Amarillo by Morning….

Well I can certainly understand why George would include Amarillo in one of his songs… Amarillo has it all!!!   

Flying into Amarillo on my favorite airline, Southwest, I could see miles and miles of Texas. I really do love how diverse and beautiful our state is! I have driven through Amarillo on many occasions, but this was my first opportunity to truly experience this unique West Texas Town as this time I had the opportunity and honor of attending the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo.   As with every appearance that I fly into, there are people that step up to assist, make arrangements and take time away from their family and lives to help me and help the rodeo. Amarillo was no exception.  There were so many that helped out, but I’d like to specifically thank Brenda Michael for picking me up, showing me around the fair grounds to get prepared for the week and getting me to my hotel.  She certainly set the tone for what turned out to be a fun filled week!

In addition to the great people affiliated with the Tri State Rodeo, I had the honor of working side by side with Chenae’ Shiner, the current Miss Rodeo America. We had an early morning TV interview and many appearances together during our week.  Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all work… We also had a lot of fun together!  For example, no visit to Amarillo is complete without a trip out to the famous “Big Texan” Steak Ranch. They give you a FREE 72 ounce Steak with sides if you can eat it in under an hour! Well, needless to say we didn’t take them up on the challenge but two people did while we were there! Marjorie and the Board can attest to the fact that I love a good steak, but I think this challenge gets the best of almost everyone!   Speaking of food… Mrs. Chris Williams (former Miss Rodeo America) and her husband, treated Chenae’ and I to one of Amarillo’s best kept secrets. We had the very best homemade desserts! They also took us out to the famous “Cadillac Ranch” where we could join the thousands of tourists and graffiti our names on the Cadillac cars that are sticking out of the ground. They sure know the way to a girl’s heart! Thank you both again!

  Before the Fair and Rodeo kicked off, Chenae’ and I stopped by the American Quarter Horse Association Museum and Business Office. It was wonderful to get to meet everyone and I want to publicly thank them for taking time to give us a special tour. So much time and effort goes into each and every AQHA Show! If you own or love the American Quarter Horse or Show in this Association, you really should take the time to stop by and meet this amazing team. They work exceptionally hard to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently and I think they do a great job! After touring the business office we were able to walk through the Museum and Hall of Fame. It’s been about 10 years since I had been here so it was great to see how it has changed.   I love horses and I am always fascinated by the impact they’ve had on people’s lives, the development of our nation and internationally.   The American Quarter Horse is an amazing and diverse breed and although it is now found in places like China and Europe it will always be known and remembered as “America’s Horse”!

We kicked off the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo in Style!!! Amarillo is home to one of the new events in the PRCA this year, the Wrangler Champions Challenge. There are only 4 stops in this series and two of them are in Texas! We had a packed house to watch 10 of the World’s Top Cowboys and Cowgirls in each event compete. It was like watching a mini WNFR! Mike Mathis did a great job announcing in the arena and Keith Isley kept the crowd entertained during competitors and events. What a wonderful experience! The event will be aired on GAC TV Sept 29^th at 5:00pm and again on Oct 5^th at 9:00pm if you weren’t able to attend.   For more information about this special series you can go to prorodeo.com and click the Wrangler Champions Challenge link at the top of the screen.

 

Chenae’ and I were joined by our MRT Princess, Kate Johnson and Miss TJHRA Aubrey Fields for the week’s rodeo events. We were provided the best horses (and best jokes) by Johnnie Johnston and Randy Williams. The four of us helped push cattle, carry flags, help with mutton bustin and the calf scrambles. I am so proud of Kate and Aubrey! They are both awesome cowgirls and have a bright future ahead of them.

 Chenae’ and I had an opportunity to do a little shopping, promote the Tri-State Rodeo and support Cavenders while we were there as well. We love western stores that support our lifestyle. Justin Boots, Wranglers and Cavenders! Love it! Cool Horse in Amarillo is another great place to shop for anything Western or Equine related that you need. Again, Amarillo has it all!!

  

I could sit here all day and list the great people I’ve met and that have had a part of this amazing journey – but let me just say this. “THANK YOU”! To all that have been a support in any way possible, please know that I appreciate you. To Chenae’, Thank you for doing a great job as Miss Rodeo America and for setting an amazing standard. I am glad that we had the week to get to know each other even better and I had so much fun hanging out with you!   To the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo Committee, y’all were simply amazing, put on an awesome Rodeo and I cannot thank you enough for inviting me and treating me like part of your family. 

Once again, my Rodeo family has grown and the scrapbook is becoming filled with wonderful memories of this amazing year. I am truly blessed to be here but I couldn’t do it without all of you! Check back for more adventures soon!

From Amarillo and the Road, 

Your, Miss Rodeo Texas 2013