Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009

2010 Miss Rodeo America Pageant

2009-12-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

My journey as Miss Rodeo South Dakota concluded with my trip to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas. My family and I drove down to Las Vegas on Thanksgiving Day with a loaded trailer of 4 dresses, 19 pairs of Justin boots, and about 20 other colorful rodeo queen outfits. The Miss Rodeo America Pageant was a whirlwind week full of interviews, horsemanship patterns, modeling, speeches, rodeos, dancing, and lots of FUN! It was such a wonderful experience to spend the week with 27 other cowgirls who share the same passion for the sport of rodeo that I hold dear to my heart. Another highlight of the week was attending the opening performance of the 51^st Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

I was so proud to come home to South Dakota with the title of 2^nd runner-up, the Miss Rodeo America Chap Award, and 2^nd place in the Scrapbook Competition. There are so many people that have helped me this past year and it would take a long book to thank each and every one! But first and foremost, I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and helping me live my dreams, my friends for standing by my side and always encouraging me and my sponsors for making my year as Miss Rodeo South Dakota the best it could be. It has been such a privilege representing the people of South Dakota and our official sport of rodeo. I know that I will not always wear the Miss Rodeo South Dakota crown on my hat, but the memories and lessons of this amazing year will last forever. Thank you for the ride of a lifetime!

The journey continues for our Miss Rodeo South Dakota crown, as I will have the honor of crowning McKenzie Haley at her Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2010 coronation in Winner, SD on Saturday, January 16, 2010. The event will be held at St. Mary’s Hall with a social hour at 5 PM and dinner following at 6 PM. There will be a live and silent auction with a dance following, with music provided by Left Lane Rodeo Productions. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information please contact McKenzie at mrsd2010@hotmail.com. Please join me in wishing McKenzie a successful year as our Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2010!

God Bless,

Courtney Smith

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009

Riley and I dropping off the prize winning scrapbook

Miss Rodeo America Horsemanship

Miss Rodeo WA, NE, OR and I at the Get Acquainted Party

My family and I at the Get Acquainted Party

Cindy Wilk, my South Dakota state delegate

and I at the Get Acquainted Party.

McKenzie Haley, MRSD 2010 and I at the Get Acquainted Party

Miss Rodeo America Get Acquainted Party

My family and I after the Miss Rodeo America Fashion Show

Opening performance of the 51st National Finals Rodeo!

My parents and I at Cowboy Christmas

My sisters and I after the Miss Rodeo America

Scholarship Foundation Cowboy Christmas auction

Miss Rodeo America Coronation

Christmas in the Valley and NFR Send-Off

2009-12-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

In November, I had the opportunity to showcase my Miss Rodeo America state speech at the annual Christmas in the Valley event, which is held at Stagestop Receptions in Black Hawk. I enjoyed visiting with vendors and giving my prepared two-minute state speech before the Ray’s Western Wear Fashion Show. The following weekend, I ventured to Belle Fourche, for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Send-off Party at the Branding Iron. It was so great to see a few of the fabulous rodeo committees that I’ve had the opportunity to spend my year with. The Black Hills Roundup Rodeo Committee, who hosts the event, has had such a monumental impact on the Miss Rodeo South Dakota pageant and I cannot thank them enough for everything that they do for our association. I spent the evening signing many autographs, socializing with the NFR qualifiers and visiting with my rodeo family.

Christmas in the Valley event

Visiting Royalty and I at the NFR Send-off

NFR Send-off Radio Interview

South Dakota NFR qualifier Jesse Bail and I at the NFR Send-off

South Dakota Rodeo Association Finals

2009-10-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Family has always been a longstanding tradition within the roots of rodeo and that family spirit was very evident at this year’s South Dakota Rodeo Association Finals in Rapid City. The SDRA is an outstanding association because all members of the family can compete. At this year’s finals we saw brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers all competing in the same arena. My family was also on hand to help with my final fundraising efforts before my trip to Las Vegas for the Miss Rodeo American Pageant. We held a small silent auction and the visiting queens were on hand to help sell 50/50 tickets. This year’s Cowboy Christmas during the Finals was a great success and I owe a huge thank you to Deb McPherson, Lonnie Harrowa, and the entire SDRA Board of Directors for including me in their special events at the SDRA Finals Rodeo.

New to the SDRA Finals this year was the South Dakota High School Rodeo Extravaganza, where each of South Dakota’s region’s top contestants competed for the Extravaganza title. During the weekend, I was honored to carry the American flag and help with the clearing of the arena for all the roping events. We also had the opportunity to ride in the wagon parade during the final performance. During the final performance I was honored to meet the first Miss Rodeo America, Marilyn Scott Freimark who was attending the rodeo watching her grandchildren.

I was proud to be with our rodeo family in my hometown for the SDRA Finals Rodeo as this marks my last rodeo appearance for the year before heading to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. All the words of encouragement and well wishes received from so many people will remain with me as I compete for the title of Miss Rodeo America and will empower me to make our South Dakota rodeo family proud.

Announcer Dale Christensen and I

at the start of the SDRA Finals

McKenzie Haley, MRSD LIW, Kristina Maddocks,

S.D. 4-H Rodeo Ambassador and I at the SDRA Finals Cowboy Christmas

My sister Hayley and I after she won 2nd place in the Pole Bending

at the High School Rodeo Extravaganza

Visiting rodeo queens and I riding the wagons

Kristina Maddocks, the S.D. 4-H Rodeo

Ambassador and I ready to help at the rodeo!

The first Miss Rodeo America, Marilyn Scott

Freimark and I at the SDRA Finals Rodeo

(L to R) Kourtney Hauge, S.D. High School Rodeo Queen, Jessica Johnson, Jr. Miss Rodeo S.D., McKenzie Haley, MRSD 2010 Lady-In-Waiting, myself, Kristina Maddocks, S.D. 4-H Rodeo Ambassador and my sister Hayley Smith.

Presenting a Miss Rodeo South Dakota sponsor appreciation

plaque to EquiMedic USA's Kelsey Baker

Badlands Circuit Finals and the Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant

2009-10-13T12:54:00.001-07:00

North Dakota’s reputation as a very COLD state held true this weekend as I ventured north for the Miss Rodeo North Dakota pageant and the Badlands Circuit Finals in Minot, North Dakota. The Minot Y’s Men’s Committee did an outstanding job producing this standout rodeo. During the weekend I enjoyed participating in the Wild West Special Rodeo, carrying many sponsor flags, and presenting the South Dakota flag each performance. At the rodeo I also had the opportunity to meet 8-time PRCA Announcer of the Year, Bob Tallman and 5-time PRCA Comedy Act of the Year, Troy Lerwill. The Badlands Circuit Finals rodeo was truly an amazing arena brimming with champion talent. After all of the go-arounds several South Dakota cowboys and cowgirls came out on top in the Circuit Finals standings and will travel on the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho next April.

The circuit finals are also the host home to the Miss Rodeo North Dakota pageant. Special thanks to the Miss Rodeo North Dakota board for including me in their breakfasts, luncheons, and for allowing me to show off my modeling skills. In the end, Tiffany Kuntz came out on top as Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2010. It was a long, snowy trip back home to Rapid City but I was very thankful to have my reliable Dodge Durango to get me through the snow and ice. Thank you again to all of my wonderful sponsors helped me utilize this wonderful vehicle!

