The Oregon Queen — October 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Samantha Henricks!

The month of September has come and gone, and I am very happy to report that Oregon welcomed its first PRCA rodeo of the year, the Cascade Chute Out! For those who missed it, Bridwell Pro Rodeos and the Deschutes County Fair and Expo partnered to host this event. There was top quality stock courtesy of Bridwell Pro Rodeos, Four Star Rodeo and Corey & Lange Rodeo. They were accompanied by the best committees in the state: High Desert Stampede, Sisters Rodeo and Crooked River Roundup. This united group of individuals pulled together to ensure that Oregon rodeo and the western way of life is here for years to come. In doing so, they were able to give back 100% of the net proceeds to the stock contractors, who have indeed been faced with challenges this year. I was honored to carry the American flag at each performance in a rather unique and moving grand entry that involved not one, or two, but three American flags! I was also able to lend a hand packing sponsor flags and pushing cattle.

This was also the first time since March that Morgan, Ainsley and I were all in the same place, at the same time! Also, Miss Rodeo Washington Madi Casto made the trip down to spend time in the beaver state and I was able to meet and spend time with the Crooked River Roundup Queen, Emily McDaniel. We even ran into 2018 Miss Rodeo Oregon Jessi (Cornforth) Jackson who was there volunteering her time running the flags and the out gate, and 2017 Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Vincent! To top it off, Miss Rodeo Oregon 2005, Camie Johnston Foster laid down a smoking barrel run on night one to win the round! Seeing these gals out and about and contributing to Oregon rodeo was great!

The week I spent in Central Oregon spoke volumes to the family aspect, hard work and traditional values that rodeo embodies. I have said it once, but I will say it again. This year has brought tragedy to our state, but the celebration (and that it was) of Rodeo coming back to Oregon, is anything but that! Up next month, Columbia River Circuit Finals and the Canby Mock Pageant! See you soon!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Ainsley Goughnour!

And just like that, it’s already October and fall is in the air. Thankfully the smoke has cleared from all of the wildfires and the blue skies are back. I hope and pray you are all doing well and weren’t affected too much by the fires.

As for September, I was able to kick off the month by attending an Oregon High School Rodeo in Cottage Grove. I had a great time hanging out with friends and cheering on competitors. Oregon is in good hands with our youth rodeo athletes and their rodeo talent. The future is looking good.

The following week our state was hit hard with wildfires and many people and their animals had to be evacuated from their homes. I’m grateful that we did not have to evacuate our home. I used the extra time I was given because the start of school was delayed a few days by helping care for evacuated animals. I live only a couple minutes from the St. Paul Rodeo grounds so I spent most of my time feeding, watering and looking after animals that were evacuated to the rodeo grounds as well as animals that were also sent to my school’s FFA barn. Morgan spent a few days with me as well, helping care for the animals. Taking care of the animals while their owners were displaced from their homes was the least I could do to try and ease some of the worry they were going through.

On September 16, I made my way over to Redmond for the Cascade Chute Out. Yes, this was my first professional rodeo in Oregon of the year and will probably be the last until 2021. I was so excited to be able to spend the long weekend with my sash sisters Sam and Morgan as the three of us haven’t been to an event together since February. On Wednesday, we were able to attend the sponsor/kickoff dinner where I was able to help with the auction and eat an amazing dinner.

The next day, the gates would swing open for the first night of the three nights of rodeo. During the week, I carried sponsor flags, made queen run-ins, and helped set up barrels! It felt so good to be in the arena running with Pete for our queen run and packing sponsor flags. I had a blast getting to hang out with Sam and Morgan as well as Miss Rodeo Washington, Madi! We even had a photo op with many of the rodeo queens from around the state. Thank you to the High Desert Stampede, Sisters Rodeo, Crooked River Roundup, Bridwell Pro Rodeo, Four Star Rodeo, and Corey & Lange Rodeo for your wonderful hospitality and for putting on an amazing rodeo!

While I was in Redmond, I got to visit with two of my amazing sponsors. I was invited to take a tour of the Horse Guards facility and meet everyone at Horse Guard! I was very impressed with how they run everything so smoothly and how they get so much product made and shipped with so few employees. I am thankful for such a supportive sponsor. My second sponsor I was able to visit with was McKillip’s Catering. They were at the Cascade Chute Out providing food
for the VIP tent all weekend! I enjoyed a delicious meal on horseback during the rodeo. The Cascade Chute Out will definitely be one of my favorite memories from 2020.

As summer has officially ended and fall is upon us, I’m looking forward to what next month brings!

Joyfully–Ainsley, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Morgan Brownell!

This month didn’t start out that great. My family ended up getting evacuated from our home with the fires only being a mile and a half from our home. We went to my aunt’s house. Only a few hours after, we had to go pick our horses up from our barn and take them to a friend’s house in Corvallis. My dad and I stayed there for a couple days and then went to St. Paul to help out with all the evacuated animals at the rodeo grounds. Ainsley and her family invited me to stay at their house for a little while so I did. I was able to help at the grounds with all the evacuated animals by feeding and watering them and also help out at the St. Paul FFA barn with the animals there.

I was also invited to attend the Cascade Chuteout in Redmond. A huge thank you goes out to Denis Fast, Haley Bridwell and all the rodeos and stock contractors for putting on the wonderful event!! It was put on by the Sisters Rodeo, Crooked River Roundup and High Desert Stampede. I had such a blast being able to hang out with old friends and also be able to meet new people. It was such a great experience that I will never forget! The first event of the Cascade Chuteout was a dinner Wednesday night. They had all three rodeos and all three stock contractors, families and friends there. Sam, Ainsley and I had the honor of being able to help with walking around the live auction items to raise money. It was such a fun night getting to know everyone a little better The first night was a bull ride but we still got to do grand entry, our run-ins and flag runs. I used Chester–my rope horse–the first performance and he loved it! I had so much fun being able to carry flags in the grand entry. The grand entry at the Cascade Chuteout is a little different than most rodeos. It’s more of an NFR-type entrance where they have two people running flags at the same time next to each other. I was able to be the first in the gate all three nights and it was a blast! It was so much fun being able to see the excitement on everyone’s faces as they watched us fly around the arena. Everyone was so happy cheering and waving back. At the end of the rodeo we all came back through the arena at a trot with the stock contractor and rodeo flags. The second night I used Tommy. This was one of the rodeo performances and the stands were packed! Once again I was one of the firsts in the arena, this time with Ainsley next to me! I was also able to ride in the barrel truck with Ainsley and the Crooked River Roundup Queen Emily McDaniel. I also led the final trot through at the end of the performance with all the flags. The third and final night was the best night. I did grand entry with Ainsley, did my run-in and was able to carry one of the rodeo flags and stop at the chutes with the three rodeo presidents for them to be recognized. I was also able to be one of the three to carry the stock contractor flags around the arena to be able to recognize them too. I got to ride in the barrel truck again and was able to lead the final trot through of the night. Overall it was a blast and definitely one to remember. It was definitely the best rodeo of the year and I would go back in a heartbeat. Everyone there was so much fun to be around and so energetic. It was a definitely really cool to see three different rodeos and three different stock contractors come together and create such an amazing time. It was great to see Sam again also. We figured out we hadn’t seen each other since March!

