The Richest Rodeo In the West!

One of my many out of state trip led my to Reno, Nevada! By now I have gotten used to the early morning security run through and the airport workers and I are on a first name basis! It's always good to see the friendly face of a new acquaintance.

I was excited to hear that I would be staying with Patsy Ulch and her daughter and past Miss Rodeo America Selena Ulch Pope would be there for the week as well. I was looking forward to meeting them both as I attended the Reno PRCA Rodeo! I knew I would be seeing some awesome rodeo talent while I was there.

I landed in the Reno airport ready for an adventure! Waiting for my luggage and feeling extra chipper, I smiled widely as a young man approached me. I wondered what kind of question I would receive this time. I always love meeting and talking with people in the airports, It a great place to share what I know about the sport of professional rodeo with them. The young man looks me over and asks, " Are you here for the car show?" A little stunned at first by his question, I smiled and cheerfully replied, " No. . . I'm here for the Reno PRCA Rodeo!" He chuckled at me and said, " I know that. . . . . I'm a stand up comedian." The joke was on me! We both laughed as we grabbed our bags.

My weekend was already off to a great start. I felt privileged to be picked up from the airport by Selena herself. She greeted me with a big smile and I could definitely tell why she had been chosen as Miss Rodeo America! We had a short ride together and then she dropped me off with the other visiting queens. I could not believe my luck. . . . . One of my best friends Miss Rodeo Utah Ranea Cowley was there. I hopped in with her and we were on our way.

It was lunch time when I arrived and Renea being awesome like always suggested ice cream!!! It was a wonderful treat and then we were off to the rodeo! First thing we headed to the mutton busters. We helped each of them get their protective vests on just right and make sure their helmets were secure! Some of them looked a little nervous, but a round of Simone Says changed that in a hurry.


We helped them onto their sheep and then again as they waived to the crowd after their rides. Shortly after we were seated in the stand were we could make sure and see all the action. There were so many great cowboys there. . . Blaire Burke, JoJo Lemond, World Champion Team Roper Randon Adams, Kaycee Fields. . . . The list went on and on. We were invited to ride in the stage coach that night as Selena road up top! We all waived to the audience as we were each announced. I had never been in a stage coach before and it was one wild ride! I couldn't wait to do it again the next night.

Afterwards we signed autographs along side the cowboys. We sat there for over an hour, the line never seemed to get any shorter. It was great to see so many excited fans willing to wait to get all of our signatures.







The next morning Patsy took us on a trip to Virginia City! It was an old mining town and the streets were filled with tourists. We visited old gambling halls, saloons, and we even went on a tour of an old mine shaft. There were so many neat gift shops and sights to see. I was so glad she had shared this neat place with us. We all had lunch together and then we headed back to get ready for the rodeo.









We had some extra time before the rodeo, so we watched some of the Bob Fiest Invitational! So many talented cowboys were competing. I wish we would have had more time to watch. We couldn't be late for the special kids rodeo though. There were so many excited children to meet and to help with all of the events. We were then invited to help sing the National Anthem at the start of the rodeo! Even though there was a large group of us I still got a little bit nervous. That was a first for me, I had never been asked to sing before.

Once again we helped the mutton busters get ready. We taught them how to stretch just like the PRCA cowboys do. It was a lot of fun to be able watch each of them ride and to give them a high five when they were done! I can see there is a lot of potential for the future of the sport of rodeo.

I was looking forward to the ride in the stagecoach again. I was surprised when they told me that I would ride on top that night. I climbed up the large wheel and was seated next to the driver. He told me to hold on tight. . . . . the team of horses had run away before. Then he gave me a quick grin. Either way I held on just in case.

I felt privilege to be able to be seated up top where just the night before Selena had been seated. Another fantastic experience that I will probably never have the chance to do again. I waived and smiled as they announced my name and state! I feel very blessed to be representing Arkansas this year, it has been an amazing honor.

I signed autographs that night again and I believe the line was even longer than before. So many amazing rodeo fans. I can see why. . . when there was so many amazing rodeo athletes at one phenomenal event. As Patsy drove me back that night we had the opportunity to talk. She was such a wonderful person. I am so glad I had the opportunity to stay with her and her family.

The next morning I was packed and ready to head back home. It had been a quick trip to Reno, but a very eventful one!


I would like to say thank you to the Ulch Family for hosting me during my stay in Reno, NV. I had such a wonderful time getting to know each of you. Thank you to the Reno Rodeo Committee for letting us be involved with their rodeo and for the once in a lifetime stagecoach rides! Thank you once again the Miss Rodeo Utah Ranea Cowley. . . you always make the trip fun!



Micki Musick

Miss Rodeo Arkansas

An eventful Arkansas summer!

Wow! The summer months certainly did go by quick. It seemed like I was hardly ever at home. . . only a couple days at a time between my trips! The experiences and adventures I took part in were more than worth it though.


The road lead me first to what I consider to be my hometown rodeo! The Old Fort Days Rodeo in Fort Smith! What an honor it was for me to represent at this rodeo as not only Miss Rodeo Arkansas, but as 2008-2009 Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days as well! It was a week full of family, friends, and fun. I was pleased to also be joined by Michelle Blake Miss Rodeo Oklahoma!

The Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days Pageant kept our days busy and our nights were filled with amazing rodeo performances. Great cowboys like PRCA World Champion Bull rider J.W. Harris kept us all on the edge of our seats. Plus you can always count on the "Duke of the Chutes" Mr. Harry Vold to provide superb animal athletes! John Payne "the One Arm Bandit" kept the audiences cheering for more each night as well.













The rodeo went by fast and before I knew it we were crowning the new Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days. . . . Stephanie Kappel. The week was over before I knew it and I was sad to see the audiences leave the Harper stadium on the last night. I wish it could have lasted another 7 days.

My next stop was Springdale for the Rodeo Of The Ozarks! I couldn't help but be excited to be attending one of the top five outdoor rodeos of the year. With 5 time stock contractor of the year Stace Smith I knew it would be an amazing event.

Once again I helped with the Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks pageant. Four very talented young women were vieing for the title. I couldn't pick a favorite, so I cheered for all four! Pajama parties, concerts after the rodeos (The Bellamy Brothers were my favorite!!!) , and modeling stylish western outfits at Cavendars Western Store were just a few of the highlights during the week. Although I'm sure that none of us will forget A-1 the bull. During the special kids rodeo a few of the girls decided to get their picture taken on A-1 just as all of the kids had. One queen contestant quickly turned into three piled on his back. Long story short. . . A-1 must not have liked rodeo queens much because he sat right down on his hind end. Each of the girls fell off one by one in slow motion. The looks on each on of their faces was absolutely priceless. All the helpers and children got quiet a good laugh.







Since Rodeo Of the Ozarks is held during the 4th of July weekend also known as Cowboy Christmas it was action packed. The cowboys and cowgirls were working extra hard for their money that weekend. It was exciting to be in the arena with such amazing talents like PRCA bullfighter Clay Collins, pick-up man Jason Bottoms, two time announcer of the year Boyd Polhamus. I was also honored to have my picture taken with my favorite PRCA cowboy Billy Etbauer!! Specialty act " Wild Thing " Tim Lepard and his Team Ghost riders ("aka" talented dog riding monkeys) were also nice enough to stop for a photo with me!

I was giving a very special honor during this rodeo. At the 4th of July performance I led the Grand Entry with Old Glory. I then posted our country's flag as the National Anthem played. Sitting in the center of the arena with the American flag on the 4th of July while thousands sang along. . . . . . . . words cannot describe that feelings that I felt. That is a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.













Down the road I went once again! From one end of the state to the other. . . . . . the Crossett PRCA Rodeo was my next destination. Here I met one of the nicest announcers of the sport of rodeo, Mr. Scott Grover.("aka" named by the locals as Scrot by accident and it stuck!) He made as many public appearances as we queens did. He was great to work with during radio interviews, luncheons, and at the rodeo as well.

I spent my week in Crossett with an extra big smile on my face. All because of one of my favorite legendary funny men Lecile Harris. During one of our luncheons we had the opportunity to hear him speak about his life. Even without his make-up and props he can still make a room roar with laughter. What a pleasure it was to experience a week full of his talent.


Earlier in the year I had attended a PRCA rodeo in Forrest City. I had thought for certain that was the muddiest I would ever be in my life ........ I was very wrong! The first night of the rodeo there was going to be no grand entry. They had no one to post the colors or to lead the grand entry due to the very flooded arena conditions. This sounded like the perfect job for me! So after sweet talking a few people and convincing them that I did know what I was getting into, I started off the rodeo with Old Glory flying! As I exited the arena I couldn't help but look at my white hat, chaps, and Wranglers. . . . . . they were caked in mud! Thanks Amber, Miss Teen Rodeo Arkansas for being cowgirl enough to follow my lead :) We made a good team!!




Each night we helped stock contractor Charley Lowry push cattle and carry sponsor flags. Then after each performance, my horse Dotty and I would get hosed down.........literally! Thanks to the rodeo committee for giving us a trailer spot next to the water faucet! Each nightI would return to my room and start scrubbing the mud off my banner, hat, chaps, and clothes once more! Just a small price to pay to be part of such an amazing sport!



My path has lead me to gain so many wonderful memories and new found friends. I would like once again say thank you to all of the Rodeo Committees for all of their hard work. Each one of you made me feel welcome in your towns and at your rodeos. Thank you to Pat Hutter for making the Miss Rodeo Ozarks Pageant such a success! Thank you to all my friends at Rodeo Of The Ozarks. . . Dodd Family, Tyler, Jill, and Melinda. . . . . you made my trip a great one. To Lynn Spain for letting me take part in The Old Fort Days Pageant once again. Thank you to the Old Fort Days Rodeo Committee it was a pleasure to represent you. I loved getting to know each and every one of you. To Celeste White of Creative Leather & Tack for letting me visit with every one in your tent each night after the rodeo.( you will always be my favorite Celestey, I love my chaps!!!) A big thank you to all the visiting royalty and all the pageant contestants, I had a great time with all of you.


" Life is not a destination. . . but the road that you travel to get there."


Micki Musick

Miss Rodeo Arkansas