My buddy Sterling and I at the Wild West Special Rodeo

Jessinta and I at the Miss Rodeo North Dakota breakfast

Miss Rodeo North Dakota contestant, Sadie Warner and I

Jessinta Hammer, MRND, and I trying to stay warm during the

Badlands Circuit Finals. Can you see the snow in the background?

Proud to carry the South Dakota flag!

Western South Dakota Fur Trapper's Convention

2009-09-17T07:19:00.001-07:00

In September I also had the opportunity to attend the Western South Dakota Fur Trapper’s convention in Hermosa, SD. It was so wonderful to catch up with the Miss Rodeo South Dakota fur coat sponsor, Jerry Westphal. Kristina Maddocks, the South Dakota 4-H Rodeo Ambassador joined me during the convention and we both enjoyed selling raffle tickets for Jerry and visiting with the avid trapping enthusiasts. I also had the opportunity to show off my gorgeous black mink fur coat during the convention. Special thanks to the Western South Dakota Fur Trappers for supporting the Miss Rodeo South Dakota organization!

Kristina Maddocks, the S.D. 4-H Rodeo Ambassador, Jerry Westphal

and I at the Western S.D. Fur Trappers Convention.

Newell Labor Day Rodeo Queen Contest

2009-09-17T07:14:00.001-07:00

I kicked off September with the Newell Labor Day Rodeo Queen contest in Newell, SD. At the pageant I helped with the pageant activities, judged the horsemanship, and I emceed the speeches and modeling with my sister Hayley, the reigning Newell Labor Day Rodeo Queen. Special congratulations to the Newell Labor Day Rodeo Queen, Samantha Lee, Dana Youngberg, the Newell Labor Day Rodeo Princess and Jenna Kari, the Jr. Newell Labor Day Rodeo Queen.

My sister Hayley, the 2008 Newell Labor Day Rodeo Queen and I

The contestants and I at the Speeches and Modeling

Range Days Rodeo

2009-09-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

I was ecstatic to spend time at my second hometown rodeo in Rapid City at the Range Days Rodeo. I had the opportunity to attend the Miss and Jr. Miss Range Days Rodeo Queen pageant during the week where I assisted with the horsemanship and emceed the speeches and modeling portion of the contest. It was wonderful to be back home because it enabled me to visit a few of my very generous Miss Rodeo South Dakota sponsors as well.

During the rodeo, I carried the American flag and did several fundraisers. My fundraising was very successful thanks to the Range Days Queen contestants and rodeo queens, Miss Range Days Rodeo Queen, Jenna Smeenk, Jr. Miss Range Days, Bailey Blane, Miss Rodeo South Dakota Lady-In-Waiting, McKenzie Haley, and South Dakota 4-H Rodeo Queen, Kristina Maddocks as well as my entire family. Special thanks to the entire Range Days Rodeo committee for all your wonderful hospitality, Ron Jeffries, Central States Fair General Manager, and Torey Berdan, for her help and support during the rodeo.

Star of the West hat-maker Brad Montague and I

Donna Barck of Copy Country and I, Copy Country

donated a portion of my autograph sheets for the year.

Pictured with Chad Wojtalewicz from the Sewing Center.

The Sewing Center donated a sewing machine

for me to raffle off during my year as Miss Rodeo South Dakota.

Carrying the American flag

McKenzie and I with Jenna Smeenk, the new

2009 Miss Range Days Rodeo Queen

State 4-H Rodeo Finals

2009-08-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

4-H Rodeo has had such an influential impact in my life, it is where I started to love the sport when I was 9-years-old. So it was only fitting to return back to my roots for the 38^th annual South Dakota 4-H Rodeo Finals in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. The finals rodeo itself was very special to me because I represented the association as the State 4-H Rodeo Ambassador in 2005. I was very honored to attend the Ambassador luncheon and the speech portion of the Ambassador contest. I also had the opportunity to cheer on my sister Hayley in the pole bending and three of my cousins, Dylan, Brielle and Jaxon.

During the Saturday night performance I ran in the grand entry and I did a 50/50 fundraiser during the rodeo. A very heartfelt thank you to the State 4-H Finals committee and the Ambassador committee for allowing me to fundraise during your rodeo, thank you for all your support! On Sunday morning I assisted with the Ambassador coronation, congratulations to Kristina Maddocks of Hecla for taking home the title! Overall it was a great weekend spent with my entire South Dakota 4-H Rodeo family.

State 4-H Finals Grand Entry

South Dakota 4-H Finals Ambassador Coronation

Dacotah Stampede Rodeo

2009-08-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

This past week I made my first trip to Aberdeen, South Dakota for two nights of action packed rodeo at the Dacotah Stampede Rodeo. It was great to see the Korkow family again doing what they do best, producing remarkable rodeos! During the rodeo performances I carried Old Glory and sponsor banners each night. I was joined by the newly crowned Miss Rodeo Aberdeen, Krystal Carlascio, Jr. Miss Rodeo Aberdeen Morgan Schultz, the Rosebud 4-H Rodeo Ambassador, Kristina Maddocks, the South Dakota State 4-H Rodeo Ambassador, Kelli Page, and Becca Stevens, the Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo Ambassador. A special thank you to the Maddocks family for allowing me to stay in your home during my time in Aberdeen.

All of the visiting royalty during the Dacotah Stampede Rodeo

Pictured with good friend and past Jr. Miss Rodeo

South Dakota, Kristina Maddocks.

Carrying the American Flag

Carrying Old Glory

The newly crowned Miss Rodeo Aberdeen,

Jr. Miss Rodeo Aberdeen and me before the rodeo.

New York Trip

2009-08-20T08:29:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of August I made a quick trip to New York to visit family. They were all very enthusiastic about learning about the sport of rodeo and what I do as Miss Rodeo South Dakota. They have all been very supportive of my dream to be Miss Rodeo South Dakota and I was so happy to spend some quality time with them during my busy summer travels!

My cousins in New York showing off their Miss Rodeo South Dakota programs!

Grand Opening of the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center

2009-08-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Since 1989 the state of South Dakota has been waiting anxiously for the opening of the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center. This past weekend the center opened its doors for the very first time. The center was amazing, it encased enormous sculptures of Casey Tibbs and legendary trick rider Mattie Goff-Newcombe as well as special sections highlighting the PRCA, High School Rodeo, Little Britches Rodeo, Indian Rodeo, Rodeo Royalty, Stock Contractors, Specialty Acts and so much more. I would highly encourage you to visit this historical museum that pays tribute to the legends of South Dakota rodeo and its roots. Several queens joined me during the grand opening and we all enjoyed signing autographs, selling rodeo center memberships, and greeting visitors at the doors. On the opening day McKenzie and I attended the Sponsor Tribute dinner. It was such a special evening because all of South Dakota’s rodeo supporters attended and shared their memories of Casey Tibbs and discussed why rodeo was so important to the history of South Dakota. Once again I would like to thank the Casey Tibbs Foundation for supporting me during my reign as Miss Rodeo South Dakota.

Posing with the "Iron Man" sculpture that greets visitors to the rodeo center

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo exhibit room

Riding broncs in the virtual NFR exhibit at the rodeo center!

Pictured with Bill Miles and his team during

the Casey Tibbs Memorial Wagon Train Parade.

Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center Grand Opening

Watching the wagon train parade from the South Dakota Rodeo center.

Myself, Kourtney Hauge, the S.D. High School Rodeo Queen and McKenzie Haley, MRSD Lady-In-Waiting pictured with the legendary Casey Tibbs.

Catfish Stampede Rodeo

2009-08-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

During the first weekend of August I had the opportunity to attend the Sully County Fair and the Catfish Stampede Rodeo in Onida, SD. This rodeo was very special to me because my mom grew up in the tiny town of Onida and I’ve spent many years attending these special events. The Sutton Rodeo Company put on a wonderful home-town rodeo complete with a scrumptious catfish dinner for all of the contestants before the rodeo. During the rodeo I carried sponsor banners with Jessie Eidsness, the Sully County 4-H Rodeo Ambassador and the Wientjes sisters, Rylae, Remi, and Racquel. It was so nice to get to know all of these extraordinary cowgirls, each of them competed in the hometown exhibition barrel racing during the rodeo in addition to carrying flags all weekend. The following week I was invited by my cousin Margo Northup, to speak during the Pierre-Fort Pierre Rotary Club meeting. I enjoyed sharing my experiences as Miss Rodeo South Dakota and teaching the club about the sport of rodeo.

My cousin, Margo and me at the

Pierre-Ft. Pierre Rotary Club Meeting.

Days of '76

2009-07-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

The Deadwood Days of ’76 Rodeo has a special slogan, “Best Rodeo. No Bull,” and this is exactly what I experienced at every rodeo performance. It was such an honor to attend another award winning rodeo in South Dakota. The Days of '76 Rodeo has been named the PRCA Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year four times and has been named PRCA Midsize Rodeo of the Year every year since 2004! The Deadwood community and the Days of ’76 rodeo committee truly put on a spectacular rodeo that includes authentic old west re-enactments and the top PRCA cowboys and cowgirls.

During the first rodeo performance McKenzie Haley, Miss Rodeo South Dakota Lady-In-Waiting and I helped with the kid’s roping and carried sponsor flags. I had the opportunity to participate in a special ceremony honoring Jaycie West and the Western Wishes program. Western Wishes is a program that grants wishes to children that are faced with adversity and who love the western way of life. In a freak accident while riding with her barrel racer mom, Amber, Jaycie fell off and was kicked in the head by her horse. Jaycie, a miracle child, survived a five-hour brain surgery to remove large bone fragments from her brain and was temporarily paralyzed on one side. But in less than three months, Jaycie stunned them all and was back in the saddle again! Jaycie is truly an amazing spirit and cowgirl and I was so grateful to meet such a brave little girl.

During my time in Deadwood, I was able to relive the western history of the area by posing in an old-time photo at Woody’s Old Time Photos who sponsored a photo for myself and McKenzie. We also participated in the historic Deadwood main street parades. The PRCA Clown Reunion was also in town during the Days of ’76 and it was truly a sight to see, over 40 rodeo clowns from all over the United States joined together to re-live their rodeo clown days. I owe a very special thanks to Ron Burns and the Days of ’76 Rodeo Committee, Glenn our horse helper, and the First Gold Hotel for providing our hotel accommodations.

McKenzie and me during the first performance of the Days of '76 Rodeo.

Carrying the Western Wishes flag followed by the very courageous Jaycie West.

Rodeo Queens, 1876 style!

(Photo courtesy of Woody's Old Time Photos)

McKenzie and me before the historic Deadwood parade.

Trying to "fit in" with the clowns during the PRCA Rodeo Clown Reunion.

McKenzie and me pictured with the legendary rodeo clown Jim Hill and his son.

Cheyenne Frontier Days

2009-07-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

I was excited to travel north to Wyoming for the Daddy of ‘Em All, Cheyenne Frontier Days. My experience in Cheyenne started at the legendary Arlene Kensinger’s house where we were treated to a wonderful Taco John’s meal. It was such a treat to view Arlene’s historic museum in her basement complete with a rodeo queen room covered in autographed pictures! After dinner we ventured to the rodeo grounds for the Sawyer Brown concert where the visiting royalty and I introduced ourselves. The Sawyer Brown concert was fantastic memory.

The next morning started early with the pancake breakfast in downtown Cheyenne. I love to cook, so making pancakes and tossing them in the air was right up my alley. Thankfully I made several dozen perfect pancakes and the Boy Scout helpers caught every one of mine as I threw them cautiously in the air! After the pancake excitement, we attended the Cowgirls of the West Brunch, where I was honored to sit with many fellow South Dakotans. The Cowgirls of the West Brunch was such a wonderful tribute to the many women who have helped preserve our wonderful western heritage.

Then it was off to the rodeo to do our well-known Cheyenne Frontier FLY-BYS! The beautiful black Harry Vold horses did a spectacular job running around the track at top speeds! It was such an exhilarating moment for me to realize that I was Miss Rodeo South Dakota and that I was about to run an incredible fly-by at the largest outdoor rodeo of the year.

Later that night I enjoyed the Professional Bull Riding tour performance. The next morning my Harry Vold horse, Sport and I joined up again for the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days parade, which hosts more horses than any other parade in the world. After the parade I enjoyed visiting with the Frontier Days committee and watching the parade. After another thrilling fly-by and PBR performance, sadly it was my last day at this great rodeo. I had the opportunity to flip more pancakes and to meet the outstanding Thunderbird pilots, which we had the opportunity to watch their spectacular air show later in the day. Overall my experience in Cheyenne was remarkable, thanks to Arlene Kensinger and Esther, our chaperones, the community of Cheyenne, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo Committee, and my wonderful host home of Carol and Byron Rookstool.

Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Miss Rodeo Texas and me at Arlene's house.

Enjoying the Sawyer Brown concert

Tossing pancakes at the Chuckwagon Breakfast in downtown Cheyenne.

Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, Miss Rodeo Oregon, and me before our rodeo queen fly-bys!

The Cheyenne Frontier Days Queen, Kim Kuhn, myself, and

Rachel Shutter, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Lady-In-Waiting.

Play-by-play radio interview during the rodeo

Behind the chutes tour at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo

The legendary Cowgirl Hall of Fame Inductee, Arlene Kensinger and

me before the Cheyenne Frontier Days night show introductions.

My wonderful Harry Vold horse, Sport and me before the parade.

The parade line-up in front of the Cheyenne Capital building.

Indian Village

All of the visiting state queens before the PBR performance.

Participants of rodeo royalty turn their cameras toward the sky while watching a USAF Thunderbirds air show at Laramie County Community College in Wednesday July 22, 2009 in Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP photo/Laramie Boomerang, Andy Carpenean)

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, PRCA Hall of Fame Inductions and the Miss Rodeo America Seminar

2009-07-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and the PRCA Hall of Fame Inductions in Colorado Springs was a trip I will never forget! I experienced three wonderful nights of action packed Pikes Peak or Bust rodeo. My first night in Colorado Springs, I handed out Tough Enough To Wear Pink bracelets, helped with the mutton busting, and signed hundreds of autographs following the performance. The next morning I was overjoyed to visit the Western Horseman magazine. At the magazine offices they gave us a special tour and they even treated all 23 visiting queens to lunch! It was an amazing afternoon learning about this special horse industry publication that has grown great strides in the past few decades. Thank you Western Horseman!

