August 20-23, 2009
There is no doubt that the success of the Norco Rodeo is a result of the wonderful women who work tirelessly to put on a great show… and yes, I did say women! It was great to see the town of Norco, CA (better known as “Horsetown, USA”), whose mayor is a woman, have a rodeo that is primarily run by cowgirls. With the Posse Captain, Rodeo Chairman, Arena Director, Queen Coordinator, and FlankWOMAN all cowgirls from various parts of the country, the rodeo ran smoothly and was a ton of fun.
Thanks to the Rodeo Committee Chairman, Nancy Shannon, I was able to take part in the nearly sold-out rodeo. Nancy and I have a bond that goes beyond our shared love for the color red. She even allowed me to venture off-road with her 4-wheeler—well, perhaps its best I don’t go into details on the 4-wheeling escapade Meagan and I experienced. I came to appreciate from observing all that Nancy does behind the scenes that putting on a rodeo is more than one can imagine: a myriad of details that must all flow together like clockwork to make a successful performance.
The rodeo also featured THE consummate queen clinic, complete with coverage of rodeo knowledge, stage presence, modeling, a behind-the-chutes tour, and a mock pageant that included modeling, impromptu questions, and appearance practice competitions. The clinic was hosted by two of my own favorite role models—Kayla Spurlock Duba (Miss Rodeo California 2005) and Brandy Dejongh Whitlow (Miss Rodeo California 1999 and Miss Rodeo America 2000). Kayla and Brandy are well known for hosting one of the nation’s best clinics, but it is our special good fortune that they hosted a state-level clinic for the first time this year, here in California. Thank you so much, Brandy and Kayla, for bringing all of our local queens up to the next level.
During the clinic, the participants were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour with the nation’s only flankwoman, attorney-extraordinaire Cyndi Gilbert of Diamond G Rodeo Company. Not only is Cyndi extremely educated and accomplished in many areas, but she also flanks all of her own stock! Her hilarious, fun-loving husband Steve is always in the arena, while Cyndi is in the back flanking her bulls and broncs before each ride. It was great to hear her story about how she became involved in the sport, and furthermore the meticulous steps she takes every day to ensure the safety, health, and well being of each and every one of her animals. There is no question that her animals love her and she loves them. With such incredible stock and its great team of workers, Diamond G Rodeo Company has got to be one of my favorite contracting companies.
I want to put in a special thanks to the Boy Scouts who camped out at the Norco rodeo grounds to take care of the horses. My little palomino Cali was never so spoiled with carrots, baths, brushing, and extra hugs in her entire life! I am not sure who was more forlorn at the imminent goodbye when I had to load her in the trailer to take her home: Cali or her new best friend, Parker.
And finally, the large number of visiting royalty at Norco was arranged by the Norco Queen Director (and Miss Rodeo California Booking Coordinator), Ellen Kleinbeck. The amount of dedication that Ellen has to all of the queens in the state of California makes her irreplaceable. Many of the California queens representing rodeo would not have the opportunity to travel and promote the sport if it were not for Ellen’s organizational skills, unlimited time devoted to the cause, and patience. She keeps track of each and every one of us and is always there for anyone. We love you Ellen!
In sum, the Norco Rodeo lived up to my expectations of the sort of event you would expect from “Horsetown, USA.” The whole town turned out their best to welcome rodeo competitors and fans with a charm and hospitality that is often missing from the big city venues, no matter how profitable they may be. Norco is a great rodeo for those who want to be close to the action, mingle with real cowboys, and who don’t mind getting a little dirt on their boots. I know I’ll be back.
With Cyndi Gilbert (Flankmen/Owner of Diamond G Rodeo) and the Norco royalty:
