Author: Taryn Cantrell

Say howdy to your 2019 Roots N’ Boots Rodeo Royalty Court! Roots N’ Boots Pro Rodeo is proud to present Rodeo Queen Sydney Vigneux, Teen Queen Adeylia Woodward, and Jr. Teen Queen Amber Michne! Saddle up and join these talented cowgirls as they hit the rodeo trail as the 2019 Roots N’ Boots Rodeo Royalty Court!

Roots N’ Boots Rodeo Queen Sydney Vigneux is no stranger to the world of rodeo. This 20-year-old cowgirl calls Queen Creek, Arizona home and is honored to represent her hometown’s western legacy as the Roots N’ Boots Rodeo Queen. As an avid barrel racer and horsewoman, Sydney loves the thrills found in the rodeo arena and the bond created between rider and horse. Keep your eyes peeled and you might catch this high-flying cowgirl at a P&M Progressive, NBHA, Chandler Vaqueros Saddle Club or BR Diamond & Spurs barrel race near you! When her Roots N’ Boots crown isn’t sitting proudly upon her head, you can find Sydney hard at work in the classroom. Sydney currently attends Chandler-Gilbert Community College where she is roping in an impressive 3.7 GPA! However, Sydney’s great success isn’t limited to the classroom and the rodeo arena. Sydney is greatly involved in her community and has spent many years as a volunteer for the Roots N’ Boots Special Kids Rodeo and has given back to young rodeo Sweethearts as a mentor and role model. An employee at Saba’s Western Store, a college student, community service ambassador, and rodeo queen, Sydney is taking the many responsibilities and opportunities she has been given by the reigns. When she does have some free time, you can find this one-of-a-kind cowgirl enjoying family vacations, playing guitar, and enjoying high tea in historic buildings.

 

I had the pleasure of speaking to Sydney and getting her perspective on some of the wonderful aspects of being the 2019 Roots N’ Boots Rodeo Queen! When asked what she is enjoying most about her rodeo queen journey thus far, Sydney shared,

“I love everything that I do while I am representing my rodeo, but I definitely get the most excited when we are working with children. Kids are the future of rodeo, whether they grow up to be fans or athletes. I have the opportunity of making a lasting impression on the kids, and I try my best to make my interaction with them as fun and positive as possible. I aim to inspire them, so there is no greater compliment I can receive then when a little girl says they want to be just like me.”

In your opinion, what makes Roots N’ Boots “More than a Rodeo?”

“Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek is a community event tailored to celebrate the history of our town. Not long ago, Queen Creek was a small, but vast farming and ranching community. Now we have grown and become a diverse and thriving town full of people from all different parts of Arizona and beyond. Our goal is to bring everyone together and to create a fun family environment that everyone can look forward to each year.”

Sydney was proud to share what she believes is the most important aspect of being a rodeo Queen.

“Being the ambassador of my rodeo is of course my most important job, but my scope goes much farther than that. My goal is to engage the public to educate them about western heritage and rodeo, and to create as many new fans as I can. As they say, the world needs more cowboys. Rodeo queens inspire people of all ages to come out to see their first rodeo. Rodeo is not possible without the support of the fans, and it is my hope for the future that I can share this passion by bringing my grandkids to their first rodeo.”

What are you most looking forward to as you continue your journey as the 2019 Roots N’ Boots Rodeo Queen?

“This year, as I travel down the rodeo road with my court, I’m looking most forward to sharing my love of rodeo & enlightening others to the heritage of our western lifestyle. Not only will we get to partake in all our town events but all the parades, rodeos and other new adventures that will help me grow as an individual.”

Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to congratulate Sydney on her title and can’t wait to see the wonderful things she accomplishes throughout the rest of the year.

Tip your hats to the multi-talented Roots N’ Boots Teen Queen, Miss Adeylia Woodward! This 15-year-old cowgirl hails from the great town of Queen Creek. As an honor roll student at her high school, Adeylia is as dedicated in the classroom as she is the rodeo arena. When she isn’t in class, Adeylia has a wide range of interests and hobbies. Currently Adeylia can be found participating in the Casteel Rodeo Club, 4-H, Queen Creek Gymkhana Club and Casteel Advanced Dance. But those aren’t her only accomplishments! Adeylia is also an accomplished vocalist and enjoys sharing her singing talents with others. She has seen multiple successes in her endeavors, one of them being named the 2016 Best Junior Handler at the National Specialty Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Show! Adeylia is proud of her town’s western heritage and sees her role as the Roots N’ Boots Teen Queen as an opportunity to educate others on the great value of, and history of the sport of rodeo and the ranching and agriculture lifestyle.

