How I got to be this way...

I was the little girl who pointed at every horse trailer on the highway, walked to the neighbors house to pet the horses every morning and chose the horse books at the book fairs and library every time. I was starry eyed at every beautifully created four legged creature and star struck to cowboys instead of pop singers. George Strait was (and remains) my idol.  How I got that way? I don't think I'll ever know. My family never had interest or experience with the equine industry but I somehow posses an inborn fondness for anything agriculture. It's my outlet to get away from the craziness of family issues, relax from the corrupt world we live in and even more, it's hope that we can still preserve the old fashion, western way of lifestyle.

The western way of life is one where sir and ma'am are used each day. A man and a woman get married to stay no matter how hard the going gets. Hard work isn't a question because the work doesn't stop when the clock strikes 5 O'clock.

Upon my parents divorce and soon my mothers remarriage to a local farming family, my agricultural horizons began to expand. I spent every extra second by my papa's side in the tractor or feeding cattle with my step dad. My hobby extra curricular changed from cheerleading to FFA. I hung on the words of every horse person and never turned down a chance to ride.

My sophomore year we had a student teacher in an Ag class, Nikki Dallison. She asked me if I had ever done a rodeo queen contest, I replied with a glazed look and blank stare, "A What?" I'd never even heard of it. I was soon introduced to a world where glitz and glam met grit and dirt. After getting runner up in several contests I was eventually awarded my first title, 2013 Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks. Read more about my experience during the year by visiting my blog:

Rodeo queening is so much more than the pageantry we make it out to be today. It is an opportunity to reach out to those unfamiliar with rodeo and the western way of life. It's a way to encourage every little girl who wants to have her own horse, to hold onto that dream. Rodeo queening is a chance to be a positive role model in a world that lacks them. And for me personally, it's proof that you do not have to come from a rodeo (or whatever you passion may be) background or from money. If you simply work hard enough, dream big enough and place your faith in God the opportunities are limitless.