MISS RODEO LENOX

Nerves.  Enough said.  I don't think that anyone could sleep a wink the night before.  The MRL pageant stared slow with modeling practice and how we were all going to enter and exit.  In the back of my mind, I was just thinking "Don't fall and please don't forget your speech", and I do not believe I was alone. 

Personal interviews were the next part of the pageant.  All dressed up in our interview jackets, we let the judges see our personalities and knowledge.  Lunch came next and the chicken salad was unbelievable!  I just really wish I could have eaten the whole thing but again, nerves got the best of me.  We showed off our stuff in modeling in our beautiful flowing leather dresses.  Our speeches were next and I had to keep myself together, but of course, I had to take a little break mid-speech to try to think of what I was just talking about.  Listening to Kayla's (MRL 2010), Charity's (MTRI 2011) and Suzy's (MRL 2009) queen stories got me excited.  Then horsemanship came and I was just nervous about how in the world I was going to get back on my horse in the tight outfit ... but I did manage.  Dinner at the Good Life Cafe felt and tasted good because we all knew we could let the nerves release.

The rodeo really made the adrenaline come out.  Before I knew it, they were annoucing that I was the 2011 Miss Rodeo Lenox.  As Kayla Barber crowned me, I think I was in disbelief that this was really happening.  My first Queen's wave as MRL felt awesome and I could not stop smiling.  I was loping around the arena as fast as my black horse could go (which I soon learned was NOT fast).  Grand entry was next, and for this I was told I needed a faster horse.  The people of rodeo really do have great sportsmanship as one of my fellow participants allowed me to use her horse to carry flags, do another queen's wave, and round up livestock.  After putting on my leather chaps, sparkly new belt buckle, and the Miss Rodeo Lenox crown, I was ready for Grand Entry.  I climbed aboard my horse and was told right away by Heather Beck and Suzy Fife to "GO, GO, GO" and they really meant go!  Ace, the horse I was riding, shot off with me on his back and lets just say it was the fastest I have ever rode a horse!  The wind at my face, the smiling crowd, and the music really hit home.  I was Miss Rodeo Lenox.  As the night went on Charity Lynn Howk (MTRI 2011), showed me the ropes of being a queen.  Later on I signed my life away on my pictures and talked to kids and other fans. 

On the last night, I was really initiated as Miss Rodeo Lenox by riding steers.  In the back of the chutes, Charity and I put on borrowed gloves, helmets, and vests from some nice bullriders.  I think the picture of us saying our last prayer before climbing aboard the steers (taken by Barb Brokaw) said enough about how we felt.  We were just praying that we stayed on and the fall did not hurt too badly.  Soon enough I was climbing on my steer and I think I said "Okay I'm ready" before I really had a chance to think about what was really happening.  The steer took off bucking but after about 6 seconds I ran the steer out of energy and it ran to the fence.  I took this as a sign that this should be my exit.  1 steer, 8 seconds, and 74 points; not too bad!

In just three days, incurred many experiences that I will never forget.  Needless to say, I also was awarded with multiple bruises on my legs, arms, and chest from getting down and dirty with the rodeo.  I got to know some great people that I would never have had the chance to know.  Charity, Suzy, and Heather were all helping hands.  My first banner that was given to me, gave me a lot more back than I expected ... and this was just my first appearance.

Until Next Time!

Alexandria Eischeid
Miss Rodeo Lenox 2011