Racing in next is the Roots N’ Boots Junior Teen Queen, Miss Amber Michne. This 14-year-old cowgirl is a superstar in the classroom and in the rodeo arena! As the President of her high school’s National Junior Honors Society and Secretary for the Spirit of Queen Creek 4H Club, Amber is heavily involved in giving back to her school and her community. When she isn’t volunteering as a junior lifeguard or competing in 4-H, the Queen Creek Junior Rodeo, or the Arizona High School Rodeo Association, Amber can be found spending time with her friends and family. Amber is grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 2019 Roots N’ Boots Junior Teen Queen and hopes to be a role model for the young cowboys and cowgirls of Queen Creek, Arizona.

This March 14th-17th make sure to come on out to Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre and support these three ladies as they represent the 2019 Roots N’ Boots Rodeo! Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to congratulate Queen Sydney Vigneux, Teen Queen Adeylia Woodward, and Junior Teen Queen Amber Michne on a wonderful start to their reign as the 2019 Roots N’ Boots Royalty Court.

 

March is here and one of Arizona’s most popular rodeos is back! Rodeo Scottsdale is proud to present 66 years of Professional Rodeo entertainment in the heart of North Scottsdale, Arizona. While Parada del Sol is known for its top-notch rodeo thrills and spills, that’s not the only action Rodeo Scottsdale will be bringing to the table. Through its great success each year, The Parada del Sol Rodeo continues to make a massive impact in the community. Through volunteerism, sponsorship, and donation, the Parada del Sol Rodeo is bringing the community together one rodeo at a time.

Parada del Sol is a non-profit organization that takes pride in their ability to provide financial and volunteer support to various charities throughout Arizona and beyond. The impact of each charity is as unique as the charity itself. It is through funding raised by the rodeo, parade, and various community activities that Parada del Sol is able to provide these charities with financial help so they in return, can continue providing health care and various other resources to individuals in the community and beyond.

Charities that Rodeo Scottsdale benefit include:

Chicks n’ Chaps – Sponsored by Wrangler, this rodeo clinic for women benefits local women impacted by Breast Cancer.

100 Club – An organization providing assistance to statewide public safety agencies. This includes firefighters, police officers, EMT & Paramedics, as well as their families.

Mary Kay Foundation – A foundation dedicated to eliminating cancers affecting women and ending domestic violence.

Every Kid Counts – An organization specializing in programs that help children become future leaders in their communities through educational, athletic, and philanthropic programs.

Happily Ever After – A nonprofit group helping mothers as they experience cancer recovery.

HopeKids – Providing families with children that are experiencing cancer or a life-threatening medical condition with events, activities, and a strong support community.

Vet Tix – An organization providing veterans with tickets to events in their communities that reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, and build life-long memories.

The Airpower Foundation – A nationwide program dedicated to supporting active duty, reserve and National Guard families.

Women’s Professional Rodeo Association – The home of World Championship Barrel Racing and the oldest rodeo organization for Women’s Professional Rodeo.

Scottsdale Saddle Club Inc. – A non-profit, volunteer based organization providing fun and safe classes and events for the beginner to the advanced equestrian.

As you can see, the impact of Parada del Sol Rodeo activities are monumental year after year. But that isn’t all! In addition to these wonderful charities, yearly Parada del Sol Rodeo activities also benefit and support local education such as Horizon High School and Mohave Middle School.

With the rodeo occurring March 7th-10th, there are multiple chances for you to participate in the many ways Rodeo Scottsdale is giving back! One of these activities will occur on the evening of Saturday, March 9th. The Parada del Sol Rodeo will be honoring veterans this evening, not only through a patriotic themed rodeo performance, but also through a celebration of all the veterans in attendance. Rodeo Scottsdale has invited around 100 veterans to the rodeo performance, including Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients. It is through their partnership with The Airpower Foundation that Parada del Sol will be able to honor and celebrate these American Heroes.

