy and chilly but rodeo queens aren't fare-weathered cowgirls. After horsemanship we all had lunch together and then returned to the hotel for the Teens interviews. Right after interviews were speeches and impromptu questions and then we headed out for the rainy Friday night rodeo. Jordanne and I put on our slickers and our hat covers and braved the rain and the mud.

Saturday kicked off with the parade. Well it started with Miss Rodeo Lenox arriving at about 3am but then we had the parade. After the parade it was back to the hotel to get ready for the coronation. Coronation started with all of us girls doing a dance...Jordanne and I may have gotten a little carried away with our ending but we had fun. :) Jordanne and I both modeled our dresses and we also did a farewell speech, where we gave each of the board members roses. Coronation ended with Heidi Gansen being crowned Miss Rodeo Iowa 2011 and Charity Howk being crowned Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2011. (to see full results of pageant visit www.missrodeoiowa.org)
I know that two lives were truly changed and Heidi and Charity will have the experience of a lifetime. I wish them both luck in their travels this coming year and hope they take it all in. I'd like to thank the Miss Rodeo Iowa board for all their hard work in the pageant. Without them this thing really wouldn't go on. I'd like to thank the Tri-State Rodeo Committee and all of the sponsors for such a great rodeo. A huge thank you goes out to all the sponsors for the donated items given away as gifts and donated items for the silent auction. Thank you to all the visiting royalty for coming down and supporting the Miss Rodeo Iowa pageant. Stacie Baumann, thank you for donating Dalton Wisdom Tee's to all of the girls. And finally, thank you to all of my wonderful sponsors who got me through this year and thank you to my mom, grandpa and grandma for being my support group all year. I couldn't have done any of this without you. I'm sad that my year as Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa is coming to a close but happy for all of the experiences I've had and people that I've met. Jordanne and I truly have had an amazing year and I am so happy that I have had such a wonderful Miss Rodeo Iowa to follow around.Until we ride again...

The one...the only...the Iowa State Fair

2010-08-23T19:50:00.007-05:00

On Tuesday, August 10th I moved my two horses, Cicada and Romeo, to the Iowa State Fair grounds. I was able to show Wednesday and Thursday as an FFA member in the horse show.
Thursday morning, the first morning of the fair, was the grand opening of the brand new Jacobson Exhibition Center. Jordanne and I were asked to carry the Iowa flag and the American flag during the opening to America the Beautiful. After that I also carried the American flag for the Central Iowa Dancing Hooves equestrian drill team.
Friday evening was the Iowa State Cowgirl Jr & Sr Cowgirl Queen competition. Jordanne carried the American Flag for the National Anthem and then Tierney Reiste, a Jr queen contestant, rode Romeo in the Jr Division. They didn't make the cut but had a beautiful ride. Then I rode Romeo in the Sr. Division. I was delighted when I made the final round and amazed when I was announced 1st Attendent (1st runner-up).
On Saturday afternoon was the Governor's Charity Steer Show. This show raises money for the 3 Ronald McDonald Houses in Iowa. I was 6th in the ring with my steer, Trouble. Thankfully Trouble didn't feel like causing any trouble that day because it was my first time ever showing a steer. I had so much fun at the Iowa State Fair.
Until we ride again...

Two PRCA rodeos in one week!

2010-08-07T14:44:00.010-05:00

On Tuesday, August 3, Romeo and I headed to Rodeo Town, USA, also known as Sidney for the Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo. When I arrived and got Romeo settled in to his stall, I was able to watch the speech and modeling portion of the Miss Rodeo Sidney pageant. We had a wonderful lunch as well and then we saddled up for the parade. After the parade was the horsemanship portion of the competition and then the coronation. Congrats to Amanda McNees for winning Miss Rodeo Sidney 2010.That night at the rodeo, put on by Cervi Rodeo Company, Jordanne Blair, Miss Rodeo Iowa, Amanda McNees, Miss Rodeo Sidney, Miss Rodeo Ak-Sar-Ben, 2009 Miss Rodeo Sidney and myself, rode in the grand entry, did our queens run, chased out calves, helped with muttin bustin and signed autographs with the bull fighters and Gizmo the clown. By the end of the night I think all of us were completely worn out.
Wednesday morning Jordanne, Amanda and I got up bright and early and headed to Nebraska City for a radio interview. On Thursday afternoon the three of us went around to local businesses and thanked them all so much for their sponsorship of the rodeo. After walking around Sidney's beautiful town square for a few hours it was time for me to take off for the Carson PRCA Rodeo. A huge thank you goes out to Jordanne and I's host mom, Kary Koso, and her two boys for their wonderful hospitality while in Sidney.
Upon arriving in Carson, I got my trailer parked and had plenty of help setting up my stall for Romeo. After that I helped the rodeo committee set up the hospitality tent and then went to Ron and Terri Clark's house to get ready for the rodeo, put on by Joe Simon Rodeo Company. That night I was the only queen there so I was kept busy leading the grand entry, carrying the American Flag for the National Anthem, chasing out calves, running flags, helping out with the stick horse race and muttin bustin. I had a great time with the Carson Rodeo Committee and announcer Doug Mathis and his daughter Haylee.
On Friday night I was joined by Miss Rodeo Lenox, Kayla Barber. She helped me split our responsibilities. Also Friday night I carried the Extreme Bull Riding Tour's fireworks flag to grab a little more attention during the National Anthem. On Saturday morning there was the rodeo parade. Kayla and I rode with the Carson Rodeo Committee and we actually got to go through twice. The Shriners from Omaha came to the parade as well and had so many cool floats and cars. Definitely went down as one of the best parades this summer. After the parade was the lawnmower races...if you've never seen one of these I highly suggest you find one and go. Some of the best entertainment I've seen all summer. After Saturday nights performance Kayla and I loaded up and headed home. A HUGE thank you goes out to our host family, Ron and Terri Clark, for the weekend. I had so much fun hanging out and getting to know this wonderful couple...GO BRONCOS :)
Until we ride again...