Gratefully, Morgan

Animal Evacuations: Personal Stories

Although the wildfire evacuation stories of September have faded from recent news feeds, the aftermath is still very fresh to those who were forced to hurriedly evacuate themselves and their precious animals and seek shelter in safe places. The wildfires are currently in varying degrees of containment and so firefighters battle on.

We recognize especially MRO 2016 Katie Schrock, the founder of Cowgirl 911, who was instrumental in superbly organizing the emergency response in her area of Oregon.

Over the next few months, we plan to share the personal stories of Oregonians who have faced this disaster and what they have learned. If you have a story you’d like to send us, please contact us via email at missrodeooregonincfoundation@gmail.com or on our Facebook page. In case you missed the Facebook post on September 12, we are sharing this month the story of MTRO Ainsley and JMRO Morgan:

“The past couple days we have had the opportunity to volunteer taking care of evacuated animals from the major wildfires that are happening around our communities. We have been staying busy at the St. Paul Rodeo grounds, St. Paul FFA Barn, and at Ainsley’s barn. We have been helping feed, water, clean up after and sort animals –horses, pigs, cows, alpacas, goats and sheep–that have been evacuated from their homes. We have also been able to get some extra snuggles in with the evacuated animals.

The St. Paul Rodeo has provided temporary shelter for over 200 animals that were displaced with the overflow of smaller animals like chickens, goats, llamas and a mini horse being sent to the St. Paul FFA barn. It’s been a privilege to also help evacuate a few horses and care for them at our home.

It warms our hearts to see everyone in our community come together and work to help those in need. Thank you to everyone who has brought donations for the animals and volunteered their time helping make sure they are ok. We continue to ask for prayers for our great state.

Humbled and Blessed–Ainsley and Morgan, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon and Jr. Miss Rodeo Oregon”

Meet the MROIF Treasurer Raylah Holm!

I serve as the Treasurer for Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation and I am the Director for Miss Rodeo Alaska. I have been involved with rodeo and rodeo queens since 1973. I live in Ellensburg, WA and I enjoy living close to my twin grandchildren. I have been employed by Hewlett Packard since 1997.

I am no stranger to the rodeo arena. I was an active competitor and member of the Girls Northwest Rodeo Association and competed in Hunter Jumper, Saddle Seat and Side Saddle competitions while in college. I have carried a PRCA timers card since the early 1970’s and continue to time rodeos part time when needed. Along with competing in rodeos and horse shows, I am the mother of a former Miss Rodeo Washington (1994) and was active with the Miss Rodeo Washington program for many years, holding officer positions including National Director to Miss Rodeo America, Inc. I am currently an active member of the National Advisory Council to the Miss Rodeo America organization, the Miss Rodeo America Ambassador Club, and am an MRA Gold Member.

I have judged many contests over the years including six state pageants and the National High School Finals. I have seen the value that rodeo queen programs can offer young women across the country and continue to congratulate each contestant for taking the step to compete and reach for their goals. I pride myself on providing meaningful and positive feedback to help the young ladies grow personally and professionally.

The Oregon Queen — September 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Samantha Henricks!

I am happy to finally report that I was able to present the American flag at my first Oregon rodeo last month! Ainsley and I headed east to Redmond, Oregon for the Last Call Before Fall Rodeo and had a great time! We were accompanied by numerous other queens and there was plenty of good company among the fans who attended in support of Oregon rodeos. Though I was excited to watch some rodeo action, I was not prepared to have some rough stock action of my own! Ainsley had very graciously loaned me her new horse to ride. He was feeling good at his first rodeo and let the crowd know it with a few bucks and jumps during our queen lap! Never a dull moment here!

Additionally, last month I was able to host the first ever Miss Rodeo Oregon Poker Ride! It was a beautiful day and there was a great turn out for the ride and for lunch. I am very thankful that the community in Southern Oregon has been so supportive. We were able to give door prizes, along with a prize for the highest hand and lowest hand. I want to thank the board at Pacifica Gardens for hosting the event and to Brushriders for sponsoring it. Also, thank you to my family who was there helping check people in, barbecuing, and scoring poker hands.

The month of September will bring another Oregon rodeo, the Cascade Chute Out! The High Desert Stampede, Sisters Rodeo and Crooked River Roundup committees have joined Bridwell Pro Rodeos and the Deschutes County Fair and Expo with hopes to bring great rodeo action to Central Oregon. Ainsley, Morgan and I will be there September 15th through the 19th. Hopefully this time, I only get to watch the rodeo action and not experience it! But hey, whatever happens, I can guarantee it will be entertaining!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Ainsley Goughnour!

August has flown by and has come to an end. It has been a pretty quiet month for rodeo in Oregon overall. I decided since I had extra time I’d try some new things that I had been really wanting to try. I had the opportunity to attend a roping clinic with Stacy Barker. This was my first roping clinic ever. I had a blast and grew a ton in one day! I’ve loved giving roping a try and hope to continue learning and eventually compete in breakaway roping.

I never thought I would say my first Oregon rodeo would be in August! Yes, that’s right, I was able to attend my very first Oregon rodeo of the year, the Last Call Before Fall rodeo which was in Redmond,Oregon. Sam and I were able to meet up and spend time together as well as meet many of my fellow Oregon Sash Sisters. It’s crazy to think that it was August when I just did my first run in of the year and carried the Oregon State Flag. We had quite the adventure on the drive home; we had made it just outside of Sisters when one of the trailer tires blew from a nail. I’m very thankful my Dad was there to change the tire and we were only a few miles out of town and not going over the pass yet. After about an hour delay, we were back on the road and made it home safely.

With all the cancellations of rodeos and events this summer, I’ve had extra time to try new things that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. I took Hoot to Eugene and we competed in Ranch Riding classes at the Oregon Reining Horse Association Show. We did four classes where we placed in the top 4 in all of them! I’m so glad I pushed myself outside my comfort zone and tried something new.

This month I would have attended the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo. Not only are they one of my amazing sponsors but the fair and rodeo have been a special part of my life. I have been able to attend since I was little and I think of Canby as my second home. The Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo is also the host rodeo for the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant. I was really looking forward to all of the activities and events that were supposed to take place during CCF&R. I know next year will be bigger and better than ever!

As I prepare for school to start back up and reflect on my summer, I realize just how blessed I am. Though almost all of the events that I had planned on attending over the summer were canceled I was able to try so many new things. I’ve made new friends (many that I haven’t even met in person yet), learned new skills, grown in many different aspects of my life and genuinely had a great time. I’ve had time with family and friends that I otherwise wouldn’t have and I feel so fortunate to have their support. It’s amazing how fast the summer has flown by. The few rodeo events that I have been able to participate in make me even more excited for what’s to come in the next few months and next year!

Sincerely,

Ainsley, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Morgan Brownell!

