Miss Rodeo America 2008 Pageant

PRCA Luncheon Showcases Rodeo Knowledge

The annual PRCA Luncheon was held at the Mirage Hotel and included top-notch entertainment along with smart and beautiful cowgirls.

Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller kicked off the luncheon by inviting past Miss Rodeo America, INC President Bronc Rumford to the podium to present a buckle to current President Kiki Shumway.  The contestants then entered the room and promenaded throughout the crowd greeting family and friends with warm, welcoming smiles. 

Once on stage Max Reynolds, who showed off his gun-slinging trickery and master bullwhip skills, joined the contestants.  Youth trick roping champion and Monty Montana Showmanship winner Rider Keiser wowed the crowd with his extraordinary trick roping skills.   Selena Ulch, reigning Miss Rodeo America, was presented a Certificate of Congressional Achievement by Congressman Gibbons.

The contestant's wardrobe for the PRCA Luncheon consists of their state chaps and matching blouses.  A wide variety of styles and colors were seen, including a few colored cowboy hats.  Each contestant introduced herself and gave a brief description of her chaps.

Contestants are judged on their rodeo knowledge at this event.  Each pulls a question regarding the PRCA from a large bowl.  The question is then read and the contestant provides the answer.  Examples of questions included "Name one of the three new PRCA Executive Board members.” "How many commissioners has the PRCA had?" and "Name the 2004 AQHA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year.". 

Following the questions, current PRCA Commissioner Troy Ellerman spoke on the state of the PRCA.  Several rounds of applause were given as Mr. Ellerman provided insight into the future of the PRCA.

Kate and Bronc Rumford were recognized by Tara Graham of W.F. Young and Absorbine products with the Top Horse Award.  The award was selected by Billy and Marlo Ward during the Horsemanship competition on Monday.  They received a $200 cash award and a plaque of recognition.

Miss Rodeo Texas was recognized with the Achievement Award, sponsored by Miss Rodeo Montana and presented by Jody Rempel.  The award is given to the Miss Rodeo America contestant who sells the most raffle tickets for the saddle drawing.

Angie Muir of Montana Silversmiths presented a self-framed portrait to Selena Ulch from Clark and Rachel Marten of Columbus, MT.  The portrait is a photograph of Selena taken by Clark during her Montana Silversmith's photo shoot.  The 2005 Montana Silversmith catalog featured 12 photos of Selena modeling Montana Silversmith products, and national campaign ads with Selena ran in such magazines as Western Horseman and the ProRodeo Sports News.

On behalf of Miss Rodeo America, Inc Kiki Shumway presented a $3,000 check to ProRodeo Hall of Fame director Larry  McCormack.  The money was raised this summer during the first Miss Rodeo America Premier Rodeo Queen Clinic held in Colorado Springs.

A fundraising auction was also held for the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation.  Nearly $14,000 was raised during the event.  PRCA stock contractor and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame member Harry Vold was the auctioneer.

Sponsored by the PRCA, Wells Fargo Bank, US Smokeless Tobacco Company and the Miss Rodeo Nevada Pageant, the luncheon is chaired by Joanna Brooks Alvarado of Nevada and co-chaired by Desiree Larsen of Utah.  Other committee members include JoAnn Abraham (AZ), Gena Black (UT), Nyla Bristow (CO), Cheryl Thompson Draper (TX), Deborah Foot (AR), Ina Ginsberg (AZ), Carol Grencevicz (AZ), Lou Johnson (AZ), Laura Kessler (FL) and Lynne Shearer (NE).

Speeches - Round 1

Contestants, judges and other pageant personnel gathered early this morning at the French Market Buffet for breakfast sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys and the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant.  Cory Young of the FCC was on hand to greet each contestant and to share the story of the FCC.  Sue Lynn Perry, Miss Rodeo America Executive Board Member, shared her testimony and sang two songs.  Each contestant received a copy of the Cowboy Bible which includes testimonies from PRCA cowboys, plus a personalized box filled with daily devotionals.

Following breakfast the group moved to the Showroom of the Orleans Hotel and Casino.  During the speech portion of the judging, contestants present a 3-minute speech with the topic being any aspect of her home state.  Contestants are grouped into three groups with Washington, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Nevada, North Dakota and Idaho presenting today.