Later that night the visiting state queens and I experienced another spectacular Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo performance. The following morning I had the opportunity to attend the very special Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association Hall of Fame Inductions. It was so special to be in the presence of so many rodeo legends. This year’s PRCA induction class included fellow South Dakotan and legendary stock contractor Erv Korkow, 1934 Triple Crown Champion Leonard Ward, 1985 World Champion Bull Rider Ted Nuce, Seven-time World Champion Dan Mortensen, 1969 World Champion Steer Roper Walt Arnold and Ace Berry, the only cowboy in PRCA history to win two National Finals Rodeo average titles in both a roughstock event and a timed event. Each acceptance speech was very touching and truly displayed the heart and try of each rodeo cowboy. A very special thank you to the PRCA for including the state queens and I at this special event.

After another outstanding rodeo performance in Colorado Springs, the state queens and I were back at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame for the Miss Rodeo America Premier Pageant Seminar. The seminar included several wonderful clinicians, Miss Rodeo America 2005, Selena Pope, Miss Rodeo America 2000 Brandy Whitlow, Katie Hill, Megan Grieve, MRA President Tracy Damrell, Raeana Wadhams, DeAnna Power, Jeana Allen, Deb Dilley and our current Miss Rodeo America Maegan Ridley. Thanks to all of these outstanding contributors we learned about horsemanship, modeling, impromptu questions, interview techniques, and the role of Miss Rodeo America. We even got to tour the PRCA offices to learn about the behind the scenes work of the association. It was a superb clinic and I would suggest this seminar to any state level rodeo queen. I truly enjoyed spending time in Colorado with the other 22 visiting state queens and I’m excited to experience the Miss Rodeo America pageant with these wonderful ladies in December!

Tough Enough To Wear Pink night at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo

Visiting the Western Horseman offices in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Western Horseman Tour

Signing autographs with Miss Rodeo Arizona,

Miss Rodeo Missouri, and Miss Rodeo Nevada.

Miss Rodeo Mississippi, Kelli Jackson and I

A few rodeo fans at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo

Visiting Queens and I pictured with Tom from

the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Committee.

(L to R) Miss Rodeo Arizona, Miss Rodeo California,

Miss Rodeo Mississippi, and I before the Hall of Fame Inductions.

World Champion Bull Rider, Don Gay, and the visiting queens before the inductions.

The legendary Larry Mahan and I

Dan Mortensen and I, he is the only other man besides

Casey Tibbs to hold six world championships in Saddle Bronc Riding.

Pictured with fellow South Dakotans Jim and Carol Korkow

who accepted the award for Jim's father, Erv Korkow.

PRCA Hall of Fame Inductions

Posing for a picture with "The Champ" statue of fellow South Dakotan Casey Tibbs

Preparing for the mock pageant during the MRA Seminar

Participants at the Miss Rodeo America Clinic

90th Black Hills Roundup Rodeo and Miss Rodeo South Dakota Pageant

2009-07-05T18:39:00.001-07:00

This past week, I was very honored to be a part of the 90^th Black Hills Roundup Rodeo as Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009. For ninety years, the Black Hills has been celebrating our western heritage and the great sport of rodeo during our Country’s birthday and I was so proud to represent all of those fundamental endeavors once again during this special anniversary.

My busy week started with a newspaper photo session at the Tri-State Museum in Belle Fourche, where the museum hosts a special section of Miss Rodeo South Dakota memorabilia. The next day was the kick-off of the Miss Rodeo South Dakota pageant, where the contestants and I ventured to KBFS for a radio interview with Karl Grimmelmann. Later in the day I made my way to KOTA television in Rapid City where I appeared on their noon show to promote the Black Hills Roundup and the MRSD pageant. The first day concluded with the Black Hills Roundup press party, where I did a live auction. A very special thank you to all of the businesses in the Belle Fourche community that contributed to the live auction, your support will definitely help my travels this summer.

The following morning the contestants and I had the opportunity to visit several local pageant sponsors. It was so wonderful to see so many familiar faces and thank them for all of their support of our pageant. Later that night it was time to showcase all of the Miss Rodeo South Dakota and Junior Miss Rodeo South Dakota contestants at the Style Show. It was a magnificent evening filled with lots of glamour and many outstanding speeches. Horsemanship started early the next morning at the Black Hills Roundup grounds. That afternoon I enjoyed getting to know the MRSD judges and emceeing the salad luncheon hosted by the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

After the salad luncheon it was time to RODEO, but not before Belle Fourche was covered in rain! Thankfully a beautiful rainbow came out followed by the sun for the first performance of the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo. During the rodeo performance, McKenzie Haley of Winner, South Dakota was crowned Miss Rodeo South Dakota Lady-In-Waiting 2010! Congratulations McKenzie, you have an amazing year ahead of you!

The next day I attended a special autograph session at my host hotel, the AmericInn. Everyone was there, including announcer Chad Nicholson, Black Hills Roundup Chairman Gabby Bush, specialty act performer Jerry Wayne Olsen, and rodeo clown Dennis Halstead. It was so fun getting to visit with them all and working with them during the rodeo. The Powder River rodeo company did an exceptional job this year producing the rodeo.

During the rodeo the Black Hills Roundup Committee made a special presentation to Faye Kennedy, the queen of the 90^th Black Hills Roundup Rodeo. Faye has been a long time supporter of the rodeo and the Miss Rodeo South Dakota pageant. It was a very special presentation to a woman that has done so much for the community and our western heritage. The rodeo ended with a bang as an enormous fireworks display set to music truly made me feel proud to be an American!

On the Fourth of July I rode in the Tri State Area’s largest parade and during the rodeo performance, I was so honored to carry Old Glory into the arena as an Ellsworth Air Force Base B-1 Bomber flew over the arena. It was quite a rush! I could not have asked for anything more, carrying the America flag on our nation’s birthday celebrating my favorite sport of RODEO!!! I had an excellent week in Belle Fourche, the center of the nation, thanks to the Black Hills Roundup Committee and the community of Belle Fourche. They put on an outstanding Fourth of July celebration!

The Miss Rodeo South Dakota contestants, McKenzie Haley and Kate

Moen, joined me for a radio interview at KBFS in Belle Fourche.

Eric Gardner and I during my KOTA

television Noon Show appearance.

The Miss Rodeo South Dakota contestants and I before our pageant sponsor visits.

Miss Rodeo South Dakota Style Show

Outgoing Junior Miss Rodeo South Dakota,

Kristina Maddocks and I at the Salad Luncheon.

The newly crowned Miss Rodeo South Dakota Lady-In-Waiting,

McKenzie Haley and I at the AmericInn autograph signing.

(L to R) Specialty Act Performer Jerry Wayne Olson, Manager of the AmericInn Stacey Raisanen, myself, announcer Chad Nicholson, and professional bullfighter

Mick Thompson at the AmericInn autograph signing.

My amazing Miss Rodeo South Dakota horse trailer, donated by

Carl's Trailer Sales of Belle Fourche, in the Fourth of July parade.

Carrying the stars and stripes on the Fourth of July at the

Black Hills Roundup Rodeo in Belle Fourche, South Dakota!

Proud to be an AMERICAN!