Over the month of August I was able to not only go to and compete in NWYRA (Northwest Youth Rodeo Association) rodeos but I was able to do two run-ins at each rodeo. I also got to carry the Oregon flag. I used both Chester and Tommy for my run-ins and they both loved it! If you look at one of my videos of Chester and me doing our run-in you can see I had to pull him over because he wanted to do another lap.

I competed in Barrels, Poles, Goat Tying and Team Roping. I placed almost every time and in every event. I was blown away about how we did in Poles. We placed 2nd both times in the first rodeo and in the second rodeo we placed 2nd Friday and 1st on Saturday, setting a new PR!! I was also able to help give goody bags to the pre pee-wees along with the NWYRA queen Sadie Bateman. Overall it was an amazing two rodeos and I can’t wait till next year!!

Gratefully, 2020 JMRO Morgan Brownell

Meet 2nd VP Lois Forester!

In January 2018, I was appointed by the Miss Rodeo Oregon board to fill the vacancy of 2nd Vice President (Media). I’m a longtime member of the organization, joining when my daughter, Melissa, served as 2004 Miss Rodeo Oregon. I volunteered as a chaperone for the Miss pageant for many years but happily accepted the challenge of being the media person for MROIF. After a very steep learning curve as 2nd VP, I count as successes the revamping of the website, a monthly newsletter, unified sponsorship packages, an expanded social media presence, a rewritten Spirit Award, and a dedicated MRO YouTube channel. I serve on the education/programs committee and delight in decorating for it and cooking meals for everyone. I joined the Miss Rodeo America organization in 2018 and am now a member of the National Advisory Council. I love being on their media committee and helping them with some of the behind-the-scenes tasks required to host such a large pageant.

I believe that the communication skills I used in my career as a speech pathologist have served me well with MROIF. I highly value ethical and effective communication, and endeavor to present our titleholders in the best possible light. With every post or newsletter, I think about the potential to influence a young girl as she dreams about one day being a rodeo queen.

A city girl, I attended the Calgary Stampede every year, the closest I ever got to a horse. I left Canada to attend the University of Oregon and decided to make this state my home. For all 43 years of my marriage, I’ve lived in the country with horses. My husband’s passion for the outdoors provided our family with opportunities to hunt, fish, ski, horse pack into the wilderness, and participate in 4-H and rodeo. (And I learned to appreciate the dusty grounds of many small hometown rodeos!) My daughter introduced me to rodeo queendom with two years on the Catherine Creek Rodeo court and as queen of the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show. While I don’t bring the typical rodeo queen experience to an MROIF board position, I wholeheartedly support the goals of the organization—Educate, Elevate, Inspire. All of my volunteer experiences up to this point have enabled me to flourish in this position.

In an active retirement, I not only perform my volunteer duties on the board of MROIF but I try to travel as much as possible. My guide book is “1000 Places to See Before You Die”. Having traveled to many places on the globe–from the Great Wall of China to Red Square to Vietnam and lots of places in between–I travel within the US with my vintage trailer “Louie” as a Sister on the Fly. I also have a new tiny trailer “Honeybunch” in Missouri and will travel the Trail of Tears with SOTF next year from Florida to Oklahoma, a journey of over 2,000 miles.

I encourage anyone to join this organization and find a spot to volunteer!

The Oregon Queen–August 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Samantha Henricks!

This month I was able to attend Lil Sprouts Preschool’s Rodeo Camp! It was great to get back out to talk about RODEO! I was able to drop in on the last day of their summer camp and talk about the rodeo events they had been learning about, as well as talk about the history of our sport. One of my favorite things about young children is that they are excited about….everything! From learning about the “sweet drawings” on my chaps (as one very enthusiastic 5-year-old said) to learning about broncs and bulls, they are always game for anything. Since being crowned Miss Rodeo Oregon, I had the goal of submerging myself into youth programs throughout the state, so having the opportunity to speak with this class was a pleasure.

On the same note of youth programs, I also got the opportunity to attend the Jackson County 4-H Horse Fair’s Grand Entry. I graduated from the 4-H program in Jackson County as a 9-year member in 2014. 4-H holds many great memories for me, but a highlight was being able to share my 4-H experience with a younger member, Lane. Lane is not so little anymore as he just graduated as a 9 year member this year. In my former 4-H club, our leader would always assign senior members to help the younger members get ready for their classes and Lane was always who I was assigned. I used to warm up his horse Rosie for him and one time Rosie was being unusually difficult and decided to rear straight up in the air with me. I remember looking at Lane and his eyes were as big as tomatoes when I told him, “She is fine now…. it’s your turn to get on.” When I was listening to Lane’s senior bio this year, he mentioned that exact same story about Rosie and me. It just goes to show what kind of relationships and experiences a program like 4-H can give you. This is just another reason why I chose to dive into the youth programs this year.

This month I get to attend my first Oregon Rodeo! In August, this is not something I would have thought I would be saying, but here we are! Stay tuned to see what we are all up to next month!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Ainsley Goughnour!

Normally in July I would be going all over the place for Cowboy Christmas but this year was a little different. I got to spend the 4th of July with my family which was nice to get to have the time with them, even though I sure did miss all the rodeos, parades and activities. July would have been my busiest month of traveling. My schedule was packed with events all over the state but with everything canceled, I had a lot of time to ride my horses and spend time with family and friends.

The hardest part about owning horses is letting go. It turned out to be a blessing to be home over 4th of July week because I unexpectedly lost my old horse Rocky. Rocky was my first show horse; he taught me so much and is one of the reasons I am the rider that I am today. I was blessed to have Rocky for 12 years.

I got to take Leo on his first beach ride ever. We went to Pacific City and rode on the beach with some family friends. Leo and Pete were both rock stars! I was so impressed with Leo and how he did for his first time ever on the beach. The weather was perfect.

Within a matter of days, I went from the complete west side of the state all the way to the furthest east side of Oregon. On July 21, we packed up the horses and took them to Joseph to go have some fun even though the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo had to be cancelled. I was invited to stay at Destiny Wecks’ (2015 JMRO) house and spend the weekend doing our own rodeo activities. The first day we went go-karting and rode the horses around in the arena. The next day, we went to the lake with the boat and we tubed, rode a bull floaty, and went swimming. After the lake, we went on a trail ride where I was blessed to ride a horse named Gray and a horse named Dolly. We rode to the viewpoint over Wallowa Lake.

Destiny also showed us where they held the first Chief Joseph Days Rodeo. The next day, we went and participated in a mini parade that Destiny organized. As we went through the streets of Joseph, people were so excited and surprised. Thank you Destiny for putting on the parade. I had a blast! At the end of the parade we went through a drive-thru and got ice cream. Who can resist ice cream after a warm ride through town?

Following the parade, we went and rode in the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo grounds. We played around and practiced run-ins. Leo got to practice his first ever run-in. We then took some pictures in front of the beautiful mountains. After our horse and parade adventure we headed back to the go-karts again. The first time around I went with Destiny and then I got to ride with Bella. I had a ton of fun with both of them.