It is through continued dedication to volunteerism and service that Parada del Sol has been able to make such an impact in its community and beyond. This March 7th-10th, come on out to WestWorld of Scottsdale and help support the many wonderful causes that Parada del Sol benefits. Make sure to throw on those cowboy hats and join Cowboy Lifestyle Network as we Rodeo Scottsdale!

 

The highly-anticipated Roots N’ Boots event is back again for its 9th year of rodeo, thrills and spills. Since its inauguration in 2011, Roots N’ Boots has been bringing professional rodeo action to Queen Creek, Arizona. From the fastest barrel horses to high-flying bucking bulls, Roots N’ Boots will keep you on the edge of your seat this March 14th-17th.

Cowboy Lifestyle Network is proud to give you the who, what, when, and where regarding one of Arizona’s most exciting rodeos, Roots N’ Boots! But what you might not know is that while the action in the arena is sure to thrill, it’s the stars on the other side of the arena gates that make this rodeo a reality and success each year.

Much like how an engine in a truck allows the truck to run smoothly, a rodeo committee is the driving force and source of power behind ever rodeo. Countless hours of hard work and planning take place behind-the-scenes of every rodeo and most the time, the work is done so by unpaid volunteers! However, the passion for western heritage, community involvement, and the love of rodeo bring folks together every year to make their beloved rodeo a reality.

When it comes to Roots N’ Boots, the true stars of the arena are the committee members of Friends of Horseshoe Park. Friends of Horseshoe Park is a Queen Creek, Arizona based 501(c)3 non-profit organization. With a dedication to Queen Creek’s western heritage, the promotion of Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, and the Roots N’ Boots Rodeo, Friends of Horseshoe Park has been one of the purveying forces preserving the past, present, and future of Queen Creek, Arizona’s western heritage.

As an active spokesperson for a rodeo, being a committee member on a rodeo board is nothing short of a great commitment. From various committee meetings, securing sponsors, scheduling rodeo entertainment, arranging food and shopping vendors, rodeo queen coordinating, and much more, the list of responsibilities is long. However, the community impact that comes along with a fun and successful rodeo is the greatest payoff for any rodeo committee member.

Putting on any rodeo is a massive undertaking, but Friends of Horseshoe Park makes it a reality each year even with an 11-member board! It is the dedication and hard work of these volunteers that has created a community legacy and continues to do so with each Roots N’ Boots Rodeo. From PRCA Pro Rodeo, shopping, musical entertainment, food vendors, and a carnival, Friends of Horseshoe Park is dedicated to providing community members with an affordable and family friendly experience that highlights the western way of life.

Aside from the highly successful Roots N’ Boots Rodeo, Friends of Horseshoe Park have also made improvements to the Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center. From the addition of the beautiful, high-flying American Flag welcoming guests to the arena, to the continued Capital Improvement Plan which seeks to add an additional covered arena to Horseshoe Park and equestrian obstacle course in the future, to the several educational scholarships provided to Roots N’ Boots youth volunteers, Friends of Horseshoe Park continues to involve their community through volunteerism, sponsorship, and much more to create the best-of-the-best when it comes to their yearly rodeo and community impact.

Next time you visit a rodeo, make sure to shake a committee members hand and thank them for their continued dedication and hard work. It is thanks to these individuals that our beloved rodeos are kept alive and celebrated in our communities.  

Join Cowboy Lifestyle Network in Queen Creek, Arizona this March 14th-17th for the 2019 Roots N’ Boots Rodeo!

 

It’s time again for one of the largest rodeo and livestock extravaganzas south of San Antonio! The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show is just around the corner. This March 7th-17th join Cowboy Lifestyle Network as we head on down to Mercedes, Texas and join in the fun at the 80th annual Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show!

The year was 1939 when the Mercedes, Texas Chamber of Commerce gathered to organize the first Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Agricultural Exposition. With humble beginnings, the event quickly gained popularity in the community. Through its preservation of Texas’ ranching and agricultural heritage, the event made quite the impact on the surrounding communities and today is considered one of the top ten livestock shows and rodeos in the Lone Star State.

Committed to giving back to the community, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show continues to carry on the legacy established during its inaugural year. The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show mission statement reads,

“To provide a safe and educational environment that promotes family, community and volunteerism.  We strive to promote the youth of South Texas through leadership development, agricultural education, and competition with a goal of creating the leaders of tomorrow.”