Crystal Springs Ranch Rodeo

2009-07-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Crystal Springs Ranch Rodeo in Clear Lake, South Dakota was one that I have been looking forward to all year. In 2007 the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association named this rodeo best small rodeo of the year and they were a finalist in 2008 as well. This rodeo is so unique because it takes place in an old duck pond; the rodeo fans sit on the side of the hill surrounding the arena. The Sutton rodeo company outdid themselves again at this special rodeo. I enjoyed carrying flags during the rodeo performances and participating in the parade with fellow queens, Kristina Maddocks, JMRSD 2008 and Becca Stevens the Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador. The highlight of my trip at the Crystal Springs Ranch Rodeo was when the entire crowd was prompted by announcer Steve Kenyon to scream, “Hello Courtney” as I was clearing cows from the arena. I have never had such a loud welcome!

An overhead view of the Crystal Springs Ranch Rodeo Bowl

Carrying Old Glory during the national anthem

Becca Stevens, Miss Jackrabbit Stampede and I

at the Crystal Springs Ranch Rodeo.

Oahe Days

2009-06-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

My next stop for the summer was back in Pierre, South Dakota for the Oahe Days Arts Festival. I was very excited to ride in the parade in a sponsored Ford Mustang from Capitol Motors. Although it wasn’t my typical mount I was glad it was a “mustang”. A very heartfelt thank you to Matt from Capitol Motors and his family for driving me through the parade and for the enormous amount of candy I was allowed to throw to the local children! My official Miss Rodeo South Dakota vehicle followed close behind the mustang in the parade.

Later that night I was honored to be announced as a visiting dignitary at the Troop Dedication ceremonies. It was such a memorable event to be part of a ceremony that honors the great service men and women of our country. The remainder of the weekend was spent at my Miss Rodeo South Dakota booth promoting the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center Opening and signing autographs. Thank you to the Pierre Chamber of Commerce and Denise Gehring for inviting me to this special event and the AmericInn for providing my wonderful hotel accommodations during my time in Pierre.

Riding in style in a Ford mustang sponsored by

Capitol Motors of Pierre for the Oahe Days Parade.

My trusty Miss Rodeo South Dakota Durango followed

my "mustang" mount for the parade.

My sisters and I at the Troop Dedication during Oahe Days in Pierre.

NEBRASKAland Days

2009-06-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

My trip to Nebraska was a quick and easy drive compared to a few of the other state queens that joined me in North Platte, Nebraska for the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant and the NEBRASKAland days rodeo. I was overjoyed to find my host home of Dr. Craig and Karen Kelley marked with the infamous “Home of Miss Rodeo South Dakota” sign. I had a wonderful stay at their beautiful home which is bordered by a gorgeous lake. Our first official event as visiting royalty was the horsemanship portion of the Miss Rodeo Nebraska pageant where each state queen was interviewed and introduced. After that it was time to get to know everyone at the beach barbeque hosted by Buck & Cathy Ewing. It was a very scrumptious meal that was followed by a rodeo themed sand castle building contest! I had so much fun visiting with the state queens, the pageant contestants and members of the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Association.

The next day started with the Kid’s parade, where local children put on their best costumes and paraded around the town! It was so exciting to see all of the unique costumes and I have to add I was happily surprised to see many little rodeo queens!!! All of the state queens and I signed autographs and participated in the parade. Then we were off to the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Association Queen’s Luncheon where the Lil’ Cowgirls served us another wonderful meal. We also had the opportunity to help with their live auction at this event as well. The rest of the day we spent signing autographs and visiting the community. That night we were treated to a special musical titled the Frontier Review, which detailed the history of Nebraska.

The following day we were treated to a Starbucks sample tasting to start off a day of numerous autograph signings. Throughout our time in Nebraska we signed autographs at Starbucks, Wal-Mart, Shopko, the Nebraskaland Bank, First National Bank, Adams Bank & Trust and Town and Country Western Wear. It was so wonderful to meet all of the amazing children that came out to meet all seventeen visiting queens. A special thank you to Lindy Hyatt and Paula Stobbs, our chaperones in Nebraska, and Linda, our bus driver, for accompanying the state queens and me on our travels around North Platte. Later that day we participated in the highlight of the Miss Rodeo Nebraska pageant, the Style Show. Each state queen modeled a dress and our rodeo chap outfits. Overall, it was an evening packed with glamour and a load of laughs.

The next morning started early with the Queen’s Breakfast, where the new Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska was crowned. Congratulations to Matisyn Humphrey on her new and exciting title! Later that afternoon, we had a delightful lunch following by some old-fashioned bowling. After bowling we were off to the rodeo, where we signed autographs and were introduced during the grand entry. A special thank you to the Mueller family for allowing me to use their horse for my queen’s run. The rodeo that night was spectacular and it was capped off with the coronation of Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2010, Michelle Boeshart.

My trip to Nebraska was a wonderful MRSD memory thanks to the amazing organization and support of the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Association and its members. The community of North Platte welcomed me with open arms and I was very proud to represent my state of South Dakota in our neighboring state to the south!

The visiting state queens, Miss Rodeo Nebraska contestants and

myself at the welcome barbeque.

Having fun at the Kid's Parade!

My beautiful host home in North Platte, Nebraska.

Two of the cute Lil' Cowgirls and I after the Fashion Show

All of the visiting state queens in our chap outfits!

Miss Rodeo America, Maegan Ridley and I at the Fashion Show.

Our host queen Miss Amy Amack, Miss Rodeo Nebraska and I at the Fashion Show.

My wonderful host family Dr. Craig & Karen Kelly at the Queen's Luncheon.

Bowling at the Cedar Bowl in North Platte, NE with

Miss Rodeo Colorado and Miss Rodeo Tennessee.

Casey Tibbs Match of Champions

2009-06-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

My first official stop of the South Dakota summer rodeo season was at the Casey Tibbs Match of Champions held in Ft. Pierre, SD. The Friday before the match, I had the opportunity to promote the event with a radio interview at KGFX in Pierre. Thank you to Dorene Foster and Jeri Thomas for allowing me to talk about my job as Miss Rodeo South Dakota and for promoting the Match of Champions.

This is my fourth year as a visiting queen at the 17th annual Casey Tibbs Match of Champions and I must admit that it was definitely the COLDEST year of them all. Although it is June in South Dakota, you never know what type of weather you’ll get sometimes! Even though the temperatures were low many rodeo fans turned out to enjoy world class entertainment by watching the country’s best saddle bronc riders. During the match I was joined by Junior Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Kristina Maddocks, Miss Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo, McKenzie Haley, and the South Dakota 4-H Rodeo Ambassador, Kelli Jo Page. It was an action packed evening that concluded with a sudden death final round where Wade Sundell came out as the cowboy on top. It was a very special event and as my grandpa said, “Casey Tibbs would be grinning ear to ear to see what they’ve done in memory of his rodeo legacy.”

I owe a very special thank you to the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center board for supporting me in my travels this year. I’ve always enjoyed attending their events and I am excited to participate in their rodeo center opening August 14th-16th in Ft. Pierre. I’m looking forward to my next stop on the rodeo trail, which will take me to the Miss Rodeo Nebraska pageant and the Nebraskaland Days Rodeo in North Platte, Nebraska.

(L to R) South Dakota 4-H Rodeo Ambassador-Kelli Jo Page, Miss Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo-McKenzie Haley, myself, and Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota-Kristina Maddocks at the 17th annual Casey Tibbs Match of Champions.