Selena Ulch, reigning Miss Rodeo America, entertained the audience with stories about the past year.  Her wit and humor was evident as she shared her experiences at the National Western Livestock Show and Rodeo, Black Hills Stock Show and the Rose Bowl Parade.  Drawings were held for Montana Silversmith, Wrangler and Absorbine products.  Shooter Enterprises, INC were sponsors of the event.

On Tap for Wednesday - Contestants will begin their horsemanship and rodeo interviews, and will perfect their choreography for tonight's Fashion Show.  The PRCA luncheon will be held at the Mirage where contestants will answer impromptu questions related to rodeo.

Miss Rodeo America Trivia - During her reign as Miss Rodeo America 1970, Christine (Vincent) Williams took a 2-week trip to England, Switzerland, France and Italy promoting Buster Ivory's "Rodeo Far West".  One of the highlights was visiting Buckingham Palace.  Chris continues her involvement with the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, returning each year to serve as a chaperone to the contestants.

Texas Takes Home State Table Award

The State of Texas received the top state table award for the 2006 Miss Rodeo America Pageant.  Honorable mention went to Oregon and Arizona.  Each state received a rosette and plaque sponsored by Karie O'Donnell-Jones of Washington.

"The Spirit of Texas" theme was carried out using descriptive words and icons such as an American Quarter Horse with "Legend", and a photo of Beth Murphy, Miss Rodeo Texas, with "Radiance".

The Oregon table's theme was "Following the Oregon Trail" and featured a variety of covered wagons crossing the state, and a copper background.  Arizona's "Come C Arizona" theme came from the five C's of the Arizona economy - copper, cotton, citrus, canyon and climate.

A committee chaired by Bill Olson of Michigan judges each table, taking into account the theme, originality, creativity, neatness and overall presentation.  Other committee members include Glenn Klaus (TX), Zona Vig (SD), Johna Niedfelt (NE), Kristy Davis (UT), JoAnn Abraham (AZ) and Lou Johnson (AZ).

Hawaiian Luau Enjoyed by All

Karie O'Donnell Jones (WA) and Candy Gratton (WA) Finish Preparing for the Get Acquainted Party

A Hawaiian luau was held Monday night as contestants, family, friends and judges gathered to get to know each other at the annual Get Together Party.  The event was sponsored by Corral West Ranchwear, Western Horseman Magazine, Miss Rodeo America Alumni Association and state pageant organizations Alabama, Arizona, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Tennessee.  Guests enjoyed dancing to the music of C.C. Collier, whose performance was sponsored by the Miss Rodeo Colorado Pageant.

During the party contestants introduced themselves and told a little about their experience thus far at the pageant or during their reign.  Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller introduced Selena Ulch, the reigning Miss Rodeo America.  Selena related how her day had been a hectic one prior to the horsemanship competition.  Selena had been a part of the opening act prior to the competition and had to very quickly change before presenting the American flag.  Everything was going smoothly, until the announcer introduced her and she looked down to discover that her helper had put her chaps on backwards!  After a quick change she was on her horse and in the arena.  True to the grace and flexibility Miss Rodeo America is known for, Selena never missed a beat and beautifully carried out her duties.

During the party Red and Cindy Wilk of Huron, South Dakota presented each contestant with a commemorative Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold pendant.  Dr. Courtney Shumpert, herself a former Miss Rodeo Tennessee and MRA Regional Scholarship Award recipient, provided a rhinestone crown pin to each contestant from RodeoQueenJewelry.com.  Kiki Shumway, Miss Rodeo America, INC President, presented each with a plaque of appreciation.

Many of the guests were dressed in their finest luau wear.  The pageant chaperones were a hit with their grass skirts and coconut accessories, and many guests sported flashing lei’s sold by the Alumni Association.  John Shooter of Shooter Enterprises was on hand to take shots of everyone enjoying themselves, including a group of future pageant alumni ladies-in-waiting who were in attendance.  A fifty-fifty raffle and dollar dance were held to raise funds for the Alumni Scholarship.  Dancers included Selena Ulch, Bronc Rumford, Tommy Rumford, and Tim Fuller and the lines were long.