Broken Spurs Ranch present the Extreme Bull Riding Tour

2010-07-27T12:13:00.003-05:00

On Saturday morning July 25th, I loaded up Romeo in Lenox and headed home for the Extreme Bull Riding Tour that night in Winterset. Steve and Amy James of Broken Spurs Ranch brought the Extreme Bull Riding Tour to our hometown. When I arrived I had a chance to catch up with my Extreme Family. It was so good to be back on tour with them. Before the performance we had a production picture and then it was time to buck some bulls. Cash Smith carried the American Flag and Paige, his little sister, sang the National Anthem. I got to carry the fireworks flag for the tribute and did a little act with Todd Crase. He won Mr. Teen Rodeo Iowa at my coronation in February and his appearance was during this performance. So he got his crown and banner on and did a queens run, on foot of course. Jeep Steenhoek won the pair of handmade Henderson Custom Spurs and afterward was an autograph signing with all the bull riders. I had a wonderful night in my hometown with the Extreme Team.
Until we ride again...

Lenox Queen Pageant and Rodeo

2010-07-27T12:12:00.008-05:00

On Wednesday, July 22 I loaded up my trailer with two horses and headed down to Lenox, Iowa for the IRCA/URA Rodeo and queen pageant. Wednesday night was the parade and Suzy Fife, Miss Rodeo Lenox, Alicia Davison, Miss ISU Rodeo and I rode through.

Thursday morning started the Miss Rodeo Lenox Pageant with their modeling and speech practice. There were 5 girls running. Next they went to personal interviews and then on to the speech and modeling portion of the competition. After that they went and saddled up for horsemanship and then it was a waiting game. At 7:00 all the contestants, Suzy Fife-Miss Rodeo Lenox 2009, Jordanne Blair-Miss Rodeo Iowa, Jenna Kool-Miss DCF Rodeo, Alicia Davison-Miss ISU Rodeo, and myself helped out with muttin' bustin' and finally the time we were all waiting for...CORONATION. Congratulations to Kayla Barber from Winterset for capturing the title. Throughout the rodeo we rode in grand entry, chased back calves and signed autographs.On Friday we went to an assisted living center and talked about the rodeo and what we did as rodeo queens. We also signed autographs and had a watergun shoot out. Jordanne had a lucky shot and won with Jenna at a close second. Afterwards we went to the bowling ally for lunch and a few rounds of bowling and then back to the arena for the rodeo.

So a year ago at the Lenox rodeo when I was Miss DCF Rodeo I signed MTRI, Shelby Chapman, and Miss Rodeo Lenox, Suzy Fife, up for steer riding. Well...now its a tradition. The new Miss Rodeo Lenox and current MTRI must ride a steer one night during the Lenox Rodeo. So Kayla and I climbed on the back of our steers and rode...for like a whole 3 seconds. It was so much fun...but no worries. I have no intention of becoming a regular steer rider. :)
Until we ride again...

Hometown Rodeo and Wapello PRCA/FFA Rodeo

2010-07-27T11:48:00.009-05:00

On Thurday July 15th was the Madison County Fair's rough stock rodeo. I was asked by Matt Porter to present the American Flag during the National Anthem. Afterwards I walked around visiting local sponsors that had made it out to the rodeo. The Central Iowa Dancing Hooves Equestrian Drill Team performed later in the performance and they asked me to help out with their flags. I used to be apart of this drill team but with my Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa schedule I had to take a break this year. They had a wonderful routine this year and the crowd really enjoyed it.

Friday morning I loaded up Romeo again and took off for the Wapello PRCA/FFA Rodeo put on by Barnes Rodeo Company. Once I arrived I got my trailer plugged in and stall set up I started getting ready. It was very hot outside and I thought that was the reason it was taking my camper so long to cool down...but after getting curlers in my hair and saddling Romeo, I realized it was actually hotter in my trailer than outside. I had no air. Thankfully one of the committee members, Bambi Boysen was camping as well and graciously opened up her camper for me to stay in.
We started off Friday evening with the first annual Miss Rodeo Wapello queen coronation. I got to crown the teen and the queen. Caitlin Kuehn won Miss Teen Rodeo Wapello and Abby Peterson won Miss Rodeo Wapello. Both girls looked fabulous. We all carried flags in the grand entry and got to do our queens shortly after. Miss Rodeo Wapello, Abby, is also a trick rider. She and her sister performed and I carried their sponsor flag. Then later in the performance both Abby and Caitlin carried sponsor flags as well. After both performances they shot off fireworks, which was really cool.
The Wapello rodeo was started by FFA members and they still are the group putting it on. Because there was no showers on the grounds I went to Duane and Jodi Boysen's house to shower. Their son is in FFA and he invited me and one of the bull fighters to shower there. They were so much fun to talk to and just a wonderful family. A huge thank you goes out to them for opening their home to us. It was so nice to have a good shower after the hot day.
Saturday morning there was a parade and Caitlin, Abby and I rode together in it. We were right behind the Priefert Percherons, which was amazing. After the parade, the three of us judged the urban cowboy contest, which was a mechanical bull riding contest. None of us really knew what we were doing but it was fun watching everyone fall off. The performance that night was the same as the night before. I walked around and signed autographs and found out I had a ton of new fans.
Until we ride again...

BOA/NFPB and PRCA all in one weekend

2010-07-27T11:11:00.006-05:00

On July 8th, Romeo and I headed up to the Dallas County Fair in Adel for the Extreme Bull Riding Tour Event. I was joined by Jenna Kool, Miss DCF Rodeo, and Kara Christensen the Dallas County Fair Queen. We started the evening off with muttin' bustin' and then Jenna presented the American flag for the National Anthem. Right after that we both ran two sponsor flags and then got to kick back and relax a bit. During the Tribute to the Soldiers I carried the fireworks flag. This flag is on a remote and shoots fireworks out of the top. It's so cool! At the end of the evening all three of us stood in for the tip of the hat and then presented the winner of the event with a beautiful pair of Henderson Custom Spurs. We then had an autograph signing session and then I helped the Extreme Team tear down banners and flags. A huge thank you goes out to the whole Extreme Bull Riding Tour but especially Todd Crase, Ryan Skillett, and Shad Smith for their support throughout this year as Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa.

The very next morning I loaded up my Jeep and headed out for Decorah, IA for the Winneshiek County Fair PRCA Rodeo put on by Three Hills Rodeo Company. When I arrived I signed autographs under the grandstands before the performance. I borrowed one of Three Hills paints for the two performances and we carried military flags in the opening and then sponsor flags in the grand entry. I also got to chase out cattle during calf roping, bull dogging, and team roping. After I was done I helped unsaddle horses and then got to watch the rest of the performance. I ran into a few familiar faces in the northeast part of the state. One of which was Allen Dessel, he was one of two barrel men in Decorah. I tell you what, two clowns is twice as funny.

