Cowkids Only - July 2024
July 2024
Brought to you by The Bell Mare Book Company
Ask a Pro:
Amy Wilson
This month’s blog features former Miss Rodeo America and western sports reporter Amy Wilson. Amy shares her advice for cowgirls looking to compete in rodeo princess and queen competitions and talks about how pageantry played a role in her career. If you are considering running for rodeo royalty, or are maybe already in the heat of pageantry, you won’t want to miss Amy’s advice.
Ask a Pro:
2008 Miss Rodeo America and Western Sports Reporter
Amy Wilson
Question: Was becoming Miss Rodeo America always your dream?
Amy’s Answer:
In grade school, I wrote down what I wanted to be when I grew up. That list was actually pretty long, but one of the things I said I wanted to be was Miss America. I remember putting on fancy dress up clothes and then going outside and riding my horse. Later on when I learned there was a Miss Rodeo America, I knew that was a perfect fit for me. I did my first rodeo pageant when I was 11 and I think becoming Miss Rodeo America was my goal from that point forward.
Question: Looking back on your path to becoming Miss Rodeo America, is there something specific you think helped prepare you for the title?
Amy’s Answer:
The biggest thing was probably my genuine, God-given passion for the sport of rodeo. I always wanted to learn more and meet more of the people who make up our sport. So I believe I went into rodeo pageantry for the right reason and that is to really promote and represent the sport of rodeo.
Also, I grew up riding sale barn horses through the ring for my uncle. So, I was used to jumping on a horse I had never been on and doing my best to make them look and act their best. When I was Miss Rodeo America, I didn’t ride my own horses one time the whole year. Everywhere I went I rode a stock contractor’s horse, pickup horse, committee horse, or whatever they put me on. Being comfortable and capable on a lot of different horses really helped me as Miss Rodeo America too.
Question: What was the hardest part of being Miss Rodeo America?
Amy’s Answer:
The schedule was very intense and could be pretty exhausting. I was home maybe 30 days out of the entire year. But, every rodeo was so excited and grateful for me to be there, that it really made it worth it.
Question: What was one of the most rewarding parts of being Miss Rodeo America?
Amy’s Answer:
At a lot of rodeos, they would have me go to local schools to educate the kids on the sport and encourage them to come watch the performance. I always brought a rope with me and would spend time teaching kids how to rope and answering their questions about cowboys and horses and rodeo. I think being able to live this life is something we all take for granted, but getting to see just how cool being a cowboy is through the eyes of a child who only gets to dream about being a cowboy really hits home. We are all so blessed to get to be cowboys and cowgirls.
Also, being Miss Rodeo America introduced me to so many amazing people. When you run for a rodeo queen, the ultimate goal is to win the crown and the title, but only one girl gets to do that. When you run for rodeo royalty, you get an opportunity to meet really great people and that opportunity is available to every contestant. Some of the friendships I made as Miss Rodeo America are still some of the most important in my life today. The runner-up Miss Rodeo America to me is still one of my very best friends.
Question: What advice do you have for cowgirls reading this about rodeo pageantry?
Amy’s Answer:
A big part of being a good rodeo queen is being knowledgeable and always willing to learn more. And, always try to be your best self. Be you, but try to be the best version of you. Try to have a good attitude and believe in yourself and don’t lose sight of your purpose.
Question: What advice do you have for rodeo kids about the opportunities rodeo can bring them outside of the arena?
Amy’s Answer:
Many girls who compete for Miss Rodeo America, end up making connections with companies within the western industry. Even if you don’t win the title, the connections you will make are so valuable. This world is full of opportunities, so don’t limit yourself.
It’s all about the people you meet!
Amy Wilson says the people she met while she was Miss Rodeo America were the best part of wearing her crown. From the volunteers running the out gate at the rodeo to the rodeo legends themselves, Amy says it is important for rodeo queens to treat everyone they cross paths with politely and respectfully.
Question: How did rodeo pageantry change your life?
Amy’s Answer:
I was a very young Miss Rodeo America because I knew that was what I wanted to be at a young age. I think having a big goal like that so early on in life really gave me purpose and focus and kept me from some of the distractions teenagers and young adults can run into. God really gave me a passion and I was more than willing to pursue it.
