ISU Homecoming Parade and Rocky Mountain Cowboy Race = New Beginnings



"Tango" and I- I'm wearing Dads chinks :)






Shania, Myself, Randi



Saturday, September 25th was the Idaho State University's Homecoming Parade. Here we welcomes back the Orange and Black in good ol' Pocatello. :) With this parade, we made sure to decorate the horse trailer accordingly to welcome in the new rodeo to be held in Pocatello, ID:: The Western Frontier Pro Rodeo- Wrangler Million Dollar Tour (by Justin Boots) hosted by the Pocatello Frontier Rodeo Association. I do not reccommend trying to say that 5x fast! My dad even helped in my wardrobe!! Since my black/blue/silver chaps were being fixed, he let me use his "well used" chinks in which, completed my outfit perfectly!~ Thanks Dad!! We had a GREAT turn out for committee participation, parade participants, and parade spectators. It was WILD seeing so many people in Bengal stripes, orange, black, and paint!! Randi, Shania, and I had a GRAND time hooting and hollering with the crowd as we strolled by. Anything to help in the excitement was definately a treat. :) From this experience, I will admit- glitter glue and horses to NOT mix- when you try to brush it off... you can still read the letters you wrote from that morning (OOOOOPPPPS) I will not be putting "Tango" through THAT again!

 Rocky Mountain Extreme Race ( Below)



A few of the Committee members involved



Carma and I- Best timers EVER!



Judges in Arena- Corey and Jim

October 1st and 2nd (Friday and Saturday) the PFRA held an event called the Rocky Mountain Cowboy Race (following after the Cowboy Extreme Race). The event was in Pocatello, ID at the Bannock County Fairgrounds. Talk about a WARM 2 days! Friday was considered a practice round, in which I participated in. "Tango" has done most wonderful for me ALL year, I wanted to see how far she would be willing to go in new things. We walked through a tunnel (tarp on both sides and below), jumped trees (barrels lying flat between 2 poles), made our way through the car wash (tarp hanging freely from above), waded our way through a pond (a man made water hole), and even pushed a big green ball around the arena (definitely the BEST time ever!!)!! What a BLAST! We had a great turn out JUST for practice and all the obstacles offered (far too many to name). I was more impressed with my gal after that, and knew I had a GRAND partner in anything I wanted to do. Don Moore was kind enough to show us all how each obstacle worked- not to mention, he puts it on for us each year AND at his home ranch in California - http://reedvalleyranch.com/ . Saturday came with even more excitement! Carma Madsen and I helped in being timers, K.T Anderson was announcer, and we had committee members spread throught the event as judges, and assitance with some of the obstacles. We all watched horsemanship, at its best, compete in different divisions. The catch... all the obstacles were no longer JUST in the arena! Now, they were spread all through the arena, parking lot, AND in the extra field. Who saw that coming? What a HOOT! The bonus about participating in the competition is that, if you won, you received not only bragging rights, but well earned reward money as well. I can't wait for next year to maybe, take it another step and actually compete in the competition. I love being part of this committee! They find any way to help out the rodeo that they care so much for, and would do anything for it to succeed! :) Until next year...





K.T- Announcer (horseback) Don  Moore- contestant



Robert- Judge on foot









The "Car Wash"




Around the barrel





Careful not to disturb the logs in your 360 turns

























100 yrs. Let 'Er Buck!! Pendleton Roundup





Nice set-up ;)





September 17th was a day to remember! For it was the ONLY day that the Pendleton Roundup had visiting royalty, AND the Western HO! Parade. This year marked 100 yrs for the Famous Pendleton Let 'Er Buck Rodeo with an event planned unlike anything! I am convinced that those that have been around for a while, know how to put on a celebration, because 100 yrs Salinas and 100 yrs Pendleton- WOW... that's all I can say. :) My dad helped me on this journey to Pendleton, Oregon, by brining along my main gal this year- "Tango". It was expected to me a LONG drive so we made sure she was as comfertable as can be. We stopped for the night in La Grande, Oregon- a town just below Pendleton- and put Tango up at the local fairgrounds. I made sure she had time to roll and stretch her legs prior to putting her in her stall for the evening... watching her gave me the idea that I needed pictures of her in her funny attire, not to mention, the surrounding area since it is BEAUTIFUL!