On Saturday afternoon I went to the Winneshiek Saddle Club Fun Show. I helped hand out ribbon with the Winneshiek Saddle Club Queen, Taylor Wennes, and helped set up barrels and poles too. It was a very hot day but I had so much fun with everyone. Afterwards I quickly went back to the hotel to change for the second nights performance.
Until we ride again...

4th of July @ Leon

2010-07-15T10:04:00.008-05:00

On Friday July 2nd I loaded up my two horses and headed to Leon for the Miss Leon Rodeo pageant. There were 16 girls total, 8 for the queen and 8 for the princess. They competed in horsemanship, interviews, modeling and speaking. At the rodeo that night Jessica Lutz was crowned the Miss Leon Rodeo and Shelby Keyes was named the Miss Leon Rodeo Princess. There were 5 visiting royalty Friday night: Jordanne, Miss Rodeo Iowa, Jenna Kool, Miss DCF Rodeo, Tally Roepke, Miss Cherokee Rodeo, Alicia Davison, Miss Rodeo ISU and myself, MTRI. At the rodeo we helped dry the tears during muttin' bustin' and carried flags in grand entry. I also got to chase out during slack.

On Saturday night we got to chase out in the performance and slack. I also had my own cheering section. My mom and 3 of her friends were down cheering me on and they also checked out the dance after the rodeo. There were 4 visiting royalty Saturday night: Jenna Kool, Tally Roepke, Alex Soukup, Miss ISHRA, and myself.

Sunday...HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!!
Jessica, Shelby, Tally and I braved it out to ride in the parade on Sunday afternoon. during the parade it was "dry" but right before it just down poured. Saturday night it rained but I think that just made it a little more fun. We managed to stay dry through the opening but then we were taking cover under anything we could find. Sadly they couldn't do the fireworks but it was a wonderful, wet 4th of July!Until we ride again...

Edgewood Rodeo Days

2010-07-15T08:57:00.007-05:00

On Thursday, June 24 Jordanne and I headed up to the Edgewood Rodeo Days. We started our adventure off with getting our horses settled in at John and Sue Roming's house. Then we went up town to the kids festival. We signed autographs and almost got wet by some waterguns. At the rodeo that night we did an interview with KMCH Radio and then carried military flags during the opening. Before every event we carried the Three Hills Rodeo Company flag and also got to chase out during the roping events. It was Tough Enough to Wear Pink night and 99% of the crowd participated.

On Friday we took a tour of Edgewood with Julie Miller. We went to an assisted living home, a day care, and we went around to all the sponsors and got tours of their facility. My favorite was the Edgewood Locker. I find things like that very interesting and Jordanne and I both loved our hair nets ;) Before the rodeo we did a TV interview and then after the opening Jordanne had to take off to get back to her hometown rodeo. The rain did hold off until I was completely unsaddled and back at our host home, Jim and Kathy Funke's.

On Saturday I went uptown and had lunch at the park. I also watched the kids tractor pull. It was a very warm afternoon and Romeo and I were in the parade too. I was supposed to ride behind the parade marshal but their car wouldn't go so they had to switch vehicles and fly to the front of the parade. So I got stuck between two firetrucks that were spaying the crowd with water, thankfully though, I somehow remained dry. At the rodeo that night I got to work with Three Hills again and for the second night in a row the rain held off. After the rodeo they did an event called Money the Hard Way. They tape a token worth $100 to a Mexican fighting bulls forehead and the person to grab it gets the money. Thankfully no one was seriously injured and the crowd loved it.

On Sunday morning I loaded up and headed to the Lake City IRCA rodeo. Once there I met up with Jordanne and we put on the very first Lake City Exceptional Rodeo. The contestants took a swing at roping at got to ride wild bronc hay bale. They also got to take really horse rides and run barrels on stick ponies. They all had a blast and got ribbons and autographs from Jordanne and I. At the rodeo we carried flags in the grand entry and did our queens runs too. Then we went to sell raffle tickets for a horse that Jordanne had had donated to her.Romeo and I had a super long weekend but loved every minute of it.
Until we ride again...

Adel IRCA/URA

2010-07-07T12:51:00.004-05:00

On June 18th and 19th I was supposed to be hosting a pageant for the Dallas County Fair Rodeo Queen. I won the title last year and was the second person to go on to win the teen title too. But because we only had one girl apply, she automatically got the title. So...Congrats to Jenna Kool from Adel for winning the Miss Dallas County Fair Rodeo queen title.We were joined by Amanda McNees, Miss Leon Rodeo, for Friday nights performance. We got to be apart of the grand entry and also do our queens runs. We also worked chasing out calves in the roping events. After the performance there was slack so Jenna and I stayed to work that as well. It was so nice to be so close to home. A lot of my sponsors were able to see my decaled trailer and watch me work the rodeo. I had such a great time with Jenna and Amanda.
Until we ride again...

IHSRA Finals

2010-07-07T12:13:00.005-05:00

On June 9th I met my mom at the Adventureland Inn to get my horse and travel to Fort Madison for the Iowa High School Rodeo Association Finals. After getting parked and my mare, Cicada, settled in I went to the Metcalf's. They again graciously opened their home up to Jordanne and I so we didn't have to get a hotel. The high school pageant began Thursday morning with interviews. There were three girls running and Jordanne was one of the 5 judges. After that we went to lunch at the Arena Sub Shop. Jordanne and I then did a little shopping around Fort Madison while waiting for the speech and modeling portion of the competition. Horsemanship was first thing Friday morning and the girls then had to wait until Sunday to find out how they did.
During each slack and performance I chased calves out. I also participated in grand entry by carrying the PRCA flag. On Saturday it started raining during slack so they postponed it by about three hours because we could barely see. That night was the queens auction and king contest. I helped out with the queens auction which raises money for the girl to go to nationals and compete. After all of this we had some entertainment. They had a king contest and John Young was named the Iowa HS King. Sunday morning was the queen coronation and they usually have it in the arena. But because it was raining again we decided to have it inside. Right before we started we lost power so we announced using a portable mic that ran on batteries. Sundays coronation named Alex Soukup the new Miss Iowa HS Rodeo. The short go was also postponed by an hour that day and no one came out of that arena dry.
Until we ride again...