Dez, Morgan, and I made breakfast for everyone the last morning. We made pancakes, huckleberry pancakes, hash browns, and sausage. We then hopped on bareback and took the horses for one last ride around the farm fields. After a wonderful weekend, we said goodbye. I can’t wait to see everyone next year at the 2021 Chief Joseph Days Rodeo.

Though the month turned out to be much more “relaxed” than I had originally planned, it ended up being one of the most fun and adventurous. I am so blessed by all of my rodeo family and those that support me. Hoping for more adventures in August.

Yours truly,
Ainsley Goughnour, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Morgan Brownell!

This month I was able to go to three playdays, placing High Point twice and Reserve High Point once. I went trail riding over the 4th of July weekend and enjoyed family time. This year was the first ever that I wasn’t at the St. Paul Rodeo for the 4th of July. Since my parents have always been members and my dad is a director, the only place I’ve ever known for the 4th of July is St. Paul. But it was really fun getting to do something different!!

I also got to go to Joseph with Ainsley. When we got to Joseph, the first thing I did was go inner tubing with Ainsley and the Oregon High School Rodeo Queen 1st Attendant Destiny Wecks, who was also 2015 Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon. After having fun at the lake, we went trail riding and got to see an amazing view of Wallowa Lake!! On Saturday, Destiny put on a mini parade through Joseph for everybody there. We went down Main Street and after that we got to do run-ins in the famous Harley Tucker Arena!! After we got back to Destiny’s house, we went riding in her arena and did some barrel racing and pole bending for fun.

On Sunday, Ainsley, Destiny and I made breakfast for everyone. We made sausage, pancakes, and hashbrowns. Luckily we didn’t burn down the house and we made a good breakfast if I do say so myself! When it was finally time to go home we did a last minute trail ride around their hay field and then we were on our way home! Thank you Wecks family for having us. Can’t wait for the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo in 2021!!

Gratefully, JMRO Morgan!

Meet Tanya Cloutier, 1st VP and Miss Pageant Director!

Hello and Happy August! My name is Tanya Cloutier and I am currently serving as your Miss Rodeo Oregon Inc. Foundation 1st Vice President and Pageant Director and I have previously held the position of Secretary. I have been a member of the Miss Rodeo Organization for at least 12 years but first became interested when my friend and OSU college roommate (Go Beavers!), Sylvia Ladd Sandford, won the title of Miss Rodeo Oregon in 1988.

My love of horses started when I was very young growing up in Eugene, OR. My family did not come from country roots so when I told them I wanted a horse, my parents did not know what to do or say. So like any good parent, they started me out with riding lessons and cleaning stalls. I was in heaven! I was soon entering horse shows on my lesson mount, a black Shetland pony named “Minx”. We competed in everything from Showmanship, Western, English, jumping to pony cart driving. It was not long before I graduated to a “big horse”. I joined 4-H as an “associate member” because I was technically too young to be a part of the program and my passion for horses grew from there. For several years, I
competitively entered 4-H, Open and Appaloosa Circuit horse shows and I had the honor of competing at the Oregon 4-H Horse Fair for six years, representing Lane and Tillamook Counties. I loved everything about my 4-H years but one of my greatest accomplishments was obtaining my 10-step EL Dad Potter Award in 1983.

My rodeo royalty journey began in 1982 when I held my first title, Princess of the Tillamook Co. Equestrian Court and then was crowned their Queen in 1983. In 1993, I represented the Tillamook County Rodeo and the following year joined the Board as the Queen Director. In 2000 our family moved to Central Oregon and with one of my daughters showing interest in “Queening”, I was able to revive the Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo Court program. My daughter competed twice for Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon, winning first runner up but I officially became a Queen Mom in 2008 when she was crowned Queen of JCFR. I still serve as the advisor for the two-member court to date.

My husband and I happily live in Madras, OR on our 64-acre farm and I have worked for the Jefferson County Community Development Department for 19 years as an Assistant Land Planner. I have two horse-crazy twin daughters who are 29 years old and we are proud to be called Nana and Papa by our beautiful grand babies, Kinsley (7), Jayce (5) and Ryker (4). I am a horse show judge, former OHSET Coach/Advisor, serve on the MRO Clinic committee and have had the opportunity to judge many local, state and regional pageants. This is my passion and I love watching the girls learn and grow with this program.

The Oregon Queen–July 2020

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Ainsley Goughnour

And in the blink of an eye, another month has flown by!

Again, it wasn’t what I expected my June to be one year ago when I was announced the winner of the 2020 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Pageant. Yes! A year already. I’ve had a lot of time to reminisce about the pageant and what an incredible experience it was. I’ve gained so many new friends and amazing memories this past year. No, it’s not what I expected but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have gained lifelong friends all over the United States that I wouldn’t have met without this experience.

I traveled to Prineville to cheer on Destiny Wecks, the 2015 Jr. Miss Rodeo Oregon, as she competed in the Oregon High School Rodeo queen contest. I was also able to watch some of the high school rodeo and support my fellow high school athletes.

I have had some extra time to work with my new horse Leo. He is a 5 year old bay dun Quarter Horse. Leo will also be traveling with me to rodeos and parades along with Pete. I’m super excited to add him to the family and have him travel with Pete and me. Pete and Leo actually both got to participate in my home town’s mini parade this month. I was able to ride through St. Paul with Morgan and the St. Paul Rodeo court and I had a friend ride Leo through the parade to give him some experience. Pete and Leo both did amazing and I was so thankful to be able to actually ride in a parade. It felt great to bring smiles to the community that I live in and love so much.

I mentioned that I’ve met many new people and one group of people that I’ve met this year via zoom calls and live chats is the state teen rodeo queens. I was able to do an Instagram live interview with Shai Forman, Miss Teen Rodeo Arizona. It was like talking with an old friend and we didn’t run out of things to talk about. We actually used up our entire time limit that Instagram allows. I hope to someday get to meet all of the state teen rodeo queens in person but until then we will enjoy our group chats and zoom calls.

As spring turns to summer, I hope you all are able to get out and enjoy the things you love.
Joyfully,
Ainsley, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Morgan Brownell!

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was crowned 2020 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon! What a ride it has been so far and I’m loving every minute!

This month I had my first parade for the town of St. Paul. I was able to see the town of St. Paul so happy and excited. Thank you to Ainsley for putting it on and inviting me!! I also got to attend a goat tying clinic and learned sooo much!! After the parade, Ainsley and I did a photo shoot. She loves doing photography! We had a lot of fun and I love all the pictures she took!

I can’t wait to see what I get to do this month!!

Gratefully, Morgan

Meet Lynn Haynes, Board Member and National Director–Oregon!

Born in Iowa, Lynn has lived in Iowa, Colorado, Upper Michigan, New Mexico (where she met Jim), Oregon, and England. She was married to Jim Haynes for 32 years before his passing and has two amazing daughters, both married, and a wonderful son–who was married last September–and two highly-active grandchildren.