Dorene Foster and I at my KGFX radio interview in Pierre, SD.

Miss Rodeo South Dakota Official Vehicle

2009-05-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

The back of the MRSD Vehicle depicts

Conrad's Big "C" Signs and Kensington Protective Products.

The passenger side of the MRSD Vehicle displays Bryce Nelson Real Estate, Diabetes Incorporated, and the South Dakota Beefman.

The driver side of the MRSD Vehicle showcases Newcastle Motors and

the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center Grand Opening.

I have been working diligently to finish my official Miss Rodeo South Dakota vehicle so that I can begin my travels across the great state of South Dakota and our country representing our official state sport of RODEO! The vehicle will be featured in parades and rodeos all over South Dakota and I have many special businesses to thank in preparing this vehicle for the rodeo trail.

First and foremost, Conrad’s Big "C" Signs of Rapid City did an outstanding job on all of the vehicle graphics. A very special thank you to Ron Conrad for partially donating the beautiful sign work for the vehicle and Linda Smith and Jeri Kalvin for doing such an amazing design job. I cannot wait to show it off this summer, I know it will definitely turn heads!

The many logos you see on the car are also very near and dear to my heart, because they each represent a business that is helping me to continue my dream of representing our western values and heritage. Bryce Nelson of Bryce Nelson Real Estate has always supported me in my rodeo endeavors and I cannot begin to thank him enough for his continued support and how proud I am to have him and his business as part of my travels.

Newcastle Motors has graciously sponsored part of my Miss Rodeo South Dakota Dodge Durango. Shorty Engesser of Newcastle Motors is another strong supporter of rodeo and was very helpful in finding a reliable vehicle for my year of traveling. I know this vehicle will accompany me on many miles and I am happy to be doing my traveling in a reliable Dodge, an official sponsor of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Miss Rodeo America Association. Another special thanks to my Dad's business American Values Appraisals for the partial sponsorship of the vehicle, I couldn't do this all without you Dad!

Diabetes, Incorporated is another association that I am proud to showcase on my vehicle. I have volunteered for almost 7 years for their diabetes camp, Kamp for Kids and I am very proud to help promote their cause and bring awareness to the disease of diabetes. Thank you Diabetes Incorporated!

Kensington Protective Products graciously donated many wonderful equine products, such as horse blankets, fly masks, and protective travel gear for my reign. I know my horses are very happy to have new fly blankets and I am excited to use my new travel gear throughout the upcoming months.

Finally, the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center advertisement on my vehicle will be promoting the grand opening of the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center, which will be held August 14-16, 2009 in Ft. Pierre, SD. The Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center is a historical museum devoted to the sport of South Dakota rodeo, it’s history and it’s heroes. I feel so honored to be a part of the monumental grand opening. My first rodeo of the summer will be the Casey Tibbs Match of Champions, where the world’s top saddle bronc riders compete on the nation’s top rodeo horses. This is truly a very special event because South Dakota hosts a large number of accomplished saddle bronc riders as well as some of the best bucking stock around.

At the end of May, the Miss Rodeo South Dakota Board took time out to honor a very special woman in our association. I have been blessed to work with Zona Vig, not only as my South Dakota National Director for the past six months, but also as my Junior Miss Rodeo South Dakota coordinator in 2003. She is truly a warm and generous woman and I am so happy that she was recently honored by the re-naming of the scrapbook awards for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant to the Zona Vig Scrapbook Awards. I was privileged to spend my first six months with Zona and I look forward to working with Cindy Wilk, the new South Dakota National Director in the coming months. I have known Cindy for many years and I could not have picked a better choice to fill the boots of Zona. Cindy will do a remarkable job in this position.

I do still have a few more available spaces on the vehicle for your business. Any interested parties please feel free to contact me at mrsd2009@hotmail.com or 605-390-4728. This offer is truly a great opportunity to promote your business while supporting the great sport of rodeo and South Dakota. I am so excited to get on the road and I hope to see everyone on my rodeo trail!

God Bless,

Courtney Smith

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009

Miss Rodeo South Dakota Jeans Day Fundraiser

2009-05-15T11:54:00.001-07:00

(Click on image for more information)

I've started a new Miss Rodeo South Dakota Jeans Day fundraiser to raise funds for my travels as Miss Rodeo South Dakota. Here's how it works. Your company selects a date to encourage employees to dress casual and wear jeans to work in return for a nominal individual donation (eg,$2-$5). All donations are pooled together in support of Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009 in your company’s name! Want to go bigger? Some companies choose to utilize this format to host a series of jeans days (eg, four consecutive Friday’s in July) or to do a company match in raising even larger dollars. A Jeans Day fundraiser is wonderful for employee morale and allows for a business to team up with employees to support an important cause—representing our state sport of RODEO! Please contact me at mrsd2009@hotmail.com if you or your business would be interested in hosting a Miss Rodeo South Dakota Jeans Day.

Yellow Jacket Stampede Rodeo

2009-04-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

(L to R) Kristina Maddocks-Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota, McKenzie Haley-Miss Black Hills Stock Show and I at the Yellow Jacket Stampede Rodeo.

Miss Rodeo Nevada Pageant and Clark County Fair & Rodeo

2009-04-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

After three back-to-back blizzards in the Black Hills, I was ecstatic to make my next trip to the Clark County Fair & Rodeo in Logandale, NV, which is also host to the Miss Rodeo Nevada Pageant. My first day in Nevada started in sunny Las Vegas where Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Miss Rodeo Montana, Miss Rodeo Nevada, Miss Teen Rodeo Nevada and I toured many different places. We started at Child Haven, where we had the opportunity to meet with children that are waiting to be placed into foster homes. Our next stop was Opportunity Village, where we toured the facilities and met with the various workers. Our day ended at Nellis Air Force Base where the visiting queens and I were given the VIP tour of the air force base. We toured the weapons training museum, the jet hangers, the helicopters, and we even walked out onto the runways! A special thank you to Christopher Smith at Nellis Air Force Base who educated us about the Air Force. To all of the Air Force men and women, I applaud them for their service to our country.

The next day we started the morning at the Mesquite Rotary Meeting, where each state queen spoke about her favorite experience so far as a rodeo queen. We then ventured to Mesquite’s Highland Manor Nursing Home to visit with the residents. I truly enjoyed meeting with all of the residents and learning about their pasts. We then ventured to the first performance of the Clark County Rodeo. Each night we were introduced during the grand entry. A very special thank you to Flint Hempstead for allowing me to borrow one of his pickup horses for each grand entry.

Friday morning, we headed back to Las Vegas for the orientation portion of the Miss Rodeo Nevada Pageant. It was so wonderful to meet all of the contestants, they each did an outstanding job competing for the title. After orientation we had a fabulous lunch in the healing gardens of St. Rose Dominican Hospital. We then toured the hospital and met with several patients.

Saturday morning brought a down pouring rain. The visiting queens and I warmed up the horses for the Miss Rodeo Nevada Horsemanship. After the horsemanship portion of the contest, Tom & Cathy Collins treated us to a tasty lunch at their ranch. After drying off, we modeled for the fashion show back at the fairgrounds. We were then treated to a barbeque dinner complete with our own impromptu country singer who sang about every rodeo queen present!