Cherokee PRCA Rodeo

2010-06-15T13:53:00.014-05:00

On Thursday June 3rd Miss Rodeo Iowa, Jordanne, and I traveled to Cherokee, Iowa, for the 44th Annual Cherokee PRCA Rodeo. We arrived around noon and got our horses settled and then went to the hotel to freshen up before the horsemanship portion of the Miss Rodeo Cherokee pageant. A huge thank you goes out to the La Grande Hacienda Best Western Hotel for their wonderful hospitality throughout the weekend.There were 5 young ladies running to be Miss Rodeo Cherokee and Jordanne was one of the three judges. All the girls did a wonderful job in horsemanship and right after that we went to the arena to help with the calf-ribbon race. This was quite hilarious. It was divided up by age groups and each group of kids had to chase a calf to try to get a red bandanna off the tail. The person who accomplished this got a special prize from the Cherokee Rodeo Committee. Jordanne and I got our chance to chase the calves too with all of the other queen contestants. Needless to say, neither of us got the bandanna.Then it was rodeo time. The Cherokee Rodeo is the stock contractor's (Barnes PRCA Rodeo) hometown rodeo and man was it an edge-of-your-seat kind of show. Jordanne and I rode in the grand entry and also got introduced as visiting royalty. Throughout the rest of the night we mingled through the crowd signing autographs and taking pictures.
Friday morning started with a Chamber Breakfast at the hotel and then we went on to a radio interview at KCHE Radio in downtown Cherokee. We then headed out to a local business for lunch. Jordanne and I spent a lot of time talking to specialty act, John Payne (The One Arm Bandit) about how he trained his mule and buffalo to jump on his trailer. We also got a picture with Al Landa of whom is a major sponsor of the Miss Rodeo Iowa pageant.

Following that the queen contestants and three judges returned to the hotel for their interviews, speeches, and modeling. While this was in session, Miss Rodeo Cherokee 2009, Melissa Tabke, and I went to the local hospital for a visit. We saw some people in physical therapy, we went on the blood bus, and we met with some people in the cafeteria. Afterwards Jordanne and I went up to the Bits & Pieces Western Store to use our gift certificates that we had won in the pageant in September. When we returned to the fair grounds it was time for the Miss Rodeo Cherokee coronation. Tally Roepke won the title, and was so excited. We helped out with the calf-ribbon race in the mud and rode in the grand entry too. Saddle Bronc rider Wade Sundell rode Friday night and Jordanne and I couldn't help but get a picture with him, as well as Wayne Woolridge, who is a major sponsor of both Jordanne and I.

Saturday started off with the Exceptional Rodeo. This was a free event for all children and adults with special needs. The participants got to experience a real life horse back ride, work on their "bull riding" skills, and learn to rope. They had an awesome turn out for the event, and each contestant got to pick out a trophy at the end of the day.

After that Jordanne and I got to watch a reenactment of the historic Cherokee Depot Train Robbery and we enjoyed a western BBQ for lunch. Saturday afternoon was the parade. Tally and I rode side by side through the whole thing and we were so happy that the rain had gone away. Before the rodeo Tally and I sat out front of the gate and signed autographs as people walked in. Tally and I rode in grand entry and made our queens runs. I then walked around with her helping her get started signing autographs. Right before I took off for home, Tally and I got to ride in the back of John Payne's truck while he did his act. It was so much fun, and kind of scary seeing buffalo up so close, but it was so worth it.
Until we ride again...

John Wayne's from my hometown :)

2010-06-01T15:13:00.006-05:00

On Friday May 28th, I took Romeo in to the statue dedication for the John Wayne Birthplace Museum that was right off the square in Winterset. We were really just there for looks but I was fine by that because we were both pretty tired from coming back from Kansas City. An eight foot statue was placed on an empty lot which will soon be the home of the John Wayne Museum. We stood tall and proud in front of 6 American Flags while many people talked about John Wayne, including his daughter, Aissa Wayne. After the dedication there was a dinner in the garden. I attended that but let mom take Romeo home (I didn't think they wanted a huge horse in the gardens behind the birthplace). I got to talk to so many John Wayne fans and people from all over the country! It was a wonderful evening.On Saturday evening I was invited to the VIP dinner and auction. I was able to take pictures with many of the guests and had some wonderful conversations. The dinner was spicy Mexican food to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the motion picture epic The Alamo. I was privileged enough to get to sit at the same table as John Wayne's daughter, Aissa, and I felt like I got to know her on a more personal level. Garrison Auction Services did the auction and Jonny and Chuck did an awesome job of raising money for the John Wayne Birthplace so the museum can get underway. Jonny and Chuck did the auction at my coronation in February so it was great to get to work with them again.
After the auction Moe Bandy was playing and I couldn't believe how many people from the community were there to see him. I didn't stay because I had family at my house getting ready for my graduation, but from what I heard they were AWESOME!! After they got done playing the John Wayne Birthplace showed the Alamo outdoors on a huge blow up screen. A HUGE thank you goes out to Brian Downs for making me apart of this awesome celebration. I'm so happy I was able to help out and I'm glad I was able to be apart of it.
Until we ride again...

Abdallah Shrine Rodeo

2010-06-01T14:19:00.007-05:00

The Shrine temples hold fund raisers to raise money for their 22 hospitals so that they can provide professional service in the areas of spinal cord injuries, severe burns and orthopedics to children for free. One of the Abdallah Shrine Temple's fundraisers is their annual PRCA rodeo. This year marked the 51st Annual Abdallah Shrine Rodeo and was held in Tonganoxie, Kansas at the Leavenworth Co. Fair Grounds.

My mom and I loaded Romeo up and pulled out of home on Thursday, May 27th. Once we got the trailer dropped and Romeo settled in a stall, we headed to Cavender's to shop until it was time to get ready for the rodeo. Now Thursday night was the first night of the rodeo and the 5 girls who had competed for the Abdallah Shrine Rodeo Queen have been anxiously awaiting for two weeks to find out who won the title. Before the rodeo I met up with Ruth Nicolaus to take some pictures by sponsor banners. Then it was off to make sure all the girls were ready.

