The Horsemanship Competition began Monday morning at 9am, at the South Point Hotel's Arena Complex, where one of the larger crowds in years was gathered. Horses for the competition were sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association, and the Grand Opening was sponsored by W.F. Young/Absorbine. Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller welcomed everyone and the opening started with Justin McDaniel trying to rope a horse in the arena... missing... and the crowd finding out that when you need a job done, sometime's a WOMAN is best for the job! With that, Miss Rodeo America Amy Wilson rode into the arena and roped the horse, slick as a whistle. Then... Justin brought a saddle into the arena, the horse was saddled and bridled and Amy - the COWGIRL - rode away, to the tune of George Strait's "How 'bout them Cowgirls". (And special thanks to Kate Rumford for handling sound duties!)
Each of the 27 contestants had two opportunities to show their horsemanship skills; first riding a set pattern, and then riding a "freestyle" pattern on a different horse. The 14 horses used in the competition came from a variety of stock contractors including Vold Rodeo, Powder River Rodeo, Sutton Rodeo, Joe Simon, Growney Rodeo, Barnes Rodeo, and Rumford Rodeo. Saddles were provided by Court's Saddlery. I'd have to say that these were a great pen of horses, fairly evenly matched and well-behaved. But then, I can remember back to the days when you weren't sure if some contestants might get bucked off! All of the contestants did a great job, as they rode circles, switched leads, waved to the crowd, and entertained us all.
For wardrobe, the white hats won, hands down, 16:8 over the black hats, and there was also a tan hat, a brown, and a grey hat. Monochromatic outfits ruled the morning as well; with 19 choosing to wear matching jeans and blouses; but there were also a lot of black jeans with pattern or solid color blouses. Bling? Oh yes... spotted one bling hat in the arena and lots of bling on shirts... even some on jeans.
When the contestants had finished, Miss Rodeo America Amy Wilson made her final lap around the arena, and John Cavey presented her with a bouquet of roses.
A special thanks to the horsemanship committee for the great job they do in securing the quality of horses that they do, and all that goes into getting them ready for the competition: Bronc Rumford, Jeana Allen, Kate Rumford, Linda Ebest, Johna Niedfelt, Tara Rowe, Laurie Thoman-Hernandez, Lori Bortner, Nicole Cypers, Susie Kendall, Shannon Eck, Gena Black, Shelly Williams, Amy Means, Melanie Mooney, and Manny Azevedo.
~ Jody
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