As my state-title-holder year went on, I started feeling pressure from well-meaning people to win the Miss Rodeo America title. That was another life lesson I learned. I realized I had to do my absolute best, but I also had to be at peace with the outcome of the pageant, whatever it might be. So, I did my best and put the results in God’s hands. I told myself if it was God’s will for me to become Miss Rodeo America, then He would make it happen. That is really a lesson I have carried through life for me. No matter the ups and downs, disappointments and victories, just enjoy the plan God has created for your life. Trust that he has your best interests at heart and enjoy the passions and talents He has given you.
Question: What is something you think rodeo queens often overlook?
Amy’s Answer:
Someone is always watching wherever you go. Treat everyone with kindness - your parents, the volunteers running the gate, the people working at the concession stand, your competition, everyone. You are representing the sport of rodeo and you need to hold yourself accountable at all times.
I would also encourage girls to invest in horsemanship lessons. You can have the best outfit and personality, but if you can’t ride a horse well, you lose your credibility.
Being a rodeo queen is a huge commitment from you and your family. Make sure you want the crown for the right reasons. In my opinion, if you are wearing the crown as it should be worn, you are serving, not being served. Rather than going to the rodeo expecting to be in the spotlight with the American flag, go to the rodeo thinking how can I help promote this rodeo, rodeo athletes, stock contractors, etc.
Amy Wilson’s time at the NFR didn’t end when she passed on her Miss Rodeo America crown. She went on to become one of the most recognizable faces in professional rodeo as a western sports reporter for The Cowboy Channel. She is shown here interviewing world champion tie-down roper Riley Webb after he won his world championship.
If you could get in a time machine and tell your younger self something, what would you say?
Amy’s Answer:
Always be classy. Find inspiration in others, but stay true to who you are. Give yourself grace in hard times and don’t forget you are the child of the King. Keep your head up and shoulders back because God is always with you and He loves you more than you can ever imagine.
Amy Wilson says rodeo queens and princesses should choose a classy style instead of trying to be trendy or flashy.
Question: What is your favorite thing to read?
Amy’s Answer:
I read constantly in my career. I am constantly reading stories about the people and animals that make up the sport of rodeo. The consistent thing I read every day is my daily devotional app on my phone. I love that it gives me a verse and an explanation of what that verse means.
Cowkid Devotional
By High Call Ministries Pastor Kelly Cronkhite
Kelly is not your typical pastor. He’s a Jesus-loving cowboy, rancher and roper.
Do you ever get nervous before you compete? Do you feel pressured to catch your calf, keep your barrels and poles up, or keep your goats or calves tied down? Junior rodeo has become such a tough sport, it is normal for you to feel a little nervous before you compete. If you find yourself with butterflies in your stomach at the next rodeo, remember you have a powerful and mighty God ready to pour His blessings on you.
I think the story of David and Goliath is a good example of the kind of blessings God pours out on believers who are actively seeking Him and asking for His help. David wasn’t exceptionally big, strong or talented. But he defeated a giant named Goliath with a simple slingshot and the almighty power of God. If I had to guess, David was nervous before he went up against Goliath. But, he prayed and asked God to help him and God poured His blessings on David.
I encourage you to start making prayer part of your game plan. Pray that God will keep you safe. Pray that He will help calm your nerves. Pray that He will help you stay focused. And, don’t forget to thank Him for the opportunity to be there competing in the first place. God doesn’t promise that if you pray, you will win every time you nod your head. But, He does promise He will always be with you. He does promise He will bless those who are actively seeking Him. And, He does promise He has created a perfect plan for your life and has your best interest at heart. If you have put the work in before the rodeo, you can relax and trust God. Even when you don’t win, look for a lesson to be learned from the experience. Regardless of what happens in the arena, isn’t it cool to know the same God who helped David defeat Goliath is watching over you ready to pour blessings on your life?!
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace.”
- Phillipians 4:6-7
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.’”
- Jeremiah 29:11-13
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”
- 2 Chronicles 16:9
Horse Care Tip of the Month
By Equine Veterinarian Zach Bruggen
Beat the Heat!
Dr. Bruggen gives advice for keeping your horse cool during the summer rodeo season.
Giving your horse plenty of clean, fresh water is the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do for your them regardless of the temperature or season. When you are rodeoing, offer your horse water at least once an hour. Horses drink 5 to 10 gallons of water on a normal day. In extremely hot conditions where the horse is sweating, you should expect them to drink even more.
