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!!

Caribou County* Downey* AND Jerome!!

I had a 3 day strech with a different rodeo each night. Talk about a tuckered Pup when all was said and done! ;)  On Thursday, August 5th,  I found myself at the Caribou County Fair & Rodeo in Grace, Idaho. I was asked by Sr. Queen Taneisha Taysom to help assist her in pushing cattle for the night. I was in fact, more than honored to help assist her!! This particular rodeo was one I had previous royalty relations with as 1st attendant in 2009. How exciting it was to be back as a National Title holder helping another Rodeo Queen out. I was introduced in grand entry and helped push cattle in Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, and Tie-Down Roping. I truly enjoyed watching their rodeo and their BARREL MAN! He was consistently interracting with the crowd and announcer. Funny, entertaining, clean humor that everyone enjoyed, this man was priceless!! Huge KUDOS to him to make it, in full, quite the night and quite the performance! In addition, each cowboy and cowgirl showed true talent, with full determination to succeed in something they love! - Something ALL people enjoys seeing... A BIG thank you to my Dad, for being a GREAT photographer and videoing all my pictures (LOL... priceless)- I couldn't do half the things I do with out you!! Love you!!

American Flag Presentation- Downey, Idaho

Tango and I with the American Flag

Friday, August 6th, I went to good ol' Downey, Idaho, where they were wrapping up the week from 4-H Fair, and putting on the Downey Lion's Club Rodeo. It is an IMPRA Rodeo that used Diamond-H Rodeo stock. This particular rodeo had  no steer wrestling, but added Womens Breakaway and Open Barrel Racing in its place. There were many ages and many talents at this rodeo!! It started out as a cold, wet, stormy day- that turned into a beautiful, sunny afternoon JUST for the RODEO! Thank goodness!! :) I was presented in Grand Entry, only to run back out of the arena and help in the American Flag presentation ride with Downey Sr. Queen Taylor Whitworth. What a privelage to help with such a beautiful thing as the American Flag!! - The night continued with helping the Princess girls push cattle from breakaway (which was more sitting in the arena and letting them do the pushing), and helping Taylor in the Mutton Busting. I think we did more "hang out and look cute" than help. The clowns for the rodeo were ALL OVER THE PLACE! They know how to run with sheep!! LOL... What would we do with-out our heroes?? The rodeo was again, a wonderful event! I love seeing those that are ready to carry on the tradition both representing it AND competing in it. A BIG thank you to K.T. Anderson for being a wonderful announcer!  It's always great to see you at these evnts!  = Long Live Cowboys =

Shania and I waiting for Grand Entry

Red "Skinny Jeans"!!!

Saturday, August 7th, was my ending stretch to a LONG 3 days... I was in Jerome, Idaho at the Jerome County Fair and Rodeo! - Here I was met by my Jr. Queen Shania Laird and her family :)  where they, in fact, have family that help put on this Grand Rodeo!!  I used the Laird familys speed demon "Lena" for the Grand Entry. I swear that horse never tires... however, she knows her job when it comes to going around the arena! Always a pleasure to ride ;) Unlike the previous two nights, I had no arena work to do... instead, I had the freedom to do anything I wanted!!! With that, I took in the fair food!! The Vendors!! and the Rodeo itself!! What a perfect Saturday night. Their barrelman was a HOOT! He really enjoyed his red "skinny jeans"... The Night wrapped up as the Bulls conquered the cowboy, the girls from 4-H did very well on their barrelracing, and the ending night entertainment (crazy guys on dirt bikes) was a sight to see!!! Thank you Jerome for having me at your Rodeo!!

The 75th Annual ~That Famous Preston Night Rodeo~

Shania and I with RANDON ADAMS!!

Posing with the "Dollar Special" Shades :)

July 29th, 30th, and 31st was the celebration of That Famous Preston Night Rodeo!! The name originated from this particular rodeo being ONE of the FIRST NIGHT RODEOS IN THE NATION!! What an honor!! * There were girls from all over the map that came to represent their rodeo at this grand event... Talk about a line-up in Grand Entry!! I loved seeing each Queen and her court wave to the crowd when presented, gallop around the flags in serpantine, and hold their head high with pride in their title. The sport of Rodeo is lucky to have such wonderful people involved that LOVE this sport, and want to see it succeed in any means necessary. Not to mention, what would life be like without being able to see your favorite cowboy/cowgirl at the local rodeo?? - {Chills....}Having the life of a Rodeo Queen, I am proud to show my love for this sport, and my rodeo:: Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo. I had a BLAST participating Friday and Saturday night with my Rodeo's other royalty; Jr. Queen Shania Laird and Princess Randi Davis. In addition, there was a parade each night prior to the rodeo and EVERYONE was welcome to participate! I love seeing young and old alike watching and collecting candy.. hehe (I've been known to have a few sugar moments myself- missing out on all the candy is a bit of a draw back.. LOL). A little Circuit bonus = That Famous Preston Night Rodeo is a popular stop for those looking for a chance to pull ahead in the Wilderness Circuit Standings = What better way to compete than taking on Bar-T Rodeo Companies best of the best stock?? Let me tell you... They had some GREAT stock!! The cowboys competed hard; with determination and skill- ALL craving a piece of the winnings ** One of which Shania and I had the pleasure of taking a picture with:: Mr. Ron Adams!!! What a GREAT guy! We were soooo excited! Thank goodness Shania's mom (Sammy) was around in order to take the picture and keep us girls in line!! - Also a HUGE thank

