Speeches were the first judged event for the contest today. Each contestant gave a two minute prepared speech on the state of Utah. After delivering their speech, the contestants had an on stage interview where they were asked to explain a rodeo to someone who has never been before, to tell about the meaning behind the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Signs all over town, and they were asked what their passion is outside of rodeo.

The contestants were awake bright and early to eat breakfast before their personal interviews with the judges this morning.

The Marriot Luncheon was sponsored by Ogden Clinic and each of the contestants modeled on stage and answered an impromptu question. The girls were brought in to the ballroom one at a time and given the props of an iPhone, iPad, and mini digital camera and asked “How would you use current technology to promote rodeo in the state of Utah”. All of the contestants did well and it was an enjoyable meal. After the luncheon, the girls were split in to 3 groups to meet with the judges in a panel interview. At the end of their 20 minute panel discussion, each group had the honor of a private performance by musician, singer, and judge Gabe Garcia. What a talent!

The contestants were able to spend some time visiting with 95 year old Pioneer Queen, Laree Shurtliff, who is the proud great grandmother of 108 and counting.

Martina was able to reconnect with some of her fellow state queens Miss Rodeo Nevada and Miss Rodeo Arizona.

Tonight was Military Night at the rodeo and each contestant was able to choose a veteran to honor for their service to our country. Many of the honorees were family members and close friends  to the contestants and the tribute was very emotional.

After a long day of interviews and judging activities and rodeos, the contestants are still bright eyed and smiling for the fashion show rehearsal.

Thirteen beautiful ladies from across the Beehive State pulled into the Marriott Hotel in Ogden at 7 this morning with cowboy boot boxes, hat cans and clothes racks of leather and sequins. All were excited for the week ahead —  and hoping to be the next Miss Rodeo Utah.

Right away the contestants went over the rules with the committee and their parents, drew their contestant numbers and met the judges. The contestant numbers determine the order the contestants will compete in all week and who they will “trade” horses with during the draw horse competition. The order the contestants drew is the following: 

1. Lacey Anne Godfrey
2. Tiffanie King
3. Bailee Sizemore
4. Dani Frandsen
5. Raeshelle Larsen
6. Chenae Shiner
7. Regan Torres
8. Shayla Summerall
9. Stephanie Jimmerson
10. Jamie Udell
11. Makenzie Maughan
12. Morgan Blackhurst
13. Chantell Pilcher

We have also have four talented judges

Tina Tolbert Gleason — Morgan, Utah
Red Wilk — Huron, S.D.
Gabe Garcia — Nashville, Tenn.
Patty Colbert — Austin, Texas 

After orientation the contestants had a professional photo shoot with Hazen Photography, the official photographer of Miss Rodeo Utah, at the old mining village outside the Timbermine Restaurant. Hazen Photography takes beautiful pictures to be judged for the photogenics competition and also makes a video with the contestant’s photos to feature at the Miss Rodeo Utah Fashion Show at the end of the week.

The Greenery Restaurant provided a comfortable lunch for the contestants and judges before the group headed to the Golden Spike arena for the horsemanship competition. Each contestant rode her own horse in a reigning pattern, which  was set by Miss Rodeo Utah 2010 Martina Wardle. For the second round of the horsemanship competition, the contestants ride each other’s horses. The judges really have their work cut out for them, as all of the girls showed they are cowgirls and horsewomen by heart.

 With a tight schedule, the contestants and judges were rushed to a wonderful dinner at Grideli’s Restaurant in South Weber where they were able to enjoy a social under a covered patio. After a brownie sundae the contestants participated in a judged activity where they all drew a current event impromptu question.

 A day of accomplishments was topped off with a scenic view of the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo.  The contestants shared autographed pictures with future hopeful rodeo queens and rodeo competitors.  