While growing up in Colorado, Lynn was involved in 4-H, High School Rodeo, queening, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and was an award-winning violinist, to name a few. She has been a 4-H leader, holding many positions (including President of the Washington County 4-H Horse Advisory Board), Fair Superintendent, and others. She has also helped with Jr. Baseball as scorekeeper for her son’s team, and she currently serves on the Sherwood Police Foundation Board, an organization where her husband was a founding member. She was the Washington County Fair and Rodeo Queen Advisor and an Associate Member for the Canby Rodeo when she became involved with the Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation. She joined the year her 2002 Washington County Queen, Marla Meadows, became lady in waiting for Miss Rodeo Oregon 2003. She spent one year as a member and has held an office every year since 2004. She took over as Miss Rodeo America National Director – Oregon after Stephanie Crop Hedin retired after having her first baby in 2008; Nicole Andrews was her first MRO. She is enormously proud of ALL the young ladies whom she has helped, no matter the title or age of the young ladies.

Lois Forester wanted to ask a few questions of Lynn to get to know her better:

Lois — What is your job with Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation?

Lynn — To put it in a few words, I am the boss of Miss Rodeo Oregon. I am also the liaison between MROIF to the Miss Rodeo America Organization. This involves serving on quite a few different committees and completing a lot of assigned tasks. This also has me traveling to Mid Year Meetings and the MRA Pageant yearly.

Lois — What is the one quality that you want people to know you for?

Lynn — I guess it would be “My Passion” for these organizations and young ladies. This is one reason why I “dragged” Jim into helping me with these organizations after working with my sister, Miss Rodeo Idaho and 1^st Runner up at MRA Pageant winning Personality and Speech. Jim and I teamed up to help the young ladies to help with many aspects of their tryouts and reign. I was so proud that both MROIF Pageants have named their speech award the “Jim Haynes Memorial Speech Award” after his passing in 2016.

Lois — What is your favorite rodeo memory?

Lynn — Canby Rodeo at the Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo in 2012!! We are so honored and grateful to have had the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo as our host for the pageant since 2011. I not only was able to watch my now daughter-in-law, Katie Born Haynes do Grand Entry as Tillamook Rodeo Queen, but we also witnessed for the first time a Miss Rodeo America participate in that Rodeo and Grand Entry–2011 Miss Rodeo Oregon and 2012 Miss Rodeo America Mackenzie Carr Ivie! She was an amazing representative for the PRCA and the state of Oregon.

Lois — What is your favorite committee to serve on?

Lynn — Between the MROIF and MRA Organizations, I serve on many committees. I do genuinely enjoy all of them, but I think my favorite is the “Fashion Show Committee” at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. With the great leadership of Kiki Shumway, Cami McBride, and Mesia Murphy (to name a few), it is always a special day. I figured out that I have not actually seen a Fashion Show since 2006 MRO Trena Loftesness Anderson participated in the program. It is totally a different experience being behind the scenes. If you want some funny stories, let me know and we will chat! Between broken zippers, broken crowns, taping up kneecaps, and helping remove MRA’s toenail from her shoe after it was torn off during a dance, just to name a few, we could write a book!

Lois — Finally, what would you want potential contestants for MRO to know?

Lynn — I would love for young ladies to know that, if they are concerned about travel and cost for being MRO, it is totally up to them. Sara Marcus Deraldine, 2012 MRO, decided that she wanted to focus on the Columbia River Circuit and was the first MRO to attend Snake River Stampede. The ONLY REQUIRED rodeos that MRO attends are Oregon Rodeos but there is the potential to attend many more from Washington State to Florida. You truly can make the year what you want it to be but make it your year! PLEASE feel free to contact me if you should have any questions or concerns. I also want to let everyone know just how proud we are of all our 2020 – 2021 Titleholders. They are wonderful representatives for Oregon and making the best of a hard situation this year. To Sam, Ainsley, Morgan, and their families –Thank You!!

The Oregon Queen–June 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Samantha Henricks!

The great state of Oregon is made up of 98,381 square miles. From corner to corner, the state encompasses a diverse landscape. From coastal rain forests to high desert to lush green farmlands to the tall buildings that surround our state’s capitol, Oregon has a little bit of everything!

When I think of Oregon, I instantly think of Southern Oregon, because that is where I have grown up. If you visit my corner of the state, you will have to stop at Crater Lake. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and bottoms out at 1,943 feet. On your hike down from the lake, make sure you stop at my favorite lunch spot, Phil’s Frosty! It may not look like much, but they have the best burgers, fries and milkshakes around! Or maybe take a jet boat ride on the Rogue River, known for its salmon runs, whitewater rafting, and rugged scenery. It was one of the original eight rivers named in the Wild and Scenic Act of 1968. You can head west from there and take a tour of the 4,554-acre Oregon Caves National Monument, but only if you are prepared with a song to sing. Your tour guide will make you sing so you can hear the echos in the caves!

If you come visit the Rogue Valley at the end of May, you may just hit my hometown rodeo, the Central Point Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo! Listen to the announcer tell the story of Mr. Wade Leslie who climbed atop a 2000 pound red brindle bull named Wolfman Skoal in October of 1991. You may not believe it, but together they laid down the only 100 point bull ride in the history of the PRCA! Take a step back in time to the 1830’s when fur trappers, traders, farmers, miners and families alike moved west along the Oregon Trail–a 2,170 large-wheeled wagon route–to seek new opportunities. Fast forward to 1876 when the University of Oregon opened in Eugene. Deady Hall was the first building on campus and it still exists to this day!

In my hometown of Grants Pass, we have what is rumored to be the largest American flag within the state. We are also home to the Grants Pass Downs, an historical horse racing facility that was once home to the largest races in Oregon. If you head across town, you will see the Grants Pass High School. The Mel Ingram Stadium can hold up to 4,000 people and is a community hub come football season. Today, Oregon’s flag is the only state flag in the United States with a different design on each side. The front features the state seal in blue and gold and the reverse pictures a golden beaver. This is no doubt a tribute to the uniqueness of the state itself!

Whatever corner of the state you happen to find yourself in, you are bound to find rich history, an iconic rodeo, a great hike or an awesome restaurant. The beaver state holds a little something for everyone within her borders and is a place I am proud to call home.

Until next month!

Sam Henricks, MRO

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Ainsley Goughnour!

What a month May has been! I think I’m finally figuring out how to be a Covid-Rodeo Queen. I miss interacting with people in person but I’m embracing the changes and making the best of the situation.

I started out May with my first-ever podcast with the amazing Thomas Duncan on his show Chute Talk (Shoot Talk). Thomas is a professional photographer of rodeo and a huge supporter of rodeo queens. I had a great time getting to chat with him; we talked about everything from rodeo to photography and everything in between. You can look up the podcast on Chute Talk (Shoot Talk) and see what we had to say.

Being that this year’s rodeo queens have to be a bit more creative in how we reach out to people, I thought I’d take part in a webinar on social media taught by Katherine Merck, Miss Rodeo America 2016. She’s been a huge help and is oh so kind and genuine. Katherine had some great ideas that I’ve been able to implement into my social media. If you haven’t had a chance to check out my Facebook or Instagram, swing on over and check them out. I’d love to hear what you think.