We rode in the grand entry right behind stock contractor Bennie Beutler. Then I turned right around to present the American Flag during the prayer and National Anthem. Romeo did amazing!!! He was a little nervous during the prayer but stood perfectly still during the National Anthem. And after the first round of bulls it was time for the coronation. I did my final queens run as the Abdallah Shrine Rodeo Queen and then dismounted to crown the new queen.Miss Congeniality was Brittanie Horseman.
2nd Runner Up was Cheyenne Patton.
1st Runner Up was Lexi Pottor and
The 2010 Abdallah Shrine Rodeo Queen was Amy Hudlemeyer.
All the girls dismounted for their sashes, flowers and a quick picture with Amy's new saddle provided by Y Bar H Outpost. Then Amy led her court in a final queens run for the evening. After we put our horses away we met back at the VIP area for more pictures and then Amy and I started into the crowd to sign autographs for the rest of the night. I'd like to thank Scott Millholland, the Mounted Patrol and the entire Abdallah Shrine Temple for all the did for me throughout my year. They were such a pleasure to work with and I know I've made some lifelong friends. Mom and I took off right after they bucked the final bull. We had to get back for the John Wayne Celebration and my graduation.
Until we ride again...

Nevada School Visit

2010-06-01T13:48:00.008-05:00

On Monday, May 17 I headed for Nevada, Iowa's elementary school for their "Cowboy Week." I had a wonderful day talking about rodeo, and my horses along with rodeo queens. I spoke to six preschool classes total, three in the morning and three in the afternoon. One of the activities I got to do with the children was teach them how to run barrels on my stick horse named spot.
They all seemed to enjoy that very much. I also shared with them some pictures of my horses and some leather off one of my saddles. They were a great group of children and even asked me to come play with them at recess. I haven't had a recess since 6th grade and had a blast playing with these preschoolers. I've never heard my name yelled so much at one time it was almost a little overwhelming...It was almost a little sad to say good bye at the end of the day but it was filled with hugs and high fives.Until we ride again...

Abdallah Shrine Pageant

2010-05-26T13:34:00.008-05:00

So...due to a little miss-hap at the Marshalltown Rodeo, I have been computerless for the past few week. But not to worry, I have it back and am ready to update my blog with all of the wonderful things I have been doing. :)

I can't believe it's been a whole year. Exactly a year ago from May 14 & 15 I competed for and won the Abdallah Shrine Rodeo Queen in Overland Park, Kansas. This year I got to host my first pageant as the reining queen. On Friday, May 14 my mom and I traveled to Kansas City. That night at the Abdallah Shrine Temple was the Poise and Personality portion of the competition. We had 5 beautiful ladies compete: Brittanie Horseman, Amy Hudlemeyer, Lexi Potter, Cheyenne Patton, and Paige Boylan. The evening started with photogenics and then we had a wonderful dinner made by the Shriners. After dinner I took the girls to the holding room and gave a few quick words of advice to help calm the nerves. Ernie Rodina, the Master if Ceremonies, and I MCed the whole evening, and before everything got started I got to model Lindsey Ahrenholtz's beautiful red dress that I rented from her. Each girl came in escorted by a Shriner and modeled while Ernie read a bio. Then they were asked a series of questions for the interview. There were personality, rodeo, current event and Shrine questions. All the girls did an amazing job and I had a wonderful evening being on the other side of the pageant! The next morning was the horsemanship portion of the competition held in Tonganoxie, Kansas at the Leavenworth Co. Fair Grounds. Amy Hudlemeyer had an extra horse and allowed me to borrow her so I didn't have to trailer down. It was a ton warmer than last year when I was competing but it was still a muddy mess. I set the pattern and left a perfect path for the girls to follow in all the mud. I then had the opportunity to watch all of the girls compete and they were flawless even in the sticky mud. The worst that happened was we lost a few bell boots but they were found when we did our practice run for the coronation at the rodeo on the 27th.The Shriners are known for their hospitals all over North America. There are 22 hospitals total, 20 in the United States, 1 in Mexico, and 1 in Canada. These hospitals specialize in spinal cord injuries, severe burns and orthopedics. These hospitals offer professional health care free of charge to any child under the age of 18 and no child is ever turned away. Words really can't describe what Shriners do for children. God Bless every Shriner and keep up the good work! We appreciate what you do!!
Until we ride again...

Marshalltown IHSRA

2010-05-11T12:26:00.002-05:00

On Saturday morning I loaded up the truck and trailer and headed out for the Marshalltown High School Rodeo. When I got there I unloaded Romeo and tied him to the trailer. The trailer next to mine had a goat tied to it and when it walked out from behind the trailer Romeo about had a heat attach. It was very entertaining watching a huge horse be terrified of a tiny goat. After getting all tacked up, I met up with Lakoda Kelber and followed her around until it was time for the meeting. At the meeting I met up with the high school wueen Charity Howk and went over what I would need to do for the weekend. For the grand entry I carried the PRCA flag and then did my queens run. I watched most of the rodeo after that on Romeo. He did so AWESOME!! He stood still all morning. It was very cold so about half way through the rodeo I went into the indoor arena to watch the roughstock events. After the rodeo a bunch of us went out to eat at Applebees and then back to the rodeo arena. When we got back I met with one of the girls running for the high school title and we talked about modeling, speech, outfits, and interview. She tried on some clothes and we got many opinions.
Sunday morning was actually warmer than the whole day of Saturday! I was in the grand entry again, and stuck around just long enough to watch Lakoda and Charity rope before I had to get home for Mother's Day.
Until we ride agian...

TULIPS

2010-05-11T12:14:00.004-05:00

On May 7th I met up with Jordanne and her mom in Pella for the Pella Tulip Festival. We walked around the square taking pictures and meeting new people, we also signed some autographs for some kids. In one of the stores we wents into they had wooden clogs...lets just say while we were trying a pair on we had a crowd watching but we quickly decided that our cowboy boots fit our look a little better. At 2:30 we were in the parade around the square. We rode on the Pella FFA Chapter's Float and had some fun catching up with the members while we waited to get moving. I couldn't believe how many bands there were in the parade and how far some of them had traveled. Also the floats were AMAZING!!! They had so much detail I was totally blown away. A huge thank you goes out to Mr. Williams, the FFA Advisor and to all of the FFA members letting us ride on the float.
Until we ride again...

Ronald McDonald

2010-05-11T12:05:00.003-05:00

On May 1st I joined Miss Rodeo Iowa Board od Directors Judy Rogers, Paula Jameson, Connie Weimold & Jordanne Blair along with her mom for a dinner at the Ronald McDonald House in Des Moines. We prepared pork loin, cherry salad, green beens, french bread and brownies. While everything was getting ready we were able to watch the Kentucky Derby.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a place for families to live for a very small fee while they have someone in the hospital. I had never been there before but had a great first experience.