Through scholarship programs developed with 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA,) The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show has been able to provide an estimated millions of dollars to the community throughout the stretch of its history! Such success and community impact is thanks to the thousands of visitors attending the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show each year.

So, what’s all the commotion about? Cowboy Lifestyle Network is here to tell you! Prepare for non-stop entertainment this March 7th-17th as you enjoy various live music acts, festive parades, adrenaline pumping PRCA rodeo performances, thrilling carnival rides, the best-of-the-best in livestock shows, multiple historical exhibits, and over 250 food and shopping vendors.

Professional rodeo will take place March 14th, 15th, and 16th and will include all your favorite PRCA events such as bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback riding, team roping, tie down roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Each performance will take place at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased here.

 

Aside from the rodeo action, free concerts featuring musicians such as Michael Salgado, Rick Treviño, Mark Chesnutt, and many more will be entertaining livestock show and rodeo fans throughout the course of the week. The concert schedule can be located here.

Whether it be the shopping, the carnival, horse shows, rodeo performances, or the music stage that catches your attention, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show has something the entire family will enjoy. Don’t forget Mutton Bustin’ for the young cowboys and cowgirls in the family! Make sure to check out www.rgvls.com for all the event details.

Cowboy Lifestyle Network and Mercedes, Texas would like to extend a warm welcome to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show! Come celebrate 80 years of western heritage and history in The Lone Star State!

 

You heard it, right folks! Scottsdale, Arizona is getting ready to celebrate 66 years of rodeo history and western legacy as they prepare for the highly anticipated Parada del Sol Rodeo!

March 7th through the 10th, get ready to Rodeo Scottsdale as the PRCA brings the top rodeo athletes to the valley for four days of jaw-dropping action. Held at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Parada del Sol will include professional rodeo, Pro Bull Riding, musical entertainment, food vendors, shopping vendors, and dancing.

Thursday, March 7th- Saturday, March 9th, rodeo action will kick off in the arena at 7pm sharp. Audiences will be drawn to the edge of their seat as they watch the toughest cowboys and cowgirls compete in bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback riding, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. On Sunday, March 10th, the rodeo performance will begin at 2pm.

However, the fun doesn’t end when the last bull bucks! Make sure to stick around for the post-rodeo entertainment at the Coors Hoedown after party. Throw on those dancing boots because the lineup is killer this year, check it out!

Thursday– Luke Kaufman
Friday– Austin Allsup from The Voice
Saturday– Scooter Brown Band

March 7th-9th, Bullfighters Only will be kickin’ up some dirt in Scottsdale. Catch the best-of-best bullfighters as they take on some of the most extreme and athletic bulls the industry has to offer. The roster is top notch and features Bullfighter’s Only champions such as Weston Rutkowski. This is something you won’t want to miss! Performances will begin at 7pm.

Not only does the rodeo make an impact during the month of March, but it also continues to impact the community throughout the year. Presented by Parada del Sol, a nonprofit corporation, funding raised by the rodeo is able to provide financial and volunteer support to charities in the community. From breast cancer awareness foundations, local schools and educational programs, to veteran aid, Rodeo Scottsdale continues to promote Arizona’s western heritage and make a positive impact in their community.

Cowboy Lifestyle Network and Parada del Sol would like to welcome you to come on out and Rodeo Scottsdale this March 7th-10th!

Say hello to the pride and joy of The Grand Canyon State, your 2019 Miss Rodeo Arizona, Jordan Ownby!

Born and raised in a state full of sunshine and teeming with desert life, Jordan Ownby is an Arizona Cowgirl through and through. A resident of Chino Valley, Miss Ownby is proud to represent her home state as the 2019 Miss Rodeo Arizona. Following in the footsteps of many former MRAZ’s, Jordan is actively preserving the past, present, and future of rodeo. As a spokeswoman for our beloved sport, she will travel the country representing the western heritage and rodeo history that makes the state of Arizona so special.

