It doesn't seem like a year now since I was in the boots of the lovely ladies competing for a title! I left Wednesday morning after one of my classes to meet dad near Des Moines to make the trip our annual trip to Ft. Madison. We had Tankers and Cosmo(previously) Cupcake, for Miss Sidney Iowa Rodeo, in tow. That was the first trip with two horses in the trailer, very exciting. Once we got there we unloaded ALL of my clothes and 'junk' to the hotel room. Obviously I still need to work on my packing skills, Amanda, I just didn't quite learn! Once we did that, we took the horses to settle them in and get the trailer parked and plugged in. I started getting ready for the Wednesday night performance which was Tough Enough to Wear Pink night! Tank looks so good in pink! After the rodeo dad decided to stay the week in the trailer so Aleigh and I headed back to the hotel.
Thursday morning I headed out to watch the very exciting Miss Rodeo Iowa 2009 horsemanship competition in the rain! After that we got all cleaned up and headed to eat lunch. Shortly after lunch Aleigh and I headed to a nearby school, to visit with the students and sign some autographs. Before we knew it, it was time for the Thursday night performance. Gizmo, Boyd, Corey, and the Cervi crew were all there again, I felt like I really knew them! After the rodeo we headed back to the hotel again, the Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2009 competitors were there, and we had a short dance practice! Some cowgirls just aren't meant to dance, and unfortunately, I am one of them. However, the other girls did a great job! After dance practice we headed to bed.
Friday morning was the Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa horsemanship competition, which went outstanding for the contestants! I am glad they didn't watch me set the pattern too closely because Tankers had eaten his Wheaties that morning and was raring to go, literally! After horsemanship it was time for the grueling interviews. Only kidding, they all came out with a smile! Shortly after that it was time for the speeches. I must say, the teen contestants blew me off my feet! They all did an amazing job. Aleigh and I even had a chance to talk about our years. Some how I managed to talk fast enough to get it all in. A new thing this year, was that the MTRI contestants got to go out to eat with the MRI contestants, judges, Paula, Bobbie, Jessie, Aleigh, and I. Then we headed back out to the rodeo grounds for the third performance of the week. Aleigh and I were joined by Carly Hagey, Miss Rodeo Illinois 2008, chasing out and carrying sponsor flags for the night. After the rodeo we headed back to do a little more dancing and modeling practice.
Saturday morning came bright and early with a parade! Morgan Marshall, Miss Rodeo Sidney, joined all of the contestants, Carly, Aleigh, and myself for the parade! Once that was over we headed back for our final dance practice, I could have used a hundred more if time would have allowed. Then we all went to our rooms to get gorgeous for the fashion show. Again, all of the contestants did a fabulous job, looked great, dance beautifuly! They surprisingly gave the microphone back to me for my fair well speech! With such great sponsors, supporters, committees, and family it was hard to get everyone in! Congrats to Lindsey, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2009 and Shelby Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2009. Right after we crowned our replacements, we went to a local nursing home to met with the residents, and maybe brighten their day. After a quick stop at Taco John's, Aleigh and I were hungry, we headed to the last night of the Tri-State Rodeo. Lindsey, Carly, Shelby, Aleigh, and I took turns chasing out and carrying flags! I had such a great time with all of the girls that week, and wish it could have lasted a little longer!
Thank you to everyone that has made my year such a success! I couldn't possibly have enough gratitude for all that has been done for me! Another big thank you to my sponsors! It made my year so much easier to know that many of my expenses were taken care of! Lastly, thank you to my parents. I don't know how many miles you drove me, how many dollars you spent on me, how many times you tightened my saddle so I wouldn't have to get off in my tight pants, and so much else you did for me. Without you I couldn't have had the amazing experience! I have a few appearances left this year, and after that, this won't be the last you hear from me!
Pictures are here!
Pictures are here!