Another virtual experience that I took part in was a recorded zoom interview with Ag In the Classroom. I did a tour of my barn and introduced my horses. The interview should be posted soon. I’ll make sure and let you all know when it is up and ready to view. A fun and in-person event that I was also invited to take part in was at Crater Elementary School’s drive through parade. The parade was for their students to drive by and see the teachers they’ve been missing. The St. Paul Rodeo Royal Court, Northwest Youth Rodeo Association Royalty, Jr. Miss Rodeo Oregon Morgan Brownell, and I attended the parade. We stood along the sidewalk dancing to music alongside the teachers and it felt great to be out and about again.

With everyone in quarantine, Sam, Morgan and I haven’t been able to spend time together so we took part in a Facebook Live interview. We gave advice on preparing for a pageant and answered some questions. You can take a look at it on the Miss Rodeo Oregon Inc. Foundation Facebook page. Speaking of making the best of our situation, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a photo shoot in Burns, OR. Thomas T. Duncan Photography knew most of the rodeos in Oregon were cancelled so he volunteered his time and drove from Idaho to Oregon and did a photo shoot for the Oregon “covid” queens. We took run-in pictures, individual, and group shots. It was great spending time with my sash sisters and meeting some of the girls I would have been traveling with this year. Be on the lookout for pictures that the amazing Thomas took!

The last week of May I received a call from my school and was asked to lead the St. Paul High School graduation parade. I was honored and humbled to lead a parade on Pete for my classmates, teammates, and friends. I had an amazing time riding along with the St. Paul Rodeo Royalty, family and friends of the graduates, and the graduates themselves, even though it was pouring down rain. Congratulations to the Class of 2020! The next day I hosted an Instagram Live with your 2019 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon, Meredith Moore. It was so much fun to catch up with Meredith and see what she’s been up to since passing down the crown. If you want to see what Meredith has been up to or hear some of her tips, check out my Instagram.

I hope you enjoy the tour of my hometown rodeo, the St. Paul Rodeo. I had a blast making the video and maybe you learned something new. I can’t wait for 2021 when the chutes fly open again.

Cheerfully,
Ainsley, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Morgan Brownell!

This month I was able to attend a student parade at Crater Elementary School in Newberg with Ainsley, the St. Paul Rodeo Court and the Northwest Youth Rodeo Association Court. We stood on the sidewalk along with the teachers as all of the students and their familes drove by. It was so much fun and I think the kids really enjoyed it. I also got to show off my custom chaps for the first time. They kept me nice and dry while it rained outside.

I also attended the Oregon queens photo shoot that Thomas Duncan put on for every Oregon rodeo queen. It was such a fun weekend. The photo shoot was in Burns at the Harney County Fair Grounds. Thank you so much Thomas Duncan Photography for making the drive to Oregon. On our way over, we made a stop in Bend where I was able to meet up with one of my sponsors, D & D Wild Rags, and pick up some new wild rags. I was able to showcase some of them during the photo shoot. I can’t wait to showcase the other ones I was able to get.

Ainsley and I took our trailers there and camped all weekend. We had fun playing card games, roping or just hanging out. Sadly, in all the fun, Ainsley got a little too excited from her catch on the roping dummy that she broke its leg and neck. It had to go to the vet, aka my dad, and got a lot of ”stitches” but it has had a safe recovery and is back to being roped off of. Needless to say, Ainsley sticks to heeling while I head. Overall I had a great weekend in Burns meeting so many new Oregon queens and people in general. It was a great opportunity and we got some great pictures out of it.

Other than that, I have been riding a lot and keeping my horses in shape so they are ready to go when we get to go somewhere.

Until next month, JMRO Morgan

The Oregon Queen–May 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Samantha Henricks!

“All dressed up with nowhere to go.” I think most everyone can relate to these words, myself included! Being a “Quarantine Queen” is not all it is cracked up to be and not to mention the stir crazy feeling I have being cooped up at home! I feel for the rodeo contestants, stock contractors, personnel and committees. Most of these people rely on rodeo to make ends meet and to have cancellation after cancellation is making for a difficult 2020.

My day-to-day life has not changed much as I work in healthcare and have been fortunate enough to stay working during this time. From testing to treating to preventing, operations at Siskiyou Community Health Center have been revolving around the COVID19 pandemic. Though I am happy to be able to help my community, if I never had to say, “COVID Hotline, this is Sam, how can I help you?”, ever again, I would be perfectly content!

With my Miss Rodeo Oregon appearances canceling left and right, I have taken to social media to reach out to the rodeo family. I have started the “Oregon Queen Spotlight”, a bi-weekly post that gives recognition to queens within the state of Oregon who work hard to promote their rodeos and associations. I have also started “Senior Sunday” where I am posting weekly to recognize OHSET, FFA and 4H seniors whose years have been cut short due to the pandemic. Lastly, and quite frankly my favorite, is a weekly Facebook Live I started and so cunningly named “Saturday Night Live”. Here, I have been interviewing queens, rodeo contestants, and members of the rodeo family to keep fans up to date. It’s also been a great way to let viewers learn a little more about rodeo and its contestants, all while providing some funny stories and good laughs!

Though this year is not going to plan for most everyone, not just in rodeo, but nationwide. I am trying to make the best of the situation and have enjoyed the time I get to spend at home with my family. I hope all of you are making the best of an unfortunate situation and have found a silver lining. I am thinking of you all, hoping that you stay healthy, safe, and most importantly… sane! I will keep my fingers crossed that sooner, rather than later, we will get all dressed up and actually have somewhere to go!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 Ainsley Goughnour!

Wow, who would have guessed a few short months ago that I’d be writing my monthly recap still in quarantine! Even though I’ve missed several events and rodeos that I was really looking forward to, I’ve been keeping busy reaching out to sponsors, sash sisters, youth and people in the rodeo community.

I’ve been staying active on social media posting videos and participating in Facebook Live interviews. My first interview was with Sam, Miss Rodeo Oregon. It was great to actually be able to see each other face to face even though we were miles apart. My second Facebook Live was with Miss Teen Rodeo Missouri, Molly Below. You see, a few months ago I began a group chat with all the state teen queens so that we could get to know each other and learn from each other’s titles. Little did I know that we would form instant friendships. Molly and I had a great time on our Live chat. It was like two old friends just hanging out. I loved every minute of it. Since then, the Teen Queens have had a Zoom call and we are planning more live events on social media.

Another way that I’ve been able to reach out to youth is by sending signed autograph sheets to kids for their birthdays or just for fun to help brighten their day. I received the sweetest little thank you card from one of the little girls that I sent a birthday wish to. Knowing that I can still touch people’s lives while in quarantine has brightened my spirits and kept me searching for ways to reach out.