Jordan’s rodeo queen journey began in 2014 with her first title, the Prescott Frontier Days Senior Court. As her passion for rodeo queening grew she set her sights on more and more titles. In 2017 Jordan was honored to hold the prestigious title of Miss Turquoise Circuit. As a representative of both New Mexico and Arizona, Jordan traveled between states on behalf of the great sport of rodeo. As Jordan says, her title as Miss Turquoise Circuit provided her with the experience, confidence, and know-how that it takes to represent as a state queen. It didn’t take long for Jordan’s hard work to pay off. Before she knew it, the Miss Rodeo Arizona crown was placed proudly upon her head.

Preparing for any rodeo queen title takes a great deal of time, patience, and preparation. From hours studying to hours spent in the arena perfecting horsemanship skills, it is the extra drive and dedication that sets rodeo queens apart. The Miss Rodeo Arizona Pageant, held in conjunction with Payson Arizona’s August Doins Rodeo, attracts hopefuls from across the state as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo Arizona. Months of preparation cumulates in 3 days of tough competition as MRAZ hopefuls compete in areas of horsemanship, speeches, interviews, and modeling.

I was honored to speak with Jordan and get the behind-the-scenes scoop on how she prepared for the 2019 Miss Rodeo Arizona Pageant.

“To prepare for the Miss Rodeo Arizona pageant I studied a lot. I participated in numerous clinics to expand my knowledge on rodeo, equine science, interviews, public speaking, and more. If I was not studying, I was videoing myself giving speeches and figuring out what I could improve on. I also had a lot of friends and family ask me questions, whether it be about politics, rodeo knowledge, or even just something random so I could be prepared for anything I might be asked.”  

At the conclusion of the pageant, Jordan was crowned the Miss Rodeo Arizona Lady in Waiting. Her official coronation took place in January. Since then Jordan has already been busy making rodeo appearances across the state and beyond. As her travels continue throughout the year, Jordan is proud to share her platform with all those she meets along the trail.

“The platform that I use as Miss Rodeo Arizona is one that I have tried to live by my whole life. That platform is to always be your best self. I think it is important to not only stay true to yourself and your own goals, but to strive to reach your full potential every day.”

When asked what she is most looking forward to as the 2019 Miss Rodeo Arizona, Jordan shares,

“I am looking forward to meeting new people and sharing with them the sport I love! It is something truly special to be given a platform like this to spread what rodeo and the agriculture life truly mean and how important it is. I love getting to experience all the opportunities that come along with the title of Miss Rodeo Arizona!”

The opportunities that come along with holding a state title are experiences to be appreciated and cherished. One of the many opportunities being the once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo America. If competing for a state title is the Playoffs, then Miss Rodeo America is the Super Bowl of the rodeo queen world. State queens from across the country bring their A-Game to Las Vegas, Nevada during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo as they go head-to-head for the Landstorm’s Original Black Hills Crown during pageant week.

Near the end of her year as Miss Rodeo Arizona, Jordan will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada representing the Grand Canyon State as she competes in areas of horsemanship, interviews, modeling, speeches, and much more. When asked how she plans to prepare for this adventure of a lifetime, Jordan shares,

“Asking questions! There is always more to be learned and to practice. I plan to find a wardrobe that I feel my best in, study to the best of my ability, and find the positive in everything I can! I will be busy working with different coaches and plan to run through a few different practice pageants. I want to make sure I go in as prepared as I can be so I can try to present my best self.”

Whether a local rodeo queen, state queen, or Miss Rodeo America, the opportunity to represent the sport of rodeo and the western heritage that keeps it alive is an honor. From long hours traveling, early mornings, late nights, crowded gatherings, and more, it is our rodeo queens who make a lasting impact on our communities. As a representative and spokeswoman, rodeo queens hold their titles with pride. Jordan shares some of the most import aspects of being a rodeo queen she has gathered through her experience thus far.  

“I think it is very important for a rodeo queen to be passionate about their job and to understand what they are representing. We represent rodeo and agriculture yes, but also advocate for different things such as finding your passion, chasing your dreams, and getting involved. Also, I will always believe in being kind and compassionate over anything else.”

All of us here at Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to congratulate Jordan Ownby on her title as Miss Rodeo Arizona! We look forward to seeing the many wonderful things you do over the course of 2019 and as you head to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant!

Make sure to follow Jordan’s journey on the Miss Rodeo Arizona Facebook and Instagram page!