If you have trouble getting your horse to drink water on the road, try packing as much water as possible from your hydrants at home. Many trailers have water tanks you can fill before you hit the road. You can also experiment at home to see if there is a flavor of water they like better. There are flavored electrolytes you can add to the horses water that make the water into a “horse Gatorade” that will help mask the taste of different water at the rodeo.
An electrolyte paste also can help keep horses drinking during hot rodeos. I also like giving a product called Zesterra to help encourage horses to drink enough water.
Allow your horse to be in the shade with a breeze as much as possible. You can use fans if your horse has to be stalled, but be careful to keep cords tucked safely away from the horse so they don’t chew on them. Also, make sure the fan doesn’t get dusty or get hay close to the motor as this can be a fire hazard.
Salt blocks should be offered year-round. Horses will lick salt blocks when they are lacking salt in their diet and in turn, salt helps make them thirsty and increases their water intake.
If your horse does appear to be overheated, rinse them with room temperature water and give them a sponge bath with rubbing alcohol along their back and neck to help them cool off.
If you are worried about your horse being too hot or dehydrated, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian.
Exercise of the Month:
Scap Push-Up
By Logan Corbett with Champion Living Fitness
If you were a bird, your shoulder blades, or scapulae, would be your wings. Birds have to have strong wings to fly. We have to have strong muscles around our shoulder blades to do activities like playing sports - especially rodeo, swimming and even just carrying your backpack to school. By building the muscles around our shoulder blades we help our arms and shoulders move smoothly and safely. For all you rodeo queens and princesses, strong muscles around the shoulder blades also help improve your posture. Check out the video below to see how to do a scap push-up to strengthen those shoulder blade muscles! Remember, when it comes to exercise, a little bit every day can make a big difference!
Rodeo Word of the Month:
Wings
Wearing a cowboy hat and having beautiful hair is a challenge all rodeo queens are up against. Many rodeo queens choose to style their hair with “wings,” which means they curl and hairspray their hair away from their face.
Rodeo Math Problem of the Month:
Cashing Checks
Max won several of his events at his last junior rodeo. The rodeo secretary paid him with a check for $256.52. Max and his mom took the check to the bank. The cashier at the bank gave them an envelope with:
1 hundred dollar bill
2 fifty dollar bills
2 twenty dollar bills
1 ten dollar bill
1 five dollar bill
1 one dollar bill
2 quarters
2 pennies
Did the cashier give Max the correct amount of cash for his check?
Reading Comprehension:
National High School Rodeo Association Rule Book
Reading the rulebook for your rodeo association is something you should do before the start of every season. By knowing the rules, you will be less likely to get unwanted penalties that can cost you money and prizes. This month’s reading comprehension problem is from the goat tying rules set by the National High School Rodeo Association. Test your knowledge and see if you know how to play by the rules!
Starting line will be 100 feet from stake.
The goat should be tied to a stake with a rope 10-foot in length.
Stake should be completely under the ground so that no part of it is visible or above ground.
The contestant must be mounted on a horse when entering the arena and must ride from the starting line to the goat, dismount from their horse, throw the goat by hand, cross, wrap and tie by hand, at least 3 feet together with a leather string, pigging string or rope. No wire is to be used in the goat string.
If the goat is down when the contestant reaches it, goat must be elevated high enough that it has the opportunity to regain its feet and then stand clear of the goat when the tie is finished.
Legs must remain crossed and secure for 6 seconds after completion of tie. While the judge is performing the 6-second procedure, the contestant will make no gestures, motions or noises to distract the goat. This will be considered trying to take an unfair advantage and will result in a disqualification. Contestant must clear the goat immediately after the tie has been flagged.
To qualify as a legal tie, there will be at least one complete wrap around at least three legs, and a half hitch, hooey or knot. The contestant must tie the goat by hand with no pre-made wraps, coils, knots, hooeys or half hitch.
Time will start when the horse’s nose crosses the starting line.
Time will stop when contestant signals the completion of the tie.
The contestant must move back three (3) feet from the goat before the judge will start the 6-second time limit on the tie - for the goat’s legs to remain crossed and tied. If contestant gets rope that is holding goat wrapped around their leg, they may ask the judge if they can remove it. After getting permission from judge, removing rope and moving back 3-feet their 6-second time limit will start.
Test Your Comprehension!
How long is the goat rope supposed to be?
What do you have to do if the goat is laying down when you get to it?
What do you do if your foot is tangled in the rope when you are done tying and you can’t get up without untangling your foot?
How far away from the goat do you have to stand before the judge starts the six-second timer on your tie?