Shania, Myself and Randi waiting for the parade to start :)

you to her for letting me use "Lena" on Saturday

 night- that little horse knows how to FLY! The Rodeo was a WONDERFUL

success!!Congratulations on the big 75! I look forward to seeing it continue as a beautifully- put together, successful, and action packed rodeo for days to come!!

Grand Entry

Pioneer Day in Pocatello, Idaho

Delynn and Tricia Gearing up for the Parade

Elizabeth waiting to start in her pony cart

Part of the Pioneer Day Crew

Saturday, July 24th, was Pioneers Day. An event that is celebrated in more than one town, giving recognition to the past when pioneers settled in this beautiful country. There were celebrations everywhere such as Lava Hot Springs, Soda Springs, Bancroft (and their Rodeo), and Pocatello. I helped celebrate Pioneer Day in Pocatello. We had a parade that morning that went from The ISU Holt Arena, down Center Street, and ending in Old Town-Pocatello. I was accomanied in this journey by Jr. Queen Shania Laird, The 4th District High School Queen, Committee Members Delynn, Tricia, Brad, Tom, and David (Dad). It was quite the parade and "Tango" did WONDERFUL for me

The BEST Driver- DAD!!!

(as always). We ended right next to the Farmers Market where they had a TON of wonderful vendors displaying many wonderful things (food/crafts/plants/etc). From there, I made my way to the Bannock County Fairgrounds, where the celebration continued with MORE vendors/food/and activities. I helped assist with the Mutton Busting where we had 100 KIDS SIGNED UP! Talk about a long, hot day! - It was priceless watching all the kids as they were fitted with their protective gear (helmets and vests) and their parents preparing them for their soon to be ride. Each child did VERY well despite their age, and you could tell each had the time of their lives!! I wouldn't be surprised to see eah of them

Beautiful Set-Up:: Dad's new truck and DNCFR Trailer

down the road (at an older age of course) taking on the rough stock in a professional rodeo! :) Congratulations to Brock for having the longest ride and highest score of the day!!! After the Mutton Busting was through (WHEW), the crew and I took the time to get a bite to eat, only to RUSH back to the stands for the Indian Relay Races (Done in Honor of Chief Pocatello). What a CRAZY time! If you've never had the pleasure of watching one; You have teams that race around the track BAREBACK (no saddle). They start out on horseback for the first lap, second lap they have to dismount and re-mount a different horse, make that lap, and then switch one last time for the final lap... ALL BAREBACK! There tends to be a few accidents here and there with people flying off horses, onto others, and trying to BOOK it down the track. What a SIGHT! The day was UNFORGETTABLE!! Thank you to all that make such a celebration a success!

Downey Queen Contest- July 23rd

Princess Winners

Junior Queen Winners

Senior Queen Winners

Friday, July 23rd, Downey-Idaho held a queen contest. In attendance for this contest were 22 girls! 3 Princess canidates, 11 Jr. Queen canidates, and 8 Sr. Queen canidates. Talk about a SUCCESSFUL turn out!!! I was VERY impressed with the horsemanship skills each of these girls obtained, and excited to see each of them advance in so many ways! :: I'd also like to mention that I was Extremely proud of Shelbey Aldous, a girl who is becoming not only a WONDERFUL person in her young age, but she is advancing beautifully in the Rodeo Queen World. Keep on it girl! You are going to go a VERY long way!! ::

In winning this competition, the girls participate in the Diamond H Lions Club Amateur Rodeo, parades of their choice, and they represent ALL of Downey during the South Bannock County Fair. Congratulations to Sr. Queen Taylor Whitworth and Jr. Queen Mallory Bingham. They will each do a grand job in representing rodeo, and I look forward to all the things they do down the Rodeo Road. :)

California Rodeo Salinas 100th Year

July 18th was the last day of the California Rodeo Salinas 100 years celebration. Talk about a HUGE celebration!! They had a parade down Main Street Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; A Grand Entry (continuation of the parade) down the track in front of the Main stands; A flag ceremony showing ALL the different Eras that the rodeo has seen in it's 100 Years; and of course... The Queens Run! Here I helped the day start with a bang:: as fast as a bullet! The horse I rode- "Pinto" took speed to a whole new level! One of the Pickup Men were nice enough to let me borrow him for the Grand Entry and Queens Run. He couldn't believe this 5 yr old Paint was able to Boogy as he did! What a RUSH! I made it to the end of the Main Grand Stands before the announcer was able to get out my full name and title... LOL. WOW! (The video proves it) - He was a GREAT horse and will make that group of Pickup Men Proud!! :)