Saddle up rodeo fans for “The Richest Weekend in Western Sports!” RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo is just around the corner this March 2nd and 3rd. Located at the Arlington, Texas AT&T Stadium, this event will feature the cream-of-the-crop when it comes to rodeo perfection. From the best team ropers to the strongest bucking bulls, The American Rodeo presented by RFD-TV is guaranteed to keep audience members on the edge of their seat.

 

Occurring annually, RFD-TV is proud to present The American. While the action only lasts two days, arriving at The American takes a year’s worth of hard work. Prior to March 2nd and 3rd lies an entire year’s worth of dedication by rodeo athletes as they travel from rodeo to rodeo to qualify for The Semi-Finals which occur February 27th-March 1st. The action cumulates with the final performance, The American. Athletes from across the country and beyond will complete in seven high-action PRCA events. These events include bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc, team roping, steer wrestling, tie down roping, and barrel racing. Over the course of its qualifiers, Semi Finals, and The American, RFD-TV will have a total payout of $2.35 million dollars, truly making it “the world’s richest weekend in Western Sports.”

What makes The American so unique is the opportunity for underdogs to compete against the industry’s toughest competitors. Anyone can qualify for The American through The American Semi-Finals. In fact, that desire to compete is so high that approximately 700 contestants compete for a shot at The American during the four-day long Semi-Finals. The stakes are high. Once competitors move on to The American, any underdog who out-competes the pros is eligible for an additional $1 million added to their winnings. Some of last year’s champions include Jess Lockwood, Cort Scheer, and Kaycee Field. Rodeo action will kick-off at 6:30pm on March 2nd and 2:00pm on March 3rd.

The party isn’t exclusive to the rodeo arena! During rodeo weekend, make sure to check out The Fan Zone. Occurring March 2nd at 12pm and March 3rd at 10am. The Fan Zone will be packed with exciting entertainment, Mutton Bustin’, shopping, and much more. Make sure to attend Meet and Greets with your favorite rodeo athletes, grab a cold drink at the Beer Garden, and enjoy a tasty treat from one of the many food vendors.The Fan Zone is free to the public and can be conveniently found in the East and West Plazas of the Arlington AT&T Stadium.

Can’t make it to Arlington? No worries! RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, & Rural Radio Channel 147 on SiriusXM have you covered. Each of these platforms will have full TV coverage of The American Rodeo, keeping you up-to-date on all the action.  

For information on how you can purchase tickets, click here!

Next stop, Arlington, Texas for “The Richest Weekend in Western Sports!” Cowboy Lifestyle Network hopes to see along the rodeo trail for RFD-TV’s annual rodeo extravaganza, The American!

This 23-year-old cowgirl from Gilbert is proud to welcome rodeo fans from across the beautiful state of Arizona and beyond to Apache Junction, February 22nd-24th for the 55th Annual Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo.

Sitting proudly upon a gorgeous paint horse, you are sure to find the 2018 Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo Queen Ashley Isaac. As the 2018 LDD Queen, this young lady has had the pleasure of representing one of Arizona’s most well-known and exciting rodeos, Lost Dutchman Days!  

Like many cowgirls, it wasn’t long before Ashley caught the rodeo bug. As a barrel racer, she enjoyed the thrills and excitement found in the arena. Her passions for the western lifestyle grew and soon she set her sights on another integral part of rodeo, rodeo queening. For Ashley, her journey has been one of many successes. As the 2016 P&M Rodeo Queen, Ashley fell in love with the world of queening. With a knack for rodeo knowledge and as a successful horsewoman, her queening career continued into 2017 as the Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo Queen. But the fun didn’t stop there. As the year progressed Ashley made quite the impact on the community of Apache Junction, so much so that she was crowned The Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo Queen again in 2018.

For Ashley, the rodeo arena is home. With a passion for Arizona’s western heritage and the promotion of rodeo, Ashley has made an immense impact in the rodeo community. Just recently she completed the “50 Pink Horses Breast Cancer Challenge.” During the month of October, Ashley rode 50 horses, each ride dedicated to a survivor, or individual currently fighting Breast Cancer. Through her hard work, Ashley raised over $1,200 to donate to a Breast Cancer foundation of her choice.