On Sunday morning, we spent some time soaking up the sun outside and packing for our travels home, but not before one more spectacular rodeo performance. During the performance on Easter Sunday, they crowned the new 2009 Miss Rodeo Nevada. Congratulations to Andrea Lynch, I look forward to representing our states together in 2009! A huge thank you to Anna Bavor, Miss Rodeo Nevada 2008, you did an amazing job this past year. I am so happy I got to spend a few months with you as a state queen, and to make a long lasting friend. Finally, thank you to the Miss Rodeo Nevada Association, especially Joanna Alvarado and Melanie Mooney, for hosting the visiting state queens, it was an unforgettable trip!

Visiting royalty and I at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas, NV.

Weapons Training Museum at Nellis Air Force Base

Our air force tour guides and visiting queens at Nellis Air Force Base.

Highland Manor Nursing Home visit in Mesquite, NV

Miss Rodeo Nevada Pageant Orientation

Modeling at the Miss Rodeo Nevada Pageant Speeches and Modeling.

(L to R) Miss Rodeo Nevada-Anna Bavor, Miss Rodeo Wyoming-Allie Bass, myself, and Miss Rodeo Montana-Lesli Furniss enjoying the sunshine and palm trees!

Miss Rodeo Nevada 2008, Anna Bavor and I at the

final performance of the Clark County Fair & Rodeo in Logandale, NV.

SDSU Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo

2009-04-19T10:16:00.001-07:00

The month of April was a spectacular month as Miss Rodeo South Dakota. I started off the month in my college town of Brookings, SD. I was honored to judge the Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador Contest. There were five lovely contestants and I truly enjoyed getting to know each one during the pageant. Congratulations to Becca Stevens, who will represent South Dakota State University as the new Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador, you will do an amazing job! A special thank you to Tammi Cole-Rebelein, the Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador Coordinator, for allowing me to be apart of the pageant, I had an amazing time! After the pageant it was time to rodeo! I got to participate in four college rodeo performances and the Sutton Saddle Bronc Match. Once again the Sutton Rodeo Company did an exceptional job producing the rodeo and I feel very lucky to be involved with their rodeos throughout my reign. Another big thank you goes to my friend and past equestrian teammate Anna Taylor, for allowing me to stay at her house during the week, thank you!

SDSU Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador Pageant

Miss Rodeo SDSU 2008, Erica Reinesch and I

at the Jackrabbit Stampede Ambassador Pageant

Friend and former SDSU equestrian teammate,

Kelsey Likness and I before the rodeo

(L to R) Myself, Erica Reinesch - Miss Rodeo SDSU, Amber Dell - Miss Range Days Rodeo Queen, and Courtney Peterson - Miss Rodeo Aberdeen at the Jackrabbit Stampede.

Carrying sponsor flags at the 55th Annual SDSU Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo

Tri-State Expo & Black Hills Horse Expo

2009-03-23T12:04:00.001-07:00

During the first weekend of March, I was able to spend some quality time at the Tri-State Expo in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, the hometown of the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo and our Miss Rodeo South Dakota Pageant. This was a great opportunity to meet some of the amazing sponsors of our pageant and to visit with the Belle Fourche Community. Thank you to McKenzie Haley, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo Queen, for helping with my booth and signing autographs on Saturday and Hayley Smith (my sister) the Newell Labor Days Rodeo Queen for all her help on Sunday during the Tri-State Expo.

The following weekend, I enjoyed spending time selling raffle tickets, signing autographs, and visiting with horse enthusiasts at the 7^th annual Black Hills Horse Expo. The Expo was created as a fundraiser for the Northern Hills Area CASA Program and to bring together horse enthusiasts and the businesses who serve them. Proceeds from the event benefited the Northern Hill’s children. I was also honored to carry the American flag during the opening ceremonies of their “Night of the Horse”. This was a special moment for me because I carried the South Dakota flag nearly five years ago at this same event as Junior Miss Rodeo South Dakota. Thank you to Wayne Williams for providing a booth for myself as Miss Rodeo South Dakota and inviting me to be a part of the opening ceremonies.

I am excited to announce several of my new sponsors for my year as Miss Rodeo South Dakota. Advance Truck & Auto has graciously sponsored part of my Miss Rodeo South Dakota Dodge Durango. Shorty Engesser of Advance Truck & Auto was very helpful in finding a reliable vehicle for my year of traveling. I will be selling a limited number of advertisements that will be displayed on this official MRSD vehicle. This is a great opportunity to advertise your business for ten months at a very economical cost while also supporting rodeo and South Dakota! The vehicle will be featured in parades and rodeos all over South Dakota and will travel with me through 15 different states. There are various levels of advertising based on the placement of the ad on the vehicle. Please contact me at mrsd2009@hotmail.com if you are interested in purchasing an advertisement.

Diabetes, Incorporated has stepped forward to purchase an advertisement on my MRSD vehicle. I have volunteered for almost 7 years for their diabetes camp, Kamp for Kids and I am very proud to help promote their cause and bring awareness to the disease of diabetes. Thank you Diabetes Incorporated!

My next rodeo adventure will take me to my college town of Brookings, SD for the annual Jackrabbit Stampede, which will be held on April 3-5, 2009 at my alma mater, South Dakota State University.

God Bless,

Courtney Smith

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009

Tri-State Expo & Black Hills Horse Expo

2009-03-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

McKenzie Haley and I at the official Miss Rodeo South

Dakota booth during the Tri-State Expo

My sister, Hayley and I at the Tri-State Expo in Belle Fourche, SD

Gearing up to carry the American Flag on my trusty

horse, Splash, at the Black Hills Horse Expo

Several horse enthusiasts and I enjoying the Black Hills Horse Expo

Silver Spurs Rodeo

2009-02-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

From snow to sun, I ventured to sunny Florida for the Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee, Florida. It was an exhilarating trip that included hog hunting, a trip to Gatorland, tasting gator and turtle for the first time, air boating, numerous school visits and a trip to the beach. I truly enjoyed spending time with the newly crowned Silver Spurs Rodeo Queen Court. Of course, the highlight of my trip was carrying the South Dakota flag during the grand entry of every rodeo performance. Thank you to Norman West for allowing me to borrow his horse for the opening ceremonies. My host family, Regina and Sammy Roberts, provided me a memorable stay in Florida that even included a night airboating trip. Mark and Laura Kessler did a remarkable job planning all of the rodeo queen’s activities. I applaud them on a job well done for giving me a lifetime of memories. It was a great opportunity to get out in the sun and promote South Dakota and rodeo! In March, I look forward to attending the Tri-State Expo in Belle Fourche and the Black Hills Horse Expo in Rapid City.  

God Bless,

Courtney Smith

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009

Silver Spurs Rodeo in sunny FLORIDA!