The next morning, after a LONG night of sleeping in curlers (ick), we headed off to Pendleton- with the weather damp, and the long day expected, I was crossing my fingers in hope that the sun would shine through come time for the parade! As we pulled into the neat little town, it wasn't hard to find where everyone was suppose to meet, considering EVERYONE was parked in the WalMart parking lot- and it looked as though there was no getting in, OR out! However, we found a little spot behind the madness- and from there- it was game time. :: Dad prepared "Tango"- I went to check in. Meeting spot was confrimed, parade number in hand, and I was off to grab my horse for the line up. Come to find out... the weather wasn't about playing so nice that morning. It rained... and rained... and rained! Curls in the hair- gone, horse mane and tail crimps- gone, the fun little glitters on the horse- majority gone, chaps dirty, white hat- ick, and my serape-um... yea. Loving Oregon!! Hahahaha... but the parade and the time I had was ALL worth it! There were 1300 people on horseback, with even more entries on foot, in wagons, and on buggies. What a sight! We continued the day with the Queens luncheon, serpantine ride, and of course.. the rodeo. So much that little town has to offer with such a grand event! I had a GREAT time, including all the positive that came out of such a trip. Spending time with my dad, the ability to ride my own horse through the parade, participating in another 100 yr old rodeo, and of course, the trip home. Home sweet home- only... To continue my reign with a parade the following weekend. :) Thank you for having me! Thank you for putting on such a GRAND event! Thank you for continuing this wonderful way of life in the BEST of ways!!! Thank you!  



100 Flag bearers- all on horseback







Sitting outside Pendleton Rodeo Grounds







Native American participation



~Eastern Idaho State Fair~ Parade and IMPRA Rodeo Finals



Shania, Myself, and Randi - DNCFR



The beginning of September = The week long event of the Eastern Idaho State Fair!!! An event everyone looks forward to wether it be for the carnival rides, free shows, shopping at vendors, the BIG celebrities, or even.... The Fair FOOD! MMMmmmmmm.... Saturday Sept. 4th was the kick off to this annual event, with a fantastic candy parade that had entries that lined up for days!!! The famous truck/trailer set up lead the way with Randi, Shania, and I following behind:: Measha- Miss Rodeo Idaho, Bryn- Miss IMPRA, her 1st attnd Tiffany, and 2nd attnd Dianna traveled the route right behind us. What a BLAST! We even gained a new companion on horseback- committee member Brad Carter joined, riding right along with us, helping in exciting the crowd!!



Miss DNCFR- Prep!



Randi, Myself, and Randi





Shania, Myself, Randi, and Brad making our way through the parade :)

 

I love seeing the excitement of the crowd when we make our way through the parade. It feels my heart with pride all the more for my rodeo, and reminds me why rodeo queens are so important to the sport! :) Although I will admit... I would LOVE to see the contestants get involved with these type of things as well. I know they would have a BLAST!

During the week, we share a booth with KZBQ owner/D.J "the luckiest man alive" Paul Anderson. Each year he is in the same spot- one that can't be missed with the Country music jammin and the lil red barn feel. Here is where you can find a committee member with the rodeo, who would fill you in on anything rodeo related, or event that may be happening in junction with the rodeo. This year we explained what was happening with the move of the DNCFR, and a new annual event- The Rocky Mountain Cowboy Challenge (Cowboy Extreme Race).



"Tango" and I at IMPRA Finals

Talking about rodeo, can only go so far with excitement... which is why they also hold the InterMountain Pro Rodeo Association Finals during the EISF. Monday Sept. 6th, and Tuesday Sept. 7th, I had the privilege of working with IMPRA Queen Coordinater DeeDee Tucker, IMPRA Royalty, Miss Rodeo Idaho, Miss Meridian Lions Rodeo, and Miss Jr. Rodeo Idaho with flag presentations in both performances. We packed sponsor flags in the grand opening, winners circles, and even made a nice stroll around the arena after the last event was through. Pushing cattle was an added bonus with some arena time with the top competitors in this association :)  Thank you IMPRA and DeeDee Tucker for having me! It was definately a memorable experience.





All the girls involved with packing flags



Winners Circle





Tricia, Measha, Dianna, Bryn, Tiffany, Myself, Keely





IMPRA Queen Contest

Intermountain Pro Rodeo Association

August 28th was the Intermountain Professional Rodeo Association (IMPRA) Queen Contest. I ventured to Rigby, Idaho to watch girls, I have gotten to know this year, compete for the title; Bryn Christensen, Dianna LaVern Drollete, and Tiffany Gepford. They started out with the modeling, leading into speech, onto interviews, and ending with horsemanship. The weather was not playing very nice for this outside competition.. however, each girl cowgirled up and went through with the entire competition!! Wonderfully done girls!! Modeling and speech went very well. Each girl gave a speech on her state with very intriguing dialogues. Bryn's Snow White and the 7 dwarves, Tiffany's Wild Idaho Adventure, and Dianna's Utah Tour. Very clever ways to make a speech into something catchy!! (I'd hate to be a judge trying to decide who's was better). Interviews were based on IMPRA knowledge, past champions, horemanship, and current events. With best for last- Horsemanship! Horsemanship was rather tricky... the girls brought all their talents to the plate and looked just beautiful doing it!!  They survived the storm and even finished JUST before the HUGE downpour! Whew... curled hair and rain do NOT mix so well ;)

