When I was three years old my parents took a trip to visit my Aunt Jane out west. We ended up in Montana on this particular trip and attended a rodeo. At one point of the performance a woman came out with rhinestones on her cowboy hat, riding a horse at a full gallop (so I remember) carrying flag. I was sitting on my Dad's lap and I turned to him in awe, "Daddy, who is that girl?!" He replied, "that is the Rodeo Queen"
"I wanna be a Rodeo Queen one day"
"It takes a lot of hard work"
My attention returned to the arena hoping I would see her again. My little mind went to work, I was going to be Rodeo Queen one day. From that moment on for the next ten years consisted of me begging my parents for a horse. The summer I was 13, Foxy Lady came home and my dream of owning a horse came true. Next step-to be the best rider I could be so I could be a Rodeo Queen.
Hard work it did take and I took each task job, the sweat, the tears, the blood with the energy of a bullet heading towards its target. I didn't get my title the first time I tried out, and the second time after the crowning I was found in the bathroom crying. The third time I set out with my determination so strong you could feel it oozing through my pores. I bought a new horse, Olympic, a ranch horse who I hoped would help me win my title. I was right.
I was crowned the Spooner Rodeo-Heart of the North-Rodeo Queen. At the ceremony where I was given this honor, I dedicated my reign to my Dad.
More than ten years had gone by to make this dream come true. A lot of hard work, learning about the industry, about pageants, how to walk like a model, taking classes and attending rodeos to learn more about this sport. I even drove several hours to work with a previous Miss Rodeo Wisconsin to get an edge on the competition.
Two years later at my four year college I was very active with the Rodeo Club. We needed to change the way the club was perceived by the University and I recommended a new marketing plan which included a Rodeo Queen. It was suggested I run, and I stepped down from the committee to be able to audition. It was during this time I received my second reign as Rodeo Queen - UW-RF Rodeo Queen. I was later told by the judges I had the poise and skill that the others did not and I had won by a landslide.
This only shows that hard work pays off. What is it that you desire? You can have your dream be your reality, however, you need to be willing to work for it. It isn't always easy, and yes, there will be times you want to give up. However, I will encourage you to press forward, push onward. If this small town farm girl can make her dream of being a Rodeo Queen come true twice. I promise you, you have the ability to make whatever it is you desire in your heart to happen and be your reality.
1997 - Spooner Rodeo - HON - Rodeo Queen
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