Outside of the rodeo arena, Ashley is an employee at GM Financial. She received her Associate’s Degree in Science from Chandler-Gilbert Community College. She plans to receive her Bachelors in Business. When she’s not on horseback Ashley enjoys dancing and attending movies with her friends. Ashley also has dealt her hand at judging Equestrian Extreme Trail Sports here in the beautiful state of Arizona. From in-hand to obstacle to trail, Ashley has found a passion in the careful detail it takes to judge such a competition.

Although her year as the 2018 Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo queen is coming to a close, Ashley is grateful for the many opportunities her year as queen has given her. In an interview with the Apache Junction Independent, Ashley’s shares some of her favorite experiences as the Lost Dutchman Days Queen. She states,

“Probably being able to be so much a part of the Apache Junction community and the work that we’ve done to help the kids out here. We’ve done 50/50s all year to go ahead and give to ‘putting smiles on kids’ faces” (Apache Junction Independent).

All of us here at Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to congratulate Miss Ashley Isaac on her successful year as the 2018 Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo Queen! We hope you will join us at the 2019 Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo this February 22nd-24th!

February 25th through March 17th, come celebrate a one-of-a-kind rodeo experience in the heart of Houston, Texas. When you’re finished visiting the Space Center, Houston Zoo, and Houston Museum of Natural Science, make your way down to the NRG Park for a peek into the wild west at The 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Since 1932, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has provided the best-of-the-best for its rodeo and livestock show fans. Born from the common goal of seven men, preserving Texas’ cattle industry along the Gulf Coast, the first Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition was held at the Democratic Convention Hall. As demand, popularity and the need for a new location grew, the event was moved to the Sam Houston Coliseum and the addition of the rodeo, downtown parade, and horseshow took place.

After becoming a PRCA sanctioned rodeo in 1954, Houston’s favorite event was in for even bigger changes. With an official name change to The Houston Stock Show & Rodeo in 1961, a new era was dawning for the event, marked by their move to the Houston Astrodome. Popularity only grew and grew and in 2002 the event moved to its current home, the NRG Stadium. Throughout the years as names, locations, and events changed, many common goals remained, one of them being, honoring the past, present, and future of Texas’ western heritage.

With a total of 21 action-packed days, there is an abundance of activities to attend and choose from. From the rodeo to carnival, to a Bar-B-Que contest, various concerts, parade, trail rides, wine show and auction, livestock and horseshows, petting zoos, and more, the list goes on and on! For a full schedule of events visit the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo website, here!

From the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley to the King of Country, George Strait, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has seen its fair share of musical royalty. Whether you are there for the rodeo action or the singers on stage, there is something for the entire family to enjoy.

When it comes to rodeo action, check out the 19-day long Super Series competition as the best-of-best rodeo athletes compete in bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, team roping, and barrel racing. With $50,000 awarded to the winner of each event, round winnings, custom saddle, and belt buckle, the stakes are high. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Super Series will feature some of the world’s most famous rodeo athletes such as Trevor Brazile, Sherry Cervi, and Tuf Cooper.

Separate from the Super Series is the one-day Super Shootout on March 9th. By invitation only, athletes compete individually as well as in teams from renowned rodeos across America. Competing in barrel racing, saddle bronc, bull riding, and steer wrestling, athletes duke it out for the individual grand prize of $25,000. Teams have the chance to win $12,500. Teams include The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Rodeo Austin, The Calgary Stampede, The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, The National Western Stock Show, The San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, and the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo.

Apart from preserving the western heritage of Texas, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also plays an integral role in community betterment. With a total of over 2 million people visiting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo each year and more than 47,000 members making it a reality each year, the ability to give back to the communities of Texas is tremendous. Since 1932, the rodeo has been able to provide more than $475 million to students in the form of scholarships, grants, educational programs, and more.

Not only has the event made an impact in the classroom, but also in the workforce. Dr. Barton Smith, Ph.D. Professor of Economics from the University of Houston states, “While the primary benefit of the Rodeo is the unparalleled entertainment opportunities it provides the region and the large distribution of charitable giving, the Rodeo also provides a bonus economic stimulus to the overall economy that is significant. This stimulus is almost certainly greater than any other sports or arts production in Houston and is comparable to the presence of a major economic base corporation with local employment in excess of 3,000 employees” For more details on this economic study, click here.  

Their mission statement says it, committed to heritage, community, education, and preservation, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is ready for another successful year of action.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community.”