The Miss Rodeo America Pageant Alumni Association was created in April 2003 as a means for all former Miss Rodeo America Pageant contestants to stay involved with the organization.  It was first introduced at the 2004 Miss Rodeo America Pageant as the entity who produced the Get Acquainted Party and has since seen a dramatic increase in membership.  In addition to producing the party, the responsibilities of the Association include raising awareness of MRA locally, state-wide, and nationally, generating interest in overall queen competition, specifically MRA to increase eventual participation and adding creative, positive ideas to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant planning process. The Alumni Association also provides a $500 scholarship for the written test award.  Membership is open to any person who has competed in the pageant and membership can be obtained for an additional $10 with a General Miss Rodeo America, INC membership.  All Alumni Association members receive a special Alumni Pin.

On Tap for Tuesday – Contestants and judges will enjoy a buffet breakfast at the French Market Buffet sponsored by the Miss Rodeo Washington Association followed by a day of personal interviews and dance practice.  Frank and Anne Kocvara of Desert Oak Homes will host a private luncheon for the contestants, judges and Executive Board.  This evening the contestants will be guests of Boyd Gaming, INC during a dinner at Billy Bob’s Steak House followed by sightseeing and shopping at Shepler’s in Sam’s Town.

Miss Rodeo America Trivia – In 1989 Karen (Lavens) James and Joni (James) Smith of Idaho became the first mother and daughter to reign as Miss Rodeo America.  Karen reigned in 1962 and Joni enjoyed her reign twenty-eight years later in 1990.

Horsemanship Hosted by The Excalibur Hotel and Casino

For fifteen years Miss Rodeo America contestants have showcased their horsemanship talents at the King Arthur's Indoor Arena at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino.  The facility perfectly blends the tradition of the Miss Rodeo America pageantry with the bright lights of Las Vegas.

The purpose of the horsemanship competition is to select a young lady who rates highest in overall horsemanship skill and understanding, including her ability to sit the saddle, position of hands, feet and seat, plus mounting and dismounting.  Miss Rodeo America rarely has the opportunity to ride her own horse during her travels so American Quarter Horses are provided by PRCA stock contractors for this portion of the pageant.  A draw is held to determine the order of go and which horses a contestant will ride.  Court’s Saddlery of Bryan, TX, graciously provides tack for each horse. 

PRCA stock contractors who provided the American Quarter Horses for the competition this year include Harry Vold, Bob Barnes, Silverado Rodeo Company, 4L Rodeo Company, Rumford Rodeo Company and Circle A Ranch and Beutler and Son Rodeo Company.  The horses are sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association.  WNFR pick up man Billy Ward and wife Marlo were on hand to evaluate each horse’s performance and to select the winner of the Top Horse Award.  The $200 cash award and plaque, sponsored by Absorbine, will be presented to the winning stock contractor on Wednesday during the PRCA Luncheon. 

To start the day off a six-shooting cowboy rode into the arena as PRCA announcer Tim Fuller told of the perils cowboys of the Old West faced.  These included the weather and bandits who were out to rob and raid those out on the range.  But alas, the good guy always wins.  The opening was choreographed by Rumford Rodeo Company and sponsored by Absorbine.

Following the opening act reigning Miss Rodeo America Selena Ulch gracefully presented Old Glory as Sharon Halligan of Nebraska sang the National Anthem.  Mrs. Halligan served as President of Miss Rodeo America, INC in 1999 and 2000.

Selena began the competition by demonstrating the horsemanship pattern each contestant is expected to execute.  Riders enter the arena to the right at a trot and continue down the side of the arena and then to the center.  At the center they begin a lope and lope a circle to the left on the left lead.  They are to change leads in the middle of the arena and finish a right circle and then change leads once again.  Instead of completing a second circle to the left the rider continues on the rail around to the other side of the arena and stops her horse, then backs and recognizes the judges before leaving the arena. 

Once all twenty-four contestants have ridden the first pattern the second go-round begins.  This time the contestants are to ride a free-style pattern.  They have  1 ½ -minutes to show the horse she has drawn to the best of her ability.  During the ride they should demonstrate a queens ride acknowledging the audience.   The announcer recognizes when 1 minute has elapsed so the contestant can finish her pattern.