Until we ride again...

Sidney IHSRA

2010-04-27T10:21:00.003-05:00

Muddy boots, muddy horses, muddy cowboys, muddy EVERYTHING. Thats what we had this past weekend down at the Sidney Iowa High School Rodeo. I rode down and back with Lakoda and Keann Kelber and boy was that a fun trip. We arrived late afternoonish on Friday and put on our mud boots to go out in the arena to hang up banners. After that it was just hang out time, Lakoda and I caught up with some friends and had a very relaxing evening.
When we woke up on Saturday morning, we all feared the worst...but when we looked outside the sun was trying to come out. I got ready in the Iowa High School Rodeo Queen, Charity Howk's, trailer and was helping hand out back nembers by 10:00 am. We had a quick meeting at noon, where I was introduced as visiting royalty, and then it was off to the grand entry. Charity carried the American Flag and I was right behind her with the Iowa Flag. Charity was nice enough to let me use her barrel horse, Silver, all weekend so that I didn't have to haul. After the grand enrty I went right back in for the National Anthem, and right after that was our queen runs. After three quick runs like that my adrenaline was pumping! After that I sat and watched breakaway because Chairy, Lakoda and Keann competed. Shortly after that Charity goat tied and Lakoda and I cheered on the rough stock riders. The weather had stayed nice up until this point, almost hot at times, but then the clouds lets loose and it down poured just as calf roping was getting started. Charity and I sold raffel tickets for a handmade quilt and thank goodness for those covered bleachers. After Charity ran barrels and the rodeo was over for the day, her and I met with the three girls considering running for the High School title in June at the finals. We covered everything but tried not to overwelm them. They asked some great questions, but I was definitly ready for bed when we were done.
Sunday morning was like a completely different rodeo, it was cold and windy right when we woke up and rained the majority of the day. It was also different because we were lined up for the grand enty by 8:45. Now this was interesting, mud was flying everywhere!!! I dont think one person made it out of there clean but it also made it a lot of fun. Sunday was the same except we got a few more laughs because everyone was so dirty. I had so much fun at my first high school rodeo.
Thank you to the Kelber's for the ride, a place to stay, and putting up with all of my queen stuff for the weekend. Thank you the Trevor Reiste for hualing my stuff back and forth from the Kelber's trailer to the Howk's trailer, it made it so much easier than walking and it gave you some more practice at the manual. ;) And a huge thank you to the Howk's, for the horse and letting me get ready in your trailer, and also just being my "parents" for the weekend.
Until we ride agian...

Iowa Horse Fair

2010-04-14T11:54:00.005-05:00

On Friday, April 9th I made my first trip as Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa with my trusty steed, Romeo. We made our way to the Iowa State Fair grounds for the 2010 Iowa Horse Fair. After getting Romeo all bedded down into his stall I headed to the Varied Industries Building from 3-6 and sat at the Iowa Horse Council's booth. They sponsor a booth for all of the rodeo and cowgirl queens to sign autographs, answer questions, and sell raffle tickets. At 6:00, I headed to the barn to tack up for the Bulls and Barrels Extravaganza. Grand River Rodeo Company did a great job organizing the event. I presented the American Flag for the opening and then had a great evening hanging out with some friends and family watching the event.

Saturday morning I was back in the Varied Industry Building by 8:00. I worked the booth most of the morning with the Leon Rodeo Princess, Jenna Kool, and the Iowa HS Rodeo Queen, Charity Howk. At 1:00 all of the queens that were attending the horse fair were announced at the pavilion. The International Buckskin Queen along with Jenna Kool, two Iowa Paint Horse Queens and two Minnesota Cowgirl Queens rode in a mule driven wagon. The two Iowa Buckskin Queens rode their horses in a queens run and then Charity and I both rode Romeo (but not together of course). After that, it was off to the Stick Horse Race, of which Charity and I judged. We had two wonderful classes and all of the contestants were so cute! Then it was back to the booth until 6:00. For the rodeo everything was the same as Friday night. I had so much fun, everyone was so nice.

Finally, the last day of a wonderful three day weekend. I was joined by two new queens, the Dayton Rodeo Princess, Erika Heckman, and the Woodbine Rodeo Queen, Amy Christansen. All day Sunday was spent at the booth. I had such a great time and a huge thank you goes out to the royalty who helped out and a huge thank you to Kimber Dall and Jim Heckman for coordinating everything and setting everything up for the weekend.
Until we ride again...

Miss Rodeo Iowa Clinic

2010-03-30T10:22:00.005-05:00

What a wonderful weekend! On Friday afternoon my riding partner, Kayla Barber, and I headed up to Ames for the Miss Rodeo Iowa Clinic held at ISU's Vet School. Friday's portion was filled with hair and make-up tips from Judy Rogers and Miss Rodeo Iowa 2007, Amanda Eason. Afterwards, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2009, Lindsey Ahrenholtz and I were craving some Subway. I followed her (because I didn't know where I was going) and half way there her car ran out of gas. So Kayla and I pushed her into a parking lot, piled into my truck and went to Subway while we waited on some help.

Saturday was an early morning driving back up to Ames with Kayla, but well worth it. We enjoyed several clinicians presenting on several topics from horsemanship to speech, interview, and modeling. There were sixteen beautiful young ladies from all over Iowa and Illinois that attended. They all participated in hands on learning and had the chance to shop at the clothing exchange.
Sunday we continued the presentations and then put the girls through a mock pageant. They said a short speech, answered one personality question, and modeled. We had three judges that gave feed back. They all had learned and improved so much in just three days.

All-in-all, a FANTASTIC weekend put on and organized by Amanda Eason. A huge round of applause and thank you to her for putting this great learning experience on for all the girls.
If you are interested in becoming one of the "girls to watch out for", keep an eye on the Miss Rodeo Iowa's website for information concerning next year's clinic.
Until we ride again...