Make sure to visit www.rodeohouston.com to keep up to date and purchase your tickets for this year’s festivities. Join in the fun as we here at Cowboy Lifestyle Network celebrate the 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this February 25th through March 17th!

 

Arena lights shimmer as they reflect off outfits adorned with rhinestones, beautifully curled hair flows in the wind as a bright smile welcomes rodeo fans. She rides with poise, confidence, and an unmistakable crown sitting upon her head. Traveling from rodeo to rodeo across her state and beyond, she takes delight in the public appearances she makes. Her passions lie in the rodeo arena and beyond. As a spokeswoman of rodeo, she takes pride in engaging audiences, educating communities, and serving the western heritage and lifestyle that makes her favorite sport of rodeo, a reality. She is a rodeo queen.

For many young women, the prospect of becoming a rodeo queen is a dream come true. It is the chance to give back to their community, to develop personal skills such as public speaking, the chance to travel, to meet new people, and let’s face it, an opportunity to wear beautiful outfits and ride gorgeous horses! While the glitz and glamour often make the first impression, it is the hard-work, dedication, and elbow-grease behind the scenes that makes being a rodeo queen such a rewarding and life changing experience.

The ability to work hard for one’s goals teaches lifelong lessons. Many young women competing for rodeo queen titles spend a fair share of their pageant preparation with their noses in textbooks studying rodeo rules, basic veterinary skills, local rodeo and state history, sewing their own pageant outfits and much more. Not to mention the countless hours spent in the arena perfecting their horsemanship skills. Quick as a whip, educated in their craft, and a strong seat in the saddle, girls are ready to take on their titles.

I had the privilege of speaking to one of these dedicated, hardworking young women, the 2018 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen, Kennadee Riggs. Kennadee states that “the most rewarding part of being a rodeo queen has been learning through experience. From speaking at events to teaching elementary schools about the western way of life, each opportunity has been a thread that contributes to an intricate tapestry of knowledge.” Kennadee shares that she has “gained a new appreciation for the invisible hand in the arena. Working behind the production of a rodeo truly opens your eyes to vital details that once appeared small.”

Once crowned, rodeo queens partake in the journey of a lifetime, however the hard work doesn’t cease. Early mornings, late nights, mucking stalls, hauling feed, water, stall shavings, and horses is the daily schedule for a rodeo queen. That is in addition to parades, rodeos, community appearances, rodeo committee meetings, town council meetings, and school visits. The show must go on rain or shine.

Balancing schedules between their academic life and rodeo responsibilities can become quite the extravaganza. It is not uncommon to find rodeo queens working, attending school full-time, participating in a variety of extracurricular activities all while maintaining their responsibilities as a rodeo queen. It is this dedication to their academic and rodeo career that has created a path of success for many young women after they hand down their crown to the next rodeo queen.

When asked how Kennadee worked around her busy schedule she shared,

“I have spent my senior year of high school balancing life’s extremities with a rodeo queen schedule. At times, it can be easy to feel like I am spread too thin! But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve been blessed with the opportunities to be a part of various sports and clubs while holding a rodeo queen title.”

While the hours are long and the work is tough, rodeo queens see it as an honor to have such a myriad of responsibilities. Kennadee continues,

“the skills I’ve been able to develop through these experiences are un-exchangeable. The biggest thing I’ve come to realize is as I prioritized service and turning outward to others, everything else would fall into place. It’s something I can’t explain but it has been my saving grace while juggling a full schedule.”

To the future generation of rodeo queens, Kennadee hopes you “keep your head up high and your standards higher! Work hard and go for it. Of all the activities and sports I’ve been a part of, being a rodeo queen has been by far the most rewarding. Remember, the most important part of a rodeo queen is her spirit. Through life’s trials and adversity, keep a smile on your face and stay tough. But above all, be kind. You can truly see a light in the eye of a girl who genuinely loves others.

Constantly in the public eye and as an ambassador to the sport of rodeo and role models to the next generation of young cowgirls and cowboys, rodeo queens are far more than pretty faces. Equal parts thoughtful as they are tough, rodeo queens are ready to take on any task. Whether faced with an excited horse in the arena, the hustle and bustle at the arena gate, crowded and loud parades and social gatherings, it is the confidence, poise, and professionalism in and out of the arena that allow rodeo queens to stand out.