Miss Rodeo California

To My Best Friend

Sometimes it is impossible to put things into words, especially when it involves someone who was your all. You can mull over it for hours on end, for years to come, and know that you will never come to terms with it. You can ask God every day why and know that you will never know why. And you can ask how to move on, how to move forward, and feel as though you are tied down. 

A week ago, I was asked in my interview at the Miss Rodeo America contest what my favorite part of being Miss Rodeo California was and the answer was too easy. I quickly replied, “It was the opportunity to meet some of the greatest legends in the rodeo industry, who share the same passion for the sport of rodeo as myself.” The judge asked a follow-up question, “Well, who exactly was the greatest person you met?” Again, the answer was too easy; I replied, “Ellen Kleinbeck, the Miss Rodeo California booking agent, is the most generous, caring person I have met, and she has touched the hearts of so many of us in one way or another.” The judge looked at me as though I had answered the question wrong, as if he was looking for something more profound. At that moment, I knew I could have told him about the time that I met 7-time World Champion Dan Mortensen at the Hall of Fame, who is known for his humility and modesty. I knew that I easily could have talked about the laughs I had on the plane sitting next to the well-known Bob Feist, who hosts the largest single-day team roping. And, of course I could have mentioned the strong-willed children I have spent time with during Western Wishes events and Challenged Children’s rodeos. But all of those answers would have paled in comparison to the impact that Ellen had on my life. The nine-minute personal interview was not enough time for me to justify my answer, as we all know that it would take hours to sum up Ellen’s impact.

I could not have asked for a better friend. She was my best friend, my second mom, and the world to me. I will miss her more than you will ever know. Rest in peace Ellen. We love you and miss you.

 

MRA Day 7: Coronation

Congratulations to Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo Mississippi, on being named the 2010 Miss Rodeo America. She will serve as a great representative to our sport! I've enjoyed our many laughs this year Kelli. Best of luck! 

Some Pictures from the Pageant (as Ellen said, "Make sure you're having fun!"):

     

MRA Day 6: Auction

Friday the girls rehearsed for the final coronation show in the morning and then headed over to Cowboy Christmas in the afternoon for the auction. Ashley's item pulled in the highest bid of the day, going for $2500. She auctioned off Clint Eastwood's own replca of the 1851 Colt Navy black powder pistol that he used in the movie "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly." The gun's holster was signed by Clinst Eastwood himself. The purse also contained a beautiful turquoise necklace by Carrie Underwood's jewelry designer.

A special thank you to:

Dianne Partington of Silver Horse Designs for donating a gorgeous turquoise necklace for the purse, as well as for outfitting me in jewelry throughout the week of the MRA pageant: http://www.silverhorsedesigns.com/

Kerry Bowen for donating the painting on my hat and jacket. To get in touch with Kerry for your very own custom painting, please visit her site: http://www.rusticranchweddings.net/

Janet Roberts for arranging the contents of the purse: http://www.janetrobertsfineart.com/

Trish Coffman of Cowgirl Regime for donating the vintage boot purse.

You all have been extremely generous and I appreciate your contributions!

 
 
 

MRA Day 5: More Speeches And PRCA Luncheon

On Thursday the second group of contestants gave their speeches and the girls showed off their chaps at their chaps at the PRCA luncheon at the Southpoint casino. Miss Rdoeo South Dakota won the award for best chaps. Ashley looked gorgeous in her chocolate brown and hit her question out of the park on rodeo knowledge. But all of the girls did a great job displaying superb knowledge of rodeo facts and figures. This is going to be a tough decision for the judges!

Below is another great picture from the fashion show the night before showing Ashley with Donna Riva who made Ashley's beautiful blue dress and Frankie Engel, a National Director for Miss Rodeo America from California. Donna also sits on the National Advisory Council for Miss Rodeo America.