Ending results:
Queen- Bryn Christensen  = Horsemanship and Interview

1st Attn- Tiffany Gepford = Speech

2ns Attn- Dianna LaVern Drollete

Responsibilities include: Appearances at (at least) 10 IMPRA rodeos AND the IMPRA Finals in Blackfoot @ the East Idaho State Fair.

 Congratulations girls!! You all did a WONDERFUL job and I'm happy to see each of you succeed in your own ways. We'll see you at the East Idaho State Fair!!

Caldwell Night Rodeo (CNR)

"Misti" and I- Thursday Grand Entry "Miss DNCFR"

August 19th, 20th, and 21st = The Caldwell Night Rodeo in Caldwell, Idaho. I was given the honor of participation EVERY night!

Pushing cattle with Leslie

Thursday night was Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP) and here is where I made my first introduction. RaeMarie was kind enough to lend me a horse every night! This night I used her horse "Misti"- A beautiful black paint that had no problem whipping around the arena! I was introduced during the Jr. Rodeo, in order to get a fill for this black paint mare, and from there... we were golden!! The CNR Royalty, flag barers, and I all packed flags during the Grand Entry only to turn around and be re-introduced AS Rodeo Royalty: " Your Caldwell Night Rodeo Royalty 2010- Leslie Winkelman.... 2011 Caldwell Night Rodeo Royalty- Jenna Greenwood.... and your 2010 Miss Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo- Kassi Bollinger!!" The crowd went WILD for the Rodeo Royalty- I LOVED IT!! (Grinning from ear to ear). For the rest of this night I continued with packing flags and even helped push cattle with Leslie. "Misti" was at first confused that we weren't making a fast lap around the arena. She went to bolt and was stopped prior to the chutes... Silly girl- she caught on beautifully and had no problem putting her mind to something else. What a DREAM to ride!

"Spaz" and I on Patriot Night

Packing Flags

         Friday night was Patriot Night- here we give honor to veterans and their families, thanking them for everything they do for us! RaeMarie set me up right ;) She not only let me use her wonderful grey mare "Spaz", but also a pretty sequined American vest, American decored blanket, AND skid boots/bell boots red/white/ and blue!! What a set we were!!! I was more than proud to participate any way I could to, show my appreciation for ALL they do! "Spaz" and I flew around the arena packing the Grand Entry flag and again:: hurried back to the gate to be introduced. My night ended early on horseback, but I was more than happy to help out-POA Queen Tayler and Lady in Waiting Miss Rodeo Idaho 2011- Tricia Crump with signing autographs and working at the CNR booth. Tricia is quite the lady, and I'm happy to know she will do a WONDERFUL job representing Idaho in 2011 (Not to Mention she's from my area of Pocatello... double bonus!). The rodeo ended and ALL Rodeo Royalty, in attendance that night, sat to sign autographs for everyone that went out the gate. Whew!! Talk about going through a book of autographs! What a grand time!!

Starting to sign Autographs w/ Tayler and Tricia

Amber and I take a :Pose:

Saturday was the Final round to the Caldwell Night Rodeo, including the official crowning of Jenna Greenwood Miss CNR 2011. Wonderful ceremony and great girls. Good luck to Leslie in all she does and to Jenna for a Wonderful year!! We decided we were going to be seeing eachother quite a bit such as Pendleton (Pendleton Roundup- Let er' Buck) and Ogden (Wilderness Circuit Finals) to start. I look forward to both!! At this final performance we had the pleasured company of Miss Rodeo Idaho 2010 Measha Gittins- she was on "Spaz" and I rode "Misti". Misti and I packed flags for Grand Entry, I was introduced as Miss DNCFR, we packed flags for the Winners Circle, and called it a night! It was Leslie and Jennas last night of the rodeo.. so anything meant to be done by royalty we wanted THEM to do :)

I found myself back at the CNR trailer with Measha, Tricia, and Tayler. Such fun girls!! We ended the fun filled weekend signing autographs and thanking everyone for coming. I can't wait to see all the girls again down the trail! HUGE thanks you's to Amber- my chaperone and photographer!! RaeMarie- thank you for lending a horse each night of the performance! Nikki, Jim, George, and Brett (CNR staff) for being such WONDERFUL people, treating this girl right, and having me all the way around!! Jenna and Leslie- allowing me to enjoy their rodeo by participating with them in this GREAT event! Bear and Jesse- for letting Amber and I crash at your place for all 3 nights! You all are wonderful people and I could never thank you enough! This girl will see you next at the East Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot, Idaho!!   

