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

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