It will be a late night as the contestants start to learn choreographed dances and get some of the latest fashions in clothes for the fashion show on Saturday. They begin bright and early tomorrow with personal interviews and the Miss Rodeo Utah Alumni and Hall of Fame Luncheon at the Marriott Hotel. We hope that everyone will come and support the contestants and their families as the girls finally showcase their hours and months of hard work and dedication in becoming the next Miss Rodeo Utah.

As my year as Miss Rodeo Utah comes to an end I would like to take the time to thank everyone that has made this year so amazing for me.  Without the long lists of people that have been so willing to give their time, I know that this year could not have been near the success that it has become. 

Without my family I would never have had the motivation to become Miss Rodeo Utah.  You taught me how to think for myself, to always do my best, that success is never just handed out; that we have to work for the things we want, and most importantly to have faith in God.  Thank you for your sacrifices on my behalf, especially you mom…. I know you would have much rather be spending your time in the garden rather than in the sewing room. 

The committees I have been lucky to work with this year have been amazing.  I am so grateful for all of your unique talents and perspectives on this whole “queen thing.”  You have helped me grow in more ways than you can imagine, and I will always consider myself blessed for having the opportunity to learn from you. 

To all my friends that gave so much of their time, couches, clothing, horses, insight, love, etc.  I am especially grateful for you.  None of this would be worth it without an amazing rodeo family.  I am happy to say that I have had the opportunity to rekindle some old friendships this year, and well as start new ones.  This year is full of memories, and of course the best ones were made with a good friend…. and more than likely a blonde moment. 

Thank you all, for letting me represent you, our state, and the sport we all love. 

God bless,

Marti

As the Utah PRCA rodeo season heats up I am reminded why the Rodeos held in the month of June are  so close to my heart.  I enjoyed my trip down memory lane when I attended the Utah High School State Finals the first week of June, although the rodeo has changed locations since I’ve graduated, the feeling of friendship, dreams of Nationals, and sharp competition are still there.  Good luck to all of the National and SSIR team members….. including my little brother Weston!

After hot days and rainy nights in Heber who couldn’t use a break for some strawberry’s and cream at Pleasant Grove’s Strawberry Days.  I have always enjoyed the Strawberry Days Rodeo as well as the committee.  From my days as Jr. Queen, Queen, flag girl, until the present the committee have always been incredibly generous.  A special thanks to the Goodman family, David and Kayleen Mann, Phil Brown, and the Ashtons for being so welcoming all these years!

Immediatelyfollowing the final performance at Strawberry Days I packed my things and headed for the air port.  It was time to reunite with the gang of state queens at none other than the Reno Rodeo.  I was lucky enough to be chaperoned by my great friend Lauren Neil.  We had a full agenda prepared by Patsy, she kept us laughing and joking during the entire trip.  Some of my favorite parts were visiting Virgina town, riding in the Preifert wagon and stage coach, oh and how can I forget mine and Brittney’s Carmel apple craving!

The next stop was my home town rodeo, the LehiRound-up where I was greeted with more familiar faces than normal, a slurry of them being from kids under the age of seven.  No one knows the joy of a child, but I sure was lucky to witness a lot of it that week from some of my former Kindergarten students.  The Lehi Round-up was also part three of Jamie and my identical schedules.  I also can’t forget all of the family friends like Kelly Tomas in the photo that made the Lehi Round-up so fun!

On Saturday June 25th, myself, Mckenzie and Jamie took a break from the rodeos to enjoy a Polo match.  The University of Utah annually host a Polo match that is held at the South Jourdan Complex.  It’s a great fundraiser that not only raises a lot of money but is also extremely entertaining.  Between the Polo match it’s self and all of the amazing outfits worn, and the unique people we spoke with,  the three of us were entertained for hours.

As much as I enjoyed the month of June as a representative of the state of Utah, I’m sure that I will enjoy my final month as Miss Rodeo Utah even more.  I am often reminded that my days are numbered…. but I hope to make all those numbers count. 

Looking forward to seeing all of you at Ogden Pioneer Days!

God Bless,

Marti