The day continued with events happening everywhere! They had the PRCA rodeo events in the main arena, barrels in the track, horse reining and cow cutting in the track, flag bearers, trick riders, *The One Armed Bandit*, and even ::Free Style Bull Fighting::- I haven't watched that in years! They had food courts, vendors, bands, a mechanical bull, free history museum, and people from ALL around! Including my family from good ol' Oakdale, California. Mom, Greg & Carson took the trip with me, as Carson turned into my chaperone and personal photographer, and Mom and Greg sat to watch the rodeo. Who got the better end of the deal? ME!!  What would I do without these wonderful people in my life? I love you ALL <3
At the end of this wonderful day, it was easy to say that like previous years, this rodeo was a definite success, and I was honored to be a part of it. I look forward to seeing this Ro-Da-Yo continue for eternity to come :)

Horse and Hitch Parade- Ogden, Utah

July 12th was the Horse and Hitch- Better known as ALL HORSE- Parade in Ogden, Utah. Jr. Queen Shania Laird and I rode down the Main Street of Ogden representing the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo and Pocatello, Idaho. The staff that put together this parade surely had their hands full, for it was a GREAT turn out of people on horses and horses pulling wagons... Quite the site to see! There were spectators, both young and old a-like, lining the streets of Washington BLVD. just beaming with excitement. So many cheers for DNCFR... it swelled my heart with pride. Next year when you make plans to watch this grand event, keep your eyes out for the beauty to be seen down the main street of Ogden. There are all sorts of differently painted horse status!! If you're familiar with the "Painted Horses"- these are large painted stone horses that give the same meaning. What a wonderful idea!

After the parade was through we were invited for free food... MMMMmmmmm... I never turn down the offer of food! After a Long/HOT ride, the hot dog, chips, popsicle, and a COLD drink were a great touch! Not to mention the company that came with it ;) Thank you Sammy and Shania for letting me use your barrel horse. He was well behaved and the tallest horse I think I have had the pleasure of riding. I'm such a Lucky Gal...

Marsh Valley Pioneer Day Rodeo

July 9th and 10th was the Marsh Valley Pioneer Day Rodeo. Allie Bohus helped manage all the queens, including myslef, with the duties involving the rodeo. We had our "Buzz" ride introduction at the beginning of the rodeo each night, where the Marsh Valley Royalty, IMPRA Queen Bryn Christensen, and I were introduced. The Marsh Valley Royalty packed sponsor flags and I was given the privilege of packing the IMPRA (Intermountain Profession Rodeo Association) Flag. What a night! The committee did a GRAND job of getting things together such as vendor booths, food booths, a candy parade through town on Saturday, a stock contractor with GREAT Stock, and in all- an EXCITING rodeo! The crowd was entertained by Barrel Man Fritz, who Saturday night actually asked me to be a part of his act!! Oh Dear.... Had to dance in front of the ENTIRE AUDIENCE... BLIND-FOLDED!! At least he was kind enough not to leave me as last man standing... He had his sister participate as well, and she turned out to be the one picked on for the night. All in good humor- the audience cheered her on immensely! :) Both nights were full of extremely talented competitors, and this will definately be a rodeo that continues for years to come!!

* 4th of July Celebrations!!! *

The 4th of July brought MANY activities from being stretched from the 3rd through the 5th!!

On Saturday, the 3rd of July, I participated in the parade held in my hometown of Inkom, Idaho. I rode the new addition to my family "Tango"- for her first parade she did beautifully!! Shelbey joined as well promoting the Marsh Valley Pioneer Day Rodeo, and together we had a BLAST! There were TONS of people there to watch and collect the candy being tossed. From the parade, it turned into a town celebration with vendors, food, 3 on 3 basketball tournaments, horseshoe tournaments, and local talent competitions. They honored veterans, had a flag raising ceremony, and posted flags and pictures in a field for all to see. It was a GREAT turn out for such a small town and the patriotism was beaming in everyone that came! That night I watched the firework show in Fort Hall, Idaho where the Shoshone Bannock tribe celebrated Indians Day. Such a freedom we have!!!

On Sunday, the 4th of July, Pocatello held its annual Parade. Here I was joined by DNCFR Princess Randi Davis, DNCFR Committee members Brad, Tom, Donna (Step-Mom), David (Dad), and K.T. (on horseback), Shelbey:: representing Bancroft Rodeo::, and 3 nieces and a nephew!! Whew what a Group!! I loved seeing even MORE people out and about celebrating the freedoms we have endoured and the people responsible for that freedom! The fun filled activities continued that day at the Bannock County Fairgrounds where they had " The Greatest Show in Idaho" fireworks show, vendors, food, and activities for all ages!!! To say the least, I was a tuckered pup when the weekend was through, but I was very proud and honored to be reminded of the freedoms we have and to support the people who help in keeping those freedoms. Thank you to the soldiers and their families for ALL they do **May God Bless you and keep you safe!**