The winner of the horsemanship division receives the $1500 Miss Rodeo America Memorial Scholarship honoring Marie Mass Gatlin, Miss Rodeo America 1960.  $1000 is sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association and $500 is sponsored by former Miss Rodeo America’s along with the Marie Mass Gatlin family of Pueblo, CO.  She will also receive a beautiful Tex-Tan saddle, matching breast collar, reins and headstall sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association and a saddle stand sponsored by Tom and Karen Passion of Athens, AL.

The horsemanship committee is chaired by Bronc Rumford (KS) and co-chaired by Jeana Allen (NE).  Other committee members include Courtney Shumpert, DVM (MS), Arlene Worley (ID), Linda Ebest (TX), Cindy Schonholtz (CO), Johna Niedfelt (NE), Tara Graham (CO), Laurie Thoman (WY), Debbie Foot (AR), Lori Bortner (TX) and Roger Rutherford (NM).  Members arrive at the Excalibur early in the morning to prepare and ride each horse.  Krispy Kreme Doughnuts of the Excalibur provided refreshments for the committee.

Following the competition, contestants and chaperones enjoyed lunch at Guano Point and helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon sponsored by Silver State Helicopters.  This evening contestants, judges, family and friends will gather for the fun-filled Get Acquainted Party.

The 51st Miss Rodeo America Pageant Begins

Twenty-four state titleholders gathered in the lobby of the Orleans Hotel and Casino to receive their official pageant banners from reigning Miss Rodeo America Selena Ulch.  Chaperone Deb Dilley called each contestant forward to meet Selena and to greet the crowd that had gathered around.  This year the contestants sported a wide array of colorful Wrangler jeans and blouses for the check-in and orientation. 

Following photographs, orientation was held in the Showroom and was led by Miss Rodeo America, INC President Kiki Shumway.  Executive Board members were recognized along with a host of pageant personnel including the judges, official photographer John Shooter of Shooter Enterprises and official videographer Tom House of Video II Productions.  Each contestant introduced herself including her title and her hometown.

Once orientation was finished family members helped contestants move their wardrobes into their official pageant rooms.  Contestants are paired with each other and each room is packed wall-to-wall with a rainbow collection of boots, hats, jeans, dresses, and other accessories.

Contestants and chaperones were treated to lunch sponsored by Candy Gratton and Vicki Holleman of Washington.  The remainder of the afternoon was filled with dance moves as contestants began their preliminary preparations for the Wednesday night Fashion Show.

This evening Trish and Dale Fulcher will sponsor dinner for the contestants, judges and members of the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation at the annual Foundation Dinner.

On Tap for Monday - Contestants will perform two horsemanship patterns on horses provided by PRCA stock contractors at King Arthur's Indoor Arena in the Excalibur Hotel, tour the Grand Canyon by helicopter and cut loose with guests at the annual Get Acquainted Party.

Miss Rodeo America Trivia - The first Miss Rodeo America pageant was held in 1955 in Casper, WY and had nine contestants vying for the title.  Marilyn Scott was selected to reign for the remainder of 1955 and throughout 1956

Twenty-four state titleholders gathered in the lobby of the Orleans Hotel and Casino to receive their official pageant banners from reigning Miss Rodeo America Selena Ulch.  Chaperone Deb Dilley called each contestant forward to meet Selena and to greet the crowd that had gathered around.  This year the contestants sported a wide array of colorful Wrangler jeans and blouses for the check-in and orientation. 

Following photographs, orientation was held in the Showroom and was led by Miss Rodeo America, INC President Kiki Shumway.  Executive Board members were recognized along with a host of pageant personnel including the judges, official photographer John Shooter of Shooter Enterprises and official videographer Tom House of Video II Productions.  Each contestant introduced herself including her title and her hometown.

Once orientation was finished family members helped contestants move their wardrobes into their official pageant rooms.  Contestants are paired with each other and each room is packed wall-to-wall with a rainbow collection of boots, hats, jeans, dresses, and other accessories.

Contestants and chaperones were treated to lunch sponsored by Candy Gratton and Vicki Holleman of Washington.  The remainder of the afternoon was filled with dance moves as contestants began their preliminary preparations for the Wednesday night Fashion Show.