Day 4: Ashley's Speech and Fashion Show

Ashley was called for the first group of speeches on Wednesday, and delivered a flawless performance. She looked regal in her white and gold leather gown as she explained to the audience her interpretation of why California came to be known as the Golden State given its many claims to fame. That evening, parents and supporters of all of the contestants were treated to a gala performance at the fashion show. Ashley really stood out in her electric blue dress from Donna Riva (she and her twin sister Dana are in the picture above). In an evening dominated by black and white leather, Ashley's blue was a real eye-catching color on stage that she modeled beautifully.

MRA Day 3: Impromptu Questions and Sam's Town

Tuesday morning was the President's Breakfast. This is a chance for each of the contestants to wear a less formal leather dress and answer impromptu questions on current events. Ashley looked perfectly gorgeous in a form-fitting coral suede dress by Donna Riva painted with California poppies by Carrie Bowen. Ashley did a fabulous job fielding her question on whether universities were discriminatory when they required only overweight students to take physical education classes. After an afternoon of more rehearsals and the personal interviews, the contestants all were treated to dinner at Billy Bob's Steak House at Sam's Town. The picture above was snapped of Ashley and her grandmother at the restaurant.

MRA Day 2: Horsemanship

 

Monday started bring and early for all of the contestants with the horsemanship competition. Ashley was a standout vision in her crimson and silver outfit. Each girl rode twice: a required pattern and a freestyle pattern of the contestant's choosing. Ashley had two tough draws and rode them conservatively. We hope the judges appreciate her excellent equitation and precise horsemanship!

After the competition, she enjoyed lunch with her parents at the Southpoint Hotel before being whisked away for rehearsals for the Fashion Show and the written test. That evening at the get-acquainted party, she was again eye-catching in her red bolero jacket with blue ruffles and red sequins. Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed at any of these official events, but go to www.shooterenterprises.com to see great pictures of Ashley in all of her glorious attire!

Ashley has an incredible fan club cheering her on here (see the Southern California contingent with great signs above!), and even non-California folks are stopping her parents in the hallways to remark what a poised, articulate, and beautiful young lady she is.

 

Rodeo Queen Dads

Here at the MRA 2010 contest we get to meet all the parents from all the states with daughters competing for the title. Each dad got to introduce himself, and the MRA Queen Committee told us how much they appreciated our sacrifice. I looked around the room and saw a unique group of “Rodeo Dads.” This group meets here every year, with the exact membership changing. Each dad would do anything for his daughter. We are all asked to fix something – the easy problems can be fixed with tools or a check book. Many times it is more difficult, requiring patience, understanding, and a big heart. You can tell by looking at the eyes of all of the dads in the room that they are all “the proudest dads.” Thank goodness that there isn’t a contest in that category because in the end it would be a 28-way tie.

MRA Day 1: Orientation

Day 1 of the Miss Rodeo America competition started early with check-in and orientation beginning at 8:30 am. As this picture of Miss Rodeo Alabama, Miss Rodeo Arizona, me, and my roommate, Miss Rodeo Arkansas, so vividly displays, Taryn Brady (Arizona) and I thought we were looking in the mirror when we stepped off the elevator and ran into each other first thing in the morning! The day continued with media interviews, on-stage introductions, move-in to our rooms, written test, Foundation dinner, and practice for the Fashion Show until midnight. I believe that this competition is as much an endurance test as anything else!

Driving to Vegas: November 28

My Mom and I left eary Saturday morning for our drive to Vegas. My Dad left ahead of us with a Suburban packed with my wardrobe while Mom and I did the "tour de California" making 10 stops in our 13 hour odyssey in order to collect various necessary items for my busy week ahead. One very important essential that will not be making the trip to Vegas with us is Ellen Kleinbeck, the MRC booking coordinator, who was suddenly beset with a health emergency Thanksgiving weekend. We will miss you, Ellen, and be wishing you a speedy recovery every day!

Along the road I received many well wishes from people all over the country who knew that I was on my way to the Miss Rodeo America competition. Above is a great photo I received on my cell phone from Allie Carper, the clearly very precocious daughter of Miss Rodeo USA 2007 Candice Carper. Thanks, Allie!