I was very excited to be heading to Cheyenne, this was one trip that I had been looking forward to for a very long time. I arrived late in the afternoon just as the rodeo performance ended. I joined the other queens in signing autographs and Allie Bass Miss Rodeo Wyoming gave me the grand tour o
f the grounds. Wow! They got it right when they named it the Daddy Of Them All! The stands and arena were the biggest I had ever seen! As we walked through the crowd I felt as if I were in Hollywood. All the stars of our sport were present.
f the grounds. Wow! They got it right when they named it the Daddy Of Them All! The stands and arena were the biggest I had ever seen! As we walked through the crowd I felt as if I were in Hollywood. All the stars of our sport were present. One of the neatest parts of this trip was visiting Arlene Kensingers home for her famous taco party! The tour of her house and memorabilia was priceless and the food was great. She really made all of us girls feel welcome. Arlene shared with us stories about her amazing life and all that she had accomplished. I could have stayed there forever and listened to her.
Friday morning we were up early and headed for the parade! This would be my first time riding one of Harry Volds horses and was looking forward to it! Each girl mounted their horses they had ridden earlier in the week, last but not least I received a horse "Snip." I was familiar with the horse because I had seen him at our Old Fort Days PRCA Rodeo in Arkansas. He was stunning and energetic ..... the perfect fit for me! Snip was a perfect gentleman and the parade was so much fun. It really surprised me how many people cheered for all the different state rodeo queens! That is what I call hospitality.
Next we were off to the rodeo! Prepared with chaps in hand, we rounded up our horses. Snip was ready to go! It didn't take long and we were lined u
p on the track preparing for our runs. I knew Snip was a fast horse and that our fly bye would be a quick one. My name was announced and down the track we went! Hooves pounding, dirt flying, I smiled and waved at the huge crowd that was watching. As I reached the end of my run and slowed Snip into a trot, I had to wipe my eyes........ they were watering from the speed and excitement all mixed into one! I wouldn't trade that experience for any thing in the world.
p on the track preparing for our runs. I knew Snip was a fast horse and that our fly bye would be a quick one. My name was announced and down the track we went! Hooves pounding, dirt flying, I smiled and waved at the huge crowd that was watching. As I reached the end of my run and slowed Snip into a trot, I had to wipe my eyes........ they were watering from the speed and excitement all mixed into one! I wouldn't trade that experience for any thing in the world. Then we made our way up to the media booth were we helped give live feed of the rodeo. I reported on my favorite event.... steer wrestling! "He is backing into the box, now he is nodding his head, and they are off..... " It was a lot of fun and the first time I had ever done a radio interview like that. We headed to the sponsor boxes to mingle and say thanks to all the amazing people who made the rodeo possible. It was great to be able to thank each of them in person. Soon the rodeo was over and after autograph signings we had some free time! Free time to a rodeo queens usually means shopping! With all the amazing booths and shops set up I couldn't resist.
We all made our way back to the arena for the concert that night. We would have the opportunity to introduce ourselves before the big show. The crowd was especially big that night because they had all come to see Taylor Swift! We each stepped up to the microphone and shared a little bit about our selves and the stated we were representing. The audience really seemed to enjoy hearing where each of us were from. The concert was great that night and we all had a amazing time together!
Saturday was the pancake breakfast in town square! Emma Glaspy Miss Rodeo Missouri and I were room mates and had gotten up extra early! Time passed slowly as we waited for our ride. Soon we realized that we had been forgotten. A few phone calls and we were on our way to town, laughing a
bout what had happened on the way there. Soon after arriving Emma and I were led away and dressed in aprons. We were not sure what was in store for us. That day I discovered a hidden talent of mine..... pancake flipping! We helped flipped dozens of pancaked that morning. I'm proud to say I didn't drop a single one.
bout what had happened on the way there. Soon after arriving Emma and I were led away and dressed in aprons. We were not sure what was in store for us. That day I discovered a hidden talent of mine..... pancake flipping! We helped flipped dozens of pancaked that morning. I'm proud to say I didn't drop a single one. Again we introduced ourselves to the crowd and signed autographs. It was neat to see the entire community really come out and show their support for this event. I met so many people and had a really wonderful time. We headed back to the rodeo and again met with sponsors and thanked them. This time we were invited to take a tour of the chutes. I couldn't believe it, we actually stood on the back of the chutes while the riders prepared for their events. That is what I call up close and in person. It really was a treat to see how the cowboys adjusted their equipment and prepared themselves for their rides.
The rodeo went by quickly and we signed more autographs. The lines of people were amazing! Each day we would meet groups of people as we signed hats and posed for pictures. It was the least we could do to show the fans our appreciation for all of their support.
Once again we had some down time before the concert, so a group of us climbed into Amber Dell Miss Rodeo Tennessee's truck and h
eaded to the local steak house. The lobby was lined with cowboys who had the same idea. Here we met bull rider and bull riding director Fred Boettcher. He was nice enough to pose for some pictures with all of us rodeo queens. It was a great meal and we all had a wonderful time talking with each other and sharing stories. Soon we had to head back to the arena, the only problem was none of us knew exactly how to get back. After an hour of exploring the country side we finally found our way back to the grounds. Another priceless memory from my year as Miss Rodeo Arkansas.
eaded to the local steak house. The lobby was lined with cowboys who had the same idea. Here we met bull rider and bull riding director Fred Boettcher. He was nice enough to pose for some pictures with all of us rodeo queens. It was a great meal and we all had a wonderful time talking with each other and sharing stories. Soon we had to head back to the arena, the only problem was none of us knew exactly how to get back. After an hour of exploring the country side we finally found our way back to the grounds. Another priceless memory from my year as Miss Rodeo Arkansas.We were all excited for the concert...... Kenny Chesney! One at a time we were each escorted to the front of the stage where we could take pictures of Kenny. Wow, what an experience! I wish I could have spent more time in Wyoming at the Daddy Of Them All. . . . but down the road I had to go.
The next morning I headed to the airport, thinking about the short 3 day stay in Cheyenne and all the wonderful memories I was leaving with. My dream had come true and it was more than I could have ever imagined!
I would like to thank Arlene Kensinger for all her hospitality and for making it possible for us to visit Cheyenne. Thank you to my host family for all their kindness. Thank you to all the sponsors who make rodeos like this one and others possible.
Micki Musick
Miss Rodeo Arkansas
