Miss Rodeo New Mexico 2011: NM Stampede and South Dakota

South Dakota, what does that make you think... Mount Rushmore, freezing temperatures, and COLD... Well at least those were my thoughts. Yet as I left my house in Las Cruces I looked at the temperature in my truck... a toasty -4 degrees! I know what you are thinking it does not get that cold in Las Cruces... I would have had to agree with you if I did not live through it. So when I did arrive in Rapid City, South Dakota where I fully expected it to be that cold I was utterly shocked to see it was almost 50!!! As I began to speak with everyone at the rodeo and stock show they could not believe that it was warmer there than it was back in the "deserts" of New Mexico. Well enough on the weather... I arrived in Rapid City on Thursday were I hit the ground running! Jerry Luckett was at the airport patiently awaiting my delayed arrival. We headed straight for the Stock show were it was time to sign autographs. I was so excited to see so many of the state girls there when I arrived! Ram Rodeo presents an area called the rodeo zone that has many interactive things for kids and adults to enjoy with the bucking bull being the crowning jewel. So what is any good rodeo queen to do?? Of course it is to ride the bucking bull (electronic of course).. Each of the girls took our turns riding the bull and I am proud to say we all stayed securely on top. After autographs and our fair share of bull riding, it was time to head over for the rodeo. The Sutton family ups on a wonderful show! I was excited to get to carry sponsor flags during the rodeo. Thank you again for all of you guys hard work!
The next day we were able to go to one of my favorite events of the trip, the Pioneers Breakfast. I was excited to talk to the "old" cowboys and hear some of their amazing stories. It was a wonderful time and I am so thankful to everyone for allowing us to come. Following the breakfast we headed up into the Black Hills to Mount Rushmore. I was so excited to be able to go back and see the "Mountain of Faces" again. I was absolutely in awe of how amazing and special it is. After a few minutes taking pictures we headed back to Rapid City wind blown and glad to be in with the heater. The two performances Friday went off without a hitch and I know each of us enjoyed being able to sit back and watch an amazing rodeo. Overall South Dakota was one of the most beautiful places I have been the people are warm, friendly, and super welcoming. I would like to again thank the Sutton family for having us and for all of their hard work. Also thank you to Jerry for all the time and energy she and her daughter Trisha put into making our time there so memorable.

Mount Rushmore (sorry I couldn't turn them around)

Even big stone guys need a little help every now and then...

Wayne Brooks PRCA Announcer of the Year

Rio Rancho-

The New Mexico rodeo season has been started! Classic Pro Rodeo rolled into Rio Rancho and put on a great show at the Santa Ana Star Center! The New Mexico Stampede welcomed world class athletes both cowboys and stock ensuring that it was a wonderful rodeo. I was so honored to be able to carry the American flag for the first time as Miss Rodeo New Mexico. It was an unbelievable experience coming into a completely packed, dark house with Old Glory! I was excited to have such amazing company while I was there Miss Turquoise Circiut, Danika Jackson did a fantastic job carrying sponsor flags, Ashlee Rose Mills the Eastern New Mexico State Fair queen also came in to help out with the Special Rodeo. During that we gave kids and families a "behind the chute" look at the bucking bulls, horses, and chutes. It was a great time. I was also excited to see Miss Rodeo New Mexico 2010 Kelly Horton, she is a great young lady and a fantastic friend. It was a great rodeo and an honor to be Miss Rodeo New Mexico!