One of the biggest highlights of the month was getting a call from the MRO President, Jr./Teen Advisor and Pageant Director. During this call, they explained to me their desire for me to reach the goals that I had set for myself and my year as Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 and they offered me the option to extend my title through 2021. I can’t express to you enough the joy that brought to me. Tears flowed down my face, knowing that they believed in me enough and wanted only the best for me by offering me this once in a lifetime opportunity. For those of you reading this that were planning on competing for a 2021 title but are no longer able to because of all the changes, please don’t give up on your dream. Keep preparing and you will rock it when the time comes.

When the MRO media director suggested we do some modeling videos of some of our outfits for this month’s newsletter, I was super excited. With all of the cancellations, I haven’t been able to wear many of the outfits that I had put together. This gave me a chance to get fancy and have some fun while locked down at home. I hope you enjoy the videos as much as I enjoyed making them.

I hope you all stay safe and I can’t wait to get out and see you down the rodeo road.

Joyfully,
Ainsley, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Morgan Brownell!

This month I was invited to help at the Animal Avenue in Keizer. It was held over one weekend and I got to see so many animals like snakes, turtles, long horns and many more. I also got to greet people as they came in. It was like a drive-thru zoo. They all stayed in their cars but still got to see all the animals.

Sam and I also held a live video where we talked about our year, how we are adjusting to the current times and we did a little q & a.

One other exciting thing that happened to me this month is I got a phone call from a couple of our board members. Julie, MROIF President, asked me if I would want to extend my year through 2021. What an amazing opportunity they have given me and of course I said yes about as fast as I could! I am so honored that the board feels like I am able to handle the job for another year. I am looking forward to more upcoming events, whether it be more live videos, social media posts or maybe even attending an appearance.

Hope everyone is staying safe–Morgan

Meet the President of Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation!

Greetings! I was asked to give a little different message this month about my background with the western lifestyle and why I support Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation and Miss Rodeo America.

I was raised on a small farm in Salem, Oregon where I was an active 4-H member for nine years. My projects were horse, sheep, and flowers. I started with a grade mare that liked reverse better than forward and ended with a registered quarter horse mare “Hairpin Liz”. After 4-H, I went on to show her in reining at open and AQHA-approved shows.

I was a member of several courts, but being Queen of the Phil Sheridan Days Rodeo was my most memorable. There was the white brocade suit that had to be dry cleaned after every performance, making a Queen’s run on “Liz” as she kicked dirt into the grandstands while going full out around the arena, the friendships made with other Royalty and, of course, everyone went to St. Paul and Sisters.

I worked for the State of Oregon for 35 years. I held several positions, but most were in Social Services. I retired from the State but quickly failed at retirement and have been working as a Disability Consultant for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde for the last 15 years.

During these years I also became a judge for the 4-H program, OHSET, OHA, OFEA, as well as Rodeo Queen Pageants. I still judge, give clinics and lessons, and do a little horse training. Working with youth–watching them grow and succeed–is very gratifying. I currently live on 24 acres in Salem, Oregon where I raise beef cattle. No horses, as with all my activities there just isn’t time for one!

I became a member of Miss Rodeo Oregon in 2003 and Miss Rodeo America in 2014. I am a member of the National Advisory Council for MRA. Since becoming a member of MROIF, I have had the opportunity to work with many of our titleholders before and after their reigns. Helping with their horsemanship skills and knowledge base and providing overall support is such a rewarding experience.

I am looking forward to the rest of this year, but with the current restrictions from the Corona Virus we will proceed day by day. We have three very talented titleholders for 2020–Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon Morgan Brownell, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon Ainsley Goughnour, and Miss Rodeo Oregon Samantha Henricks. Our Queens Clinic with 2019 Miss Rodeo America Taylor McNair has been rescheduled to October 2020. Our 2021 Miss Rodeo Oregon Queen Pageant is still scheduled for August 2020 during the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo.

With all that is happening, our Executive Board members are more important than ever. The Board made the decision to extend the reign of our 2020 Junior and Teen Miss Rodeo Oregon through December 31, 2021. We lost our venue for the Junior/Teen Pageant as the Tillamook Fair and Rodeo was cancelled for 2020. The young ladies had so many goals for promoting agriculture and Rodeo with Oregon’s youth through school visits, youth and NPRA Rodeos, parades and other personal appearances. The Board looked at several options, but felt that allowing them to go forward with support from MROIF and their families would be the best solution. At this time, we are still waiting for a decision from the Governor as to the future of social gatherings to allow Samantha to hold her coronation. Miss Rodeo America is not allowing State Queens to be carried over for 2021. Look for future fundraising activities and updates on Samantha’s schedule as they are known. Patience, understanding and support are the key words we are using now.

Until next month,
Julie Singer, President MROIF

The Oregon Queen — April 2020

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 Ainsley Goughnour!

What an interesting month March has been. I started out the month with so much excitement for this was to be my busiest month of my “queen” year so far. The first weekend, I was in Baker City for the 2020 1A state basketball tournament. Unfortunately, I had gotten a concussion (playing basketball) in January and I still wasn’t cleared to play at state nearly 2 months later. I’m so proud of how my team played; we just fell short of winning state and placed 2^nd. I was disappointed that I was still having symptoms from my concussion which ended up ending my basketball season. Even though there was some disappointment and frustration from my season ending so soon, I needed to be patient and let my body heal. I know that next season I’ll be back and ready to play.

Little did I know that this would be the beginning of many cancellations. I had a very full MTRO schedule that was just about to crash. I’ve chosen to make the best of the situation and stay positive through this difficult time for everyone. I’m blessed that my family and I are still healthy.

The 2^nd weekend of March I was supposed to attend 2020 Miss Teen Rodeo Washington’s Coronation. It had to be postponed due to covid-19 and I am hopeful that I can make it to her coronation when it is rescheduled. Then more cancellations the following weekend when I was supposed to be at the FFA State Convention as well as attend Samantha’s coronation which was cancelled for the safety of everyone attending. As you know, pretty much everything was canceled from school, rodeo events to everything in between. I could have used this time to sulk and continue to ask WHY?? But for me I’ve used this time to let me body continue to heal from my concussion. And I’m happy to report that I am doing very well and I haven’t been having any symptoms related to the concussion. So in that way this break has been good for me. Who knew that a hit to the head would take nearly 3 months to heal?

Another exciting thing that’s taking place this month is that I FINALLY got my braces off so of course my mom and I pulled out my camera for some new pictures WITHOUT the braces. We took pictures with my custom made chaps and with Pete my beloved horse. I’d say the pictures turned out pretty well considering they were taken by a couple of amateurs!

As our quarantine time continues to get longer and longer, I started asking myself, “What can I do from home that would still allow me to be the ambassador that I have so longed to be? What can I do to make a difference?” I came up with the idea of writing thank you cards to the residents at the Oregon Veterans home not far from where I live. I had seen that they were locked in their facility without any family or friends being allowed to visit and this just broke my heart. So, I had time and I had cards and I began to write. The cards were mailed off last week. I hope to bring some joy to those who have worked so hard for my freedom and country.