IPTV's Festival 2010

2010-03-22T14:48:00.004-05:00

When I got home from Snow Bull on Sunday afternoon, I only had a few hours, before I was heading to Miss Rodeo Iowa, Jordanne Blair's house. We set off on our first of many adventures together, to help IPTV with Festival 2010. Festival ran through March 21, and it gives viewers from around the state and some surrounding states the chance to support the programming they enjoy all year long. Jordanne and I arrived there at 6:30 and got right into training, after a short video and going over the pledge form, we were live. We spent the evening answering calls, taking pledges, and asking some questions to the callers. All the IPTV staff, and other volunteers were wonderful. IPTV provided supper from Olive Garden, and snacks throughout the night, and I had many interesting conversations with the volunteers. Many of them said that their caller had asked if they could talk to one of the girls in the cowboy hats. Jordanne and I had a great night, but with loosing one hour of sleep the night before, we were both ready to hit the hay when we left.

Until we ride again...

Snow Bull 2010

2010-03-17T10:06:00.013-05:00

On last Thursday afternoon one of my best friends, Heylee Horn, and I set out for Burlington, Iowa, for Snow Bull 2010! We got to the Burlington Memorial Auditorium at about 6:00pm and I got lined out on my duties for the evening. Shortly after getting all set, I was interviewed by a reporter fom The Hawk Eye newspaper. Very nice man, and did a wonderful job on the article. Thursday night I was by myself, and kept busy with the National Anthem, tribute, throwing t-shirts during intermission, and signing autographs afterwards. Afterwards we all went back to Todd Crase's hotel room and hung out for the night.

Friday morning we were up-n-at-'em again. At 1:00 three classes from the Burlington Elementary School came to the arena and announcer, Chris Pyle, funny man, Allan Dessel, bull fighters, Jeremy Muntz and Cory Greible, bull rider, Cody Redman, and I talked to them about our specific jobs at a rodeo, or in this case bull riding. After some questions we split into two groups.

The first group went into the arena and talked to the bull fighters and bull rider about their equipment. The second group was with Lisa, Miss BOA 2001 and I learning how to run barrels...even though that wasnt an event that weekend, we figured it was a great way to get all of their energy out!!! Towards the end we brought both groups together for the CANDY DROP!!!! Allan had all the kids touching the fence, a gallon bucket full of candy on the dirt in the middle of the arena, counted down 3...2...1...and !ZOOM! all the kids were digging in the dirt trying to get as much candy as possible. While on their "sugar high" we signed autographs, sent them back with their teachers and headed back to the hotel for a quick nap before the performance.

Friday night was great!!! I was joined by Miss NFPB, Rachel Burton, along with doing everything the same as Thursday night, we also took TONS of pictures!!! Friday night after the performance my traveling partner, Heylee and I got in my truck and made the three hour trip to Creston, Iowa, for South Central District FFA Convention on Saturday morning. Im a SC District officer and was competing for public speaking. A huge thank you goes out to Dee Weeda who opened her house to the district officers for the night. Heylee and I rolled in just after midnight and we were bright eyed and bushy tailed at 5:45 am on Saturday morning. Heylee and I both competed at about 8:30 and we were back on the road by 10:00. Three more hours in the truck and we rolled into the Burlington Memorial Auditorium just in the nick of time for over 75 head of muttin' bustin'. There were some tears, frowns, and plenty of smiles to go around. Rachel and I left with our hands smelling like wet smelly sheep from all of our high fives, but it was well worth it.

Finally Saturday nights performance....it was a full house. We started the evening off a little different, we started with a memorial for Chad Carlson who was killed back in 2000 by a drunk driver on his way home from the Extreme Bull Riding Tour Finals. He was a part of the Snow Bull committee, and a member of the extreme family. There was not a dry eye in the place and Shad Smith was awarded the 2010 Chad Carlson Memorial Award for his contribution to the sport that Chad loved so much. After that Chris Pyle did a great job of getting everyone excited for the last night of bull riding. Rachel and I stood for the National Anthem and Tribute, threw t-shirts during intermission, and signed autographs.

Afterwards I stayed at the arena talking to many people I hadn't seen in a long time. It was a great weekend to catch up, of course a great bull riding.

Untill we ride again...

Soroptimist Princess Tea Party

2010-03-08T16:00:00.015-06:00

So what happens when you put over 100 little girls, all the Disney princesses and two rodeo queens in the same room...a whole lot of fun!!! On Friday March 5th, Miss United Rodeo Association, Rachel Bergren and I made the 3 hour trip down south to Jeff and Kelly Metcalf's house in Fort Madison. They graciously opened their house up for us to stay. We got there around 7:00 and sat around eating pizza and watching "The Singing Bee" most of the night. Saturday morning we eat a wonderful breakfast and then headed out for the Soroptimist's Princess Tea Party.

When we got there all the Disney princesses were there (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Tinker belle, Snow White, Jazmin, Ariel, Belle, Pocahontas) and Prince Charming was too.

Around 10:00 in started coming 73 girls dressed like princesses aged 3 to 5. They were absolutely adorable. They could take pictures with the "big" princesses, get their nails painted, face painted, a tattoo (fake of course) and have Prince Charming try on the glass slipper. They all looked like they were having so much fun.
The second half of the morning was filled with colorful cupcakes and signing autographs. Rachel and I got up on stage and did a little roping demonstration, and talked about the sport of rodeo. At 12:00 sharp it was over...we stripped the tables and redecorated everything, it was amazing how fast everything went back together with so many people working. The Soroptimist ladies provided Subway subs for lunch, ymm-ymm good. At about 1:00 in started coming the next group, these girls were 6 years old and older. Not as many of them dressed up like princesses but they still got to have their picture taken with them. The older group was a little easier to keep their attention so they asked us questions during tea. Everything went very well all day and the Soroptimist had over 140 girls total. They were all so cute!!! Rachel and I got out of there about 3:00, swung by the Metcalf's for a quick good bye and to pick up our over night stuff, and, after a great day, headed home. Until we ride again...

MTRI Coronation

2010-02-23T10:25:00.014-06:00

On February 13, at the Jackson Community Building, on the Madison County Fair Grounds in Winterset my Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa Coronation Celebration was held. I felt so blessed to have the 200+ people, that braved the snow, there to support me for my upcoming year. Wow, what an evening. There were so many silent and live auction items that everyone had a chance to bid on. I could not believe how much stuff we had! It was amazing!

We started things off with Mark Pearson as my MC for the night. Things quickly moved to dinner that was sponsored by the Madison County Pork Producers. My older sister and one of my very good friends dismissed tables by asking "Hannah Trivia". I was kind of surprised at how much people knew about me. :) During dinner, there were many things going on, so there was never a dull moment. First Jill Perkins (MRI 2002) handled the actual coronation. After that, I thanked my parents and all of my wonderful sponsors and then invited my mom up to read a poem called "Because my daughter grew up with horses". And finally, the last portion of the entertainment was the Mr. Teen Rodeo Iowa Pageant. Todd Crase, Michael Peiffer and Cody Turner competed for the title. They answered impromtu questions, modeled, and rode a horsemanship pattern. After that, they went around and tried to get people to vote for them. Todd Crase won the competition with a catch. At the Extreme Bull Riding Tour's Broken Spur Ranch Event in Winterset in July, he must make his first appearance (on his stick horse of course) as Mr. Teen Rodeo Iowa.

After all the entertainment, I handed the mic over to Jonny Garrison with Garrison Auction Services. They kept the auction running very smoothly, with the help of all the rodeo royalty, and the very last item to sell was a pie. Jonny said, "If someone buys this pie for $100.00, I'll let Hannah throw it in my face." Well, Brian Gibson bought the pie for $100.00 and I had the privelage of doing just that. :)

The night still wasn't over yet!!!! Mark Keaton and Ryan Skillett drove all the way from Lincoln, Nebraska, just to play for my coronation. Mark Keaton is many time Extreme Bull Riding Tour Entertainer of the Year, and flew all the way from South Carolina to make it back for my coronation. I was so happy at how many people stayed for the dance. Mark and Ryan, and everyone else who jumped up on stage to sing a song or two, did a fantastic job. I could not thank them enough.

Over all the coronation was a HUGE success!! I raised so much money that will help me with my travels this summer. Thanks again to everyone!
~Untill we ride again...

Jordanne's Coronation

2010-02-10T09:51:00.003-06:00

I wanted to get this out sooner but I've just been really busy with everything. On January 23rd I made the solo trip up north to Lake City, Iowa. Honestly, I started sweating a bit on my way up there, the fog made it a long sometimes scary trip but when I finally got there the Miss Rodeo Iowa board members and Jordanne's family were putting the finishing touches on all the silent and live auction items. The doors opened at 5:00 pm and over 200 people braved the fog to come support Miss Rodeo Iowa 2010. The evening started with a wonderful dinner, and moved quickly on to the crowning of Jordanne. After that, there was some very funny entertainment with the Mr. Rodeo Iowa competition. Things quickly moved into the live auction which is where all the visiting royalty got to help out. The visiting royalty consisted of MRI 2009 Lindsey Ahrenholtz, MTRI 2009 Shelby Chapman, Miss Rodeo Illionois 2010 Katie Chaffin, Miss NFPB 2009 Rachel Burton, Miss URA 2010 Rachel Bergren, Miss Rodeo Lenox 2009 Suzy Fife, Leon Rodeo Princess 2009 Jenna Kool, myself and a few others. We held up all of the live auction items so the audience could get a better view. It was a great night seeing everyone and I had so much fun. I also got tons of ideas and tips for my coronation...eekk, I'm excited!!! Untill we ride again...

Lady-In-Waiting

2010-01-28T11:14:00.008-06:00

Wow, what an awesome 4 months. Here is a recap on my 4 month long Lady-in-Waiting period.

In September at the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison, Iowa, I was crowned Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2010. Along with the title, I also won the Bob Britton Speech Award with my speech on PRCA saddle bronc rider, Wade Sundell, and the Larry Robert's Rodeo Spirit Award. Since then, I've been very busy preparing for my upcoming year.

On October 16th and 17th I attended the Bull Riders of America (BOA) Finals back down in Fort Madison. It was freezing, but the bulls still bucked hard, and the cowboys hung on tight. I took my steed, Romeo, and we carried the American flag, and ran stock contractor flags between sections. On Saturday night, we did a tribute and the flag that I carried shot fireworks out of the top! It was so cool and Romeo did awesome for the first time with the fireworks. I also sold 50/50 raffle tickets for the Susan G. Koman Foundation and signed autographs with the bullriders after the performance both nights. Even though it was unusually cold for October, I had a ton of fun with the Extreme Team.

On October 24th I traveled to Boone, Iowa, for Miss Rodeo Iowa, Lindsey Ahrenholtz's, send off fashion show. She modeled all of her outfits that she wore in Vegas for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. They were all GORGEOUS!!! I ended up buying her horsemanship outfit :) We also got to hear her speech. In between her outfits Jordanne Blair, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2010, Heidi Gansen, Miss Rodeo ISU 2009, Jenna Kool, Leon Rodeo Princess 2009, and I modeled so Lindsey had a chance to change. It was a very relaxed afternoon and I had so much fun seeing all of her outfits.

Throughout the month of November I worked on getting sponsors and donations for my coronation in February.

On to December, I started out on the 12th by going to the Iowa Fair Convention with Todd Crase, Ryan Skillett, and the Double S Bull Company, at the Airpot Holiday Inn in Des Moines, Iowa. I helped book Iowa events for the Extreme Bull Riding Tour by sitting at our booth and talking to fair board members. I also met other stock contractors from around Iowa.
Although a long day, with kinda crummy weather outside, it was an interseting first experience for myself, and lots of fun with Todd and Ryan.

Just two short days before Christmas, Todd Crase with Genesis Development and I traveled to Indianola, Iowa, for the Discovery Program as Santa and Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2010. I spent the afternoon signing autographs, posing for pictures, answering MANY questions about rodeo, and (my favorite part) handing out presents for the gift exchange.

FIANLLY!!! My last day of Lady-in-Waiting. On the morning of December 31st, Todd Crase, his two boys, and I loaded into his truck and headed westward towards Madison, Nebraska, for the Extreme Bull Riding Tour Finals. I was joined that night by Miss NFPB, Rachel Burton, and Extreme Princess, Abby McDonald. Together the three of us sold 50/50 raffle tickets for the Susan G. Koman Foundation in hopes of reaching the Extreme Bull Riding Tour's goal of $5,000. We reached and surpassed it by raising a grand total of $5,209.00 in 2009. The stock contractors and production team put on an extravagant show and we ended the year of 2009 the "extreme" way with a great New Years Eve bash after the rodeo. The very next day we hopped back in the truck and headed for the "Nebraska Office", also known as Ryan Skillett's house, to start preparing to kick on the new year on January 2nd at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. I was again joined by Rachel and Abby to sell raffle tickets and after the performance we signed autographs at the extreme trailer. Lincoln was much warmer than Madison but both events were Extreme.