2009-02-27T06:14:00.000-08:00

Miss Rodeo America, Maegan Ridley and I

Miss Vicki and me at the Special Rodeo

Carrying the South Dakota flag during grand entry

The whole group at Cocoa Beach

Armadillo hunting

Airboating

The albino gator posing with Oregon, Arkansas and me at Gatorland

All of the visiting queens posing on our states

Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo

2009-02-27T06:07:00.000-08:00

The month of February started at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo in my hometown of Rapid City, SD. During the first weekend, I was honored to carry flags during the first two official stops of the Extreme Bulls Tour produced by Sutton Rodeo, Inc. as well as the second annual Sutton Saddle Bronc Match, which showcased some of South Dakota’s amazing saddle bronc riders! I was also able to attend the speeches and modeling for the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo Queen Contest. McKenzie Haley took home the crown and I am looking forward to representing rodeo with her throughout the year. I also had the opportunity to spend some time at the Ft. Meade Veterans Hospital where I met some of our veteran heroes. The first weekend ended with the South Dakota High School 20X Rodeo, in which I was lucky enough to cheer on my sister, Hayley Smith, in the pole bending.  

My week during the Black Hills Stock Show included several school visits, helping with the Ranch Rodeo and a trip to Children’s Care. I was also honored to speak for the Rapid City Cosmopolitan Club. A big thank you goes to Steve Ferley (uncle to South Dakota Saddle Bronc Rider, Chad Ferley) for setting up the speaking arrangement. It was wonderful to meet so many people from the Rapid City community who are so enthusiastic about the sport of rodeo. They are an organization that supports funding for diabetes and the community. My hat goes off to them for all their community support.  

New to the stock show this year, was the Sutton Rodeo Zone, where rodeo enthusiasts could participate in interactive games and look at various sponsor booths of rodeo. It was an opportunity to sign autographs daily, talk with the rodeo contestants and answer questions for the general public. One of the highlights of my week was helping with the South Dakota Ag History Day. The Faith High School Rodeo Team and I taught five hundred fourth graders from Rapid City Schools about RODEO, South Dakota’s official state sport! We explained all of the different rodeo events and then we let them experience each event, from roping to goat tying and even saddle bronc riding! It was a great day and we truly taught some history to the youngsters about rodeo’s legacies.  

During the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo many state rodeo queens joined me. Thank you to Freya Ford (Miss Rodeo Idaho), Victoria Jeffcoat (Miss Rodeo Alabama), Allie Bass (Miss Rodeo Wyoming), Jessinta Hammer (Miss Rodeo North Dakota), Jackie Gibson (Miss Rodeo Oregon), Anna Bavour (Miss Rodeo Nevada), Amy Amack (Miss Rodeo Nebraska), Michaelle Blake (Miss Rodeo Oklahoma) and Kristina Maddocks (Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota) for all your hard work promoting rodeo during the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo.

Another spotlight event during the stock show is the annual Stockman’s Ball and Banquet, where I helped with the live auction to raise money for the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation scholarship fund. A very special thank you goes to Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations for donating tickets to the ball for all the visiting state rodeo queens and myself.   During the stock show, we were able to tour the factory of Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations. A huge thank you to Kenny Thompson for taking the time to provide us a detailed tour of how Black Hills Gold is made and for his part in the creation of my unique, Miss Rodeo South Dakota buckle.  

During the second weekend, we ventured to the annual Heritage Awards Breakfast, where several recipients were honored for their accomplishments in keeping our western heritage alive and strong. I enjoyed meeting many cowboy "greats" from South Dakota and listening to all of their own special stories. The weekend also brought us to the beginning of six sensational PRCA performances produced by Sutton Rodeos. These rodeos are very special because they are apart of the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour. Thank you to the Sutton Rodeo Company for providing their dependable sorrel flag horses and Amy Muller, Sasha Yackley, and Tricia Luckett for organizing the sponsor banners during the rodeos. Another monumental event that I was able to attend was the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Champagne Brunch. I was thrilled to speak during the opening of the brunch, as all of the brunch’s proceeds will benefit John T. Vucurevich Regional Cancer Care Institute. On the final day of the stock show, I could not let the visiting state queens leave without a trip to Mount Rushmore. The prevailing wind did not detour us from posing for pictures with the national monument as our backdrop.

Overall, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo was a great success and a perfect start to my year! Another special thank you to Jerry Luckett, our "queen mom", during the stock show and the Holiday Inn Express for providing fabulous hotel stays for all of the visiting queens.

Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo

2009-02-15T13:25:00.001-08:00

Visiting state queens and me at Mount Rushmore

Proud to represent South Dakota!

Visiting state queens and me pose at the FootHuggers booth

where we were each given a pair of amazing boot socks.

Visiting state queens and me signing autographs in

the RODEO ZONE!

Visiting state queens and me after our tour of the Landstrom's

Original Black Hills Gold Factory courtesy of Kenny Thompson.

Jerry Westphal and me at the Stockman's Ball and Banquet modeling my mink fur coat

Badger Clark Elementary School Visit

Steve Ferley and me after my speaking engagement

for the Cosmopolitan Club of Rapid City, SD

Black Hills Stock Show Queen Contest

The beginning of an amazing year as Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009!

2009-02-01T19:21:00.001-08:00

My year has definitely started with a “bang”. I was officially crowned on January 10, 2009 at Stagestop Receptions in Black Hawk, SD. A very heartfelt thank you goes to all that attended and donated so graciously at my official coronation celebration especially Stagestop Receptions, the South Dakota Beefman, and the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. Dale Christensen did an amazing job as the official coronation master of ceremonies and auctioneer.

My first official appearance as Miss Rodeo South Dakota was at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. I was honored to carry the National Western Stock Show flag during the opening ceremonies of the January 18^th PRCA rodeo performance. Thank you to the Cervi Rodeo Company who provided fabulous horses to carry all of the sponsor and event flags during the rodeo. Jennifer Workman also deserves a huge thanks, as she did an exceptional job keeping all of the event and sponsor flags organized and keeping us company behind the scenes. A special thank you goes to Jodi Witt-Martin, the National Western Stock Show queen coordinator for all of her hard work organizing all of the state queens during our stay at the NWSS. She did an amazing job!

After spending time at the stock show and rodeo, I ventured to the Denver Market, also known as the Denver International Western/English Apparel and Equipment Market. RCC Western Stores of Rapid City, SD donated my guest passes for the Denver Market. I enjoyed shopping and visiting with several wonderful sponsors of rodeo, such as Wrangler, Bailey Hats, Tony Lama Boots and Montana Silversmiths. My trip to Denver was also a great opportunity to get to know many of the other state queens that I will spend my reign with during the year. Many of these same state rodeo queens will be attending the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo.

I’m looking forward to spending some quality time in my hometown at the BHSS & Rodeo. I will be carrying flags for all of the Extreme Bulls and PRCA performances produced by Sutton Rodeos. During the Black Hills Stock Show I will also be selling raffle tickets at the Pennington County 4-H booth for a Bernina Activa 210 Sewing Machine donated by The Sewing Center of Rapid City. They donated the sewing machine to help raise funds for my year and it is a great value with raffle tickets only $1 each and you can win a sewing machine retail priced at $999. I hope to see you all at the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo!

God Bless,

Courtney Smith

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo

2009-01-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

Carrying the National Western Stock Show Flag during the opening ceremonies.

Miss Rodeo Idaho, Miss Rodeo Alabama, and I at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo

Visiting state queens at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver, CO

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009 Coronation Invitation

2009-01-03T12:23:00.001-08:00

CLICK TO SEE LARGER

Miss Rodeo South Dakota Coronation

2008-10-22T11:53:00.001-07:00

Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2009 Coronation

January 10, 2009

Ramada's Stagestop Receptions

Black Hawk, SD I-90 Exit 48