Page 9 - 2017 December Voices

questions about our hobbies, favorite rodeo improved so much with him, and that I had a
contestants, current events (and really anything ton of people backing me on this journey.
else they thought they could stump us with). I would not trade this experience for the
The third day of pageant was the longest world. I told myself that I was going to compete
day. We started with horsemanship. We began once and compete right, and that is exactly what
by riding each other’s horses, not our own. This I did. I am so proud for how far I have come and
tested how well we could ride an unfamiliar realize how far I can go. I am also so grateful for
horse. Any time Miss Rodeo Oregon goes out of the people I have supporting me. Rodeo people
state for a rodeo, she rides a horse provided for say it takes a village to raise a rodeo queen, and
her at the rodeo. Following that test, we mounted I have the best village out there. I cannot wait to
our own horses and rode a few different patterns. make them proud throughout my reign and at
We also demonstrated our ability to push cattle the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in December
out of the arena. Horsemanship is the most 2018.
coveted award at the pageant, and also earns the This experience has taught me to always trust
most points. It is vital to know how to ride well. your instincts, trust your God, and to never let go
After we dismounted, it was time for of a passion. My journey was not a perfect one.
horsemanship interviews. They focused on our There were really hard days, with times I felt like
knowledge of equine anatomy, diseases, rodeo I couldn’t do it and that I should just give up.
events, and scenarios that might be encountered But with the right people to help stand me up
at a rodeo. Following lunch, we changed outfits and dust me off when I fell, a lot of faith and an
and prepared for a mock TV interview. We were unwavering desire to succeed, I broke through
asked two questions in front of an audience at my own glass ceiling. Overall I have learned to
the fairgrounds. After that, we prepared for the always have courage and always be kind.
rodeo grand entry and also helped with a fund Jessi’s coronation ceremony and dinner will be
raiser that the rodeo was hosting that night. held Saturday, January 20, 2018, 5-10pm, at the
Saturday was the fourth and final day of the Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 694
pageant. It was also the day my life was forever NE 4th Ave, Canby, Oregon 97013. Tickets available
changed. The last section of the competition was through Jessi at missrodeooregon2018@gmail.com.
the fashion show. We modeled a western trend
outfit and did a little dancing, and then gave a
prepared speech and answered three impromptu
questions while modeling a western dress.
I was thankful for Toastmasters as I completed
my impromptu questions—because I was able to
think on my feet! After the fashion show, judging
was complete and we were allowed to enjoy
the fair while we waited for the rodeo to start.
Crowning took place during the rodeo in front
of my hometown crowd. I won the categories
of: photogenic, personality, appearance, speech,
and horsemanship. Then the moment that I had
visualized for so long came. My name was called
and the Miss Rodeo Oregon crown was placed
on my head!

What was the most memorable
experience during your journey?
The most memorable part of the journey to
Miss Rodeo Oregon was in the last few weeks
before the pageant began. I realized a few things:
that I had taken a green broke horse and made
him into a ready-to-win rodeo horse in one year,
that my horsemanship skills and confidence had

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