This evening Trish and Dale Fulcher will sponsor dinner for the contestants, judges and members of the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation at the annual Foundation Dinner.

On Tap for Monday - Contestants will perform two horsemanship patterns on horses provided by PRCA stock contractors at King Arthur's Indoor Arena in the Excalibur Hotel, tour the Grand Canyon by helicopter and cut loose with guests at the annual Get Acquainted Party.

Miss Rodeo America Trivia - The first Miss Rodeo America pageant was held in 1955 in Casper, WY and had nine contestants vying for the title.  Marilyn Scott was selected to reign for the remainder of 1955 and throughout 1956

2006 Miss Rodeo America Pageant Judges Announced

Sandy Garrett ranches with her husband James and sons Leon and Levi along the Missouri River north of Pierre, South Dakota.  Sharing a love for good Quarter Horses, the Garrett's have been successful in many areas of the horse industry from racing to cutting, but primarily rodeoing.  Following a Fashion Merchandising degree, Sandy did a brief internship in New York City, and was thrilled to model at Priscilla of Boston Wedding Gowns before managing a women's clothing store.  Sandy is a twenty year card member of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association, a past Badlands Circuit Director and a three-time Badlands Circuit Finalist.

Craig Haythorn and his wife Jody live in Arthur, Nebraska where he is the owner, manager and president of Haythorn Land and Cattle Co.  They raise Longhorns, Herefords and Angus cattle and are the largest breeders of American Quarter Horses in the United States and second in the world for raising Belgian work horses.  Craig is a graduate from Texas Tech College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Business.  Craig has hosted and managed Figure 4 Production Sales, tours for the public, school tours for children to view a working ranch, entertained Cowboy Artists of America, hosted Cattlemen's Balls, has been a consultant for foreign businessmen on how to market American Quarter Horses, has been featured in articles in Western Horseman Magazine and the Quarter Horse Journal, hosted AQHA Trail Rides and numerous steer ropings, calf ropings, team ropings and cuttings.

Leslie Lange and her husband Tom own and operate T&L Quarter Horses LLC in Greeley, Colorado.  There, they specialize in training all-around horses, as well as, trail, western riding and  hunter under saddle horses.  She is an AQHA and NSBA judge and has judged many shows including the AQHA World Show, the AQHYA World Show, the European Championship, Australian Championship, Texas Classic, Florida Gold Coast, Quarterama, West Coast Circuit and the Congress.  Leslie received the AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the year award for 2003.  Currently she serves on the Board of Directors for the National Snaffle Bit Association and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association.  She serves as chairman for the Hall of Fame and Youth committees, serves on the Magazine and Futurity committee and is chairman of the Gold Rush horse show committee.

Ken Mumy and his wife Maryellen live in Metamora, Michigan and have been actively involved with American Quarter Horses for more than 35 years. Ken graduated from Michigan State University, and his primary interest in the horse industry is in cutting, showing and recreational riding.  Ken has served as an AQHA Director since 1996 and was appointed to the membership committee.  He also served on the Hall of  Fame committee and the governance task force and was a founding member of the Affiliate Council.  Ken is President of FEA Management, an environmental auditing and engineering firm in Birmingham, Alabama.

Send Good Luck Notes to Contesants and Selena

Good luck email notes will be accepted for contestants competing in the 2006 Miss Rodeo America Pageant.  Please read our policies before sending your notes:

*  Place the contestants name and title in the subject line.  Example:  Sara Jones, Miss Rodeo State
*  All notes will be read by a member of the Miss Rodeo America Media Committee for approval.
*  Miss Rodeo America, INC reserves the right to not pass on any messages they deem are inappropriate.  Any note that is deemd inappropriate will be rejected and may be passed on to the Miss Rodeo America security personnel.
*  Please keep notes short, positive and free of personal information and conversation.
*  Notes will be given to contestants at the end of each day.

We are happy to provide this service to you and assure you that the notes the contestants receive bring smiles to their faces after their long days. 

We will be happy to pass along notes to Selena as she finshes up her year of reign as well.

Please send your messages to MissRodeoPageant@yahoo.com