Cache County Fair & Rodeo and Chubbuck Days Parade

Sonja and I stop to take a pose- I'm on "Pudgy"

"Pudgy" and I - Thursday Night Grand Entry

August 12th - 14th was the Cache County Rodeo in Logan, Utah - I participated Thursday and Friday night representing the DNCFR with my good friend Kelie. She was a HUGE help in this adventure by driving (since she knew Logan, Utah A LOT better than I did) and getting me to the Rodeo on time:: Getting off work and trying to update the hair and make-up can be quite the challenge:: Thank goodness for friends!! - Back on the topic of Rodeo :) I met up with a former DNCFR Mom- Sonja Wilson (Mother to Chelsey Richman Miss DNCFR 2008) who lived in the area and supplied me with "Pudgy"- A wonderful gelding that took the best care of me for the Serpantine ride and Grand Entry (He is also her son Austin's roping horse). Thank you Sonja and Austin for letting me use him! He's a GREAT horse!! ~ Both nights I was met by Jr. Queen: Shania Laird and Princess: Randi Davis- both of whom were competing in 4-H in Logan. I love it when all three of us are able to be in the same place! Those girls are the best company to have! - For this rodeo, we were not the only visiting group; Measha Gittins- Miss Rodeo Idaho, Martina Wardel- Miss Rodeo Utah, Dianna w/ That Famous Preston Night Rodeo, Bryn- Miss IMPRA, and many others. Not to Mention the Cache County royalty, well represented by Sr. Queen Taci Shaffer and (my good friend) Jr. Queen Taylor Anderson. What a group! After Grand Entry I was able to enjoy the rodeo where they had Bull Poker, AH CAPA bareback Riders, and The One Armed Bandit!! What a SHOW! Thank you to the committe involved with putting on this rodeo and your support in Tough Enough To Wear Pink (TETWP) on Friday. Thank you to the barrelman and bullfighters, the stock contractors, and the announcer for helping with the show! Thank you to the competitors for all your hard work and dedication- and thank you to everyone that has helped me out in all my endevours. Without ALL of you- this girl would not know what to do!! LOL - I'm thankful for you ALL!

Kelie, Sonja, and I "Cheese!!"


The One Armed Bandit- Classic and such a sight to see!!! - True Talent :)

The truck and Trailer set-up - B-E-A-Utiful!!

Saturday August 14th was the Chubbuck Days Parade. I LOVE going to these parades!! Dad picked up the DNCFR trailer Friday evening and we picked up Delynn and Tricia Saturday morning. Met up with the DNCFR parade crew at the Pine Ridge Mall, with a special addition - Idaho High School Rodeo Queen 4th District, and we were ready to Rock and Roll. Tricia and I decided to do a little horse trading for the day... She rode my Black horse  "Tango" while I rode her Palamino "Mello". It was quite a LONG ride down through Chubbuck, mainly because there were close to 99 entries!! WOWSY... Definately the biggest parade yet! With so many entries, the parade ran slow, so Delynn decided to jump off her horse and walk him down the street- stopping for all the kids to take a turn petting him. What a TREAT! I was extremely pleased to see she had a well mannered horse that had no problem letting a million kids pet him. The kids certainly enjoyed it too! In addition, the kids collected candy, the parents took pictures, and the crowd was just FULL of excitement!!

Tricia on "Tango" I'm on "Mello"

After the parade I was off for the running to help assist one of the most popular events to date:: Mutton Busting!! Oh how this event NEVER get old!! It was definately a switch from Pioneer Day where we had close to 100 kids signed up!! For this day, we only had 22. Whew! Less heat and running after sheep! ;) Congratulations to Brock (again) who seems to be stomping the competition left and right!! He's going to be one of those you hear about making ALL the money at the rodeos he competes in! Thank you Delynn, Tricia, Henry, and crew for letting me participate in this fun filled event! Days such as this with Great company, Great people, and just a Great atmosphere are ones that hold a place in your heart as days not to be forgotten! I look foward to all those that are yet to come!!