If you have any ideas for community service that I can do from home, please message me. I’d love to hear your thoughts. I hope you are staying safe and healthy and I can’t wait to see you on the rodeo road.

Yours Truly,

Ainsley, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Morgan Brownell!

Congratulation to Canby on their coronation. You guys did it just in the nick of time. It was really fun to go to support you ladies. It was my last event before quarantine and it was a fun one!

While I’ve been in quarantine, I’ve been doing some roping practice, working on breaking a pony named Charlie, working with my project horse Custer, and just giving my horses the love and attention they need. Charlie is a 4 year old paint mare and is so sweet. I have been working on breaking her for some people that bought her for their kids. She is working so hard and has been learning so much. I’m so proud of how far I’ve gotten with her. Custer is my 6 year old gelding that I am working on as a project horse. He is bred to cut but we are trying out some different things on him like team roping and barrel racing. We are just trying to see what he does best and what works out for him.

Other than all that I have just been riding my horses and I plan to come out of this quarantine better than ever. I have really been working towards some things with my show horse Kid and I can say we are definitely getting better. I have also been working with Tommy and our gaming and trying to fix everything that we have problems with! I am so ready for all of this to be over so I can get back on the rodeo road. I can’t wait to meet new people and make new memories.

Gratefully, 2020 JMRO Morgan Brownell

Introducing Glenda Franich, Junior Teen Advisor!

A native Oregonian, Glenda grew up in the Oregon 4-H Horse Program and participated in gaming and horsemanship events, winning many high point awards and achieved the “Dad Potter” ten-step 4-H Senior Horsemanship award her last year in 4-H.

Glenda has been judging 4-H horse events for over 40 years. She also holds cards for the Oregon Horseman’s Association, the Pony of the Americas Club, and the Oregon High School Equestrian Team (OHSET) organization. The sport of Rodeo has long been a passion of Glenda’s. She was selected as a Molalla Buckeroo princess and Queen. She has remained active with the Molalla Buckeroo Association as a Director and is President of the Molalla Buckeroo Royals, an energetic group of past Buckeroo royalty.

Glenda joined the Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation in 2007 following participation as a pageant judge for the 2008 Jr. and Teen MRO. Inspired by the dedication of members and their passion to provide encouragement and learning of life skills to young women in pursuit of their dreams, Glenda has been an active member of the Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation for the past seven years as Chair of the Education and Programs Committee, organizing the annual Rodeo Queen Clinic and was recently appointed as the Jr. and Teen MRO Coordinator. Looking forward, Glenda is excited to be an active part of the MROIF activities and working with others to offer opportunities for Oregon youth to explore new adventures in their communities and beyond, learn new skills, and reach for their dreams.

The Oregon Queen — March 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Samantha Henricks!

This month has come and gone, but has left behind many memories and moments to look back on!

I kicked off the month of February at the Southern District OHSET Meet where I was able to talk with the athletes about agricultural programs they can be involved in after high school, coaching, and of course rodeo and representing the sport as a title holder!

The highlight of this month was traveling 2,524 miles across the United States to the sunny state of Florida for the Silver Spurs Rodeo. Along with participating in the parade, many school visits, and other activities, I also got to dip my toes in the Atlantic ocean for the first time! We were also fortunate enough to visit the Chapman Family’s blueberry farm and even got to go on a wild hog hunt! My favorite tourist attraction in Florida however, was the airboat ride at Wild Florida. In my hometown, jet boats are very popular on the Rogue River, which is a pastime I enjoy during the summer. Therefore, getting to see Florida’s spin on boating was exciting! Not to mention the crocodiles and alligators which replaced the salmon and steelhead I am used to!

Upon returning from Florida, I attended Morgan’s Coronation where she had a great turnout and overall a very successful fundraiser! Later in the month, I also got to attend the 2020 Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo Court Coronation. Many of you may not know, but I started my queening journey in 2015 representing the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo as princess and again in 2016 as their queen. To come full circle and return to the 2020 Coronation as Miss Rodeo Oregon was very humbling. I got to finish off the month by traveling to the top of the state to celebrate the 2020 Miss Northwest Professional Rodeo Association Queen, Nicole Rice, at her coronation. I had the opportunity to serve as the 2017 Miss NPRA and to return to this queen program was very rewarding as it continues to thrive!

Sprinkled in between my travels, I have been preparing for my own coronation! Consider this a formal invite to attend! My Coronation is March 21st at the Boys and Girls Club in Grants Pass, Oregon. The event doors open at 5:30pm with the program kicking off at 6:00pm. If you would like to buy tickets, please contact me! Looking forward to the next thirty days as I am very excited as I get to attend my first Oregon rodeo, the High Desert Stampede! Along with the Canby Rodeo Court’s Coronation, the second Southern District OHSET Meet, and my own coronation, it is safe to say, I will not be bored! Stay tuned and thank you for your continuous support!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 Ainsley Goughnour!

Wow, what a month February has been!

I kicked off the month attending the Willamette Valley OHSET meet in Albany. I had fun walking around the barns handing out flyers for the Miss Rodeo Oregon Clinic that will be held April 3-5 in Madras and signing autographs. The following weekend, I attended the Santiam Canyon Stampede tryouts. My sister, Alexis, was their Queen last year and unfortunately she was unable to attend due to work, so I had the great honor of crowing the 2020 Miss Santiam Canyon Stampede. Congratulations Allie on your new title; you will have an amazing year!

On the 22nd of February I made my way to Salem to support Morgan on her special day. At Morgan’s coronation I was able to help model live auction items and enjoyed a delicious dinner. I had fun spending time with all the visiting royalty. Congratulations to Rowdy on an amazing year as the 2019 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon and congratulations to Morgan on this amazing adventure she is going on! I feel so blessed to share this year with Morgan and Sam.

To finish the month Sam, Morgan and I made our way to Saint Helens to attend the 2020 Miss NPRA coronation. I helped carry around live auction items and was able to meet many title holders that I’ll be traveling with this year. It was a blast hanging out with Sam, Morgan, and other visiting Royalty. Cheers to Emylia on a job well done and congratulations to Nicole on her 2020 title.

With March here now and spring in the air I’m getting more and more excited for rodeo season to begin. I hope to see you all at Sam’s coronation on March 21!

Graciously,
Ainsley, Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Morgan Brownell!

Another month has passed and so many more memories have been made. This month I was delighted to have my very own coronation on February 22nd. I had such a blast and it was a great time. I also got to go to the Miss NPRA Nicole Rice’s coronation which was a blast!

My first event of the month was the Miss Santiam Canyon Stampede queen tryouts. I was able to attend along with MTRO Ainsley Goughnour and the 2018 JMRO Lauren Gibson. Congratulations to the 2020 Miss SCS Queen Allie Nuhring. I had such an amazing time and can’t wait for the Santiam Canyon Stampede. Also, did you know that my mom was the very first Miss Santiam Canyon Stampede Queen?

It took a lot of planning to get my coronation to run just the way I wanted and everyone expected but in the end I couldn’t have asked for a better night. We had a better turnout than expected and I am so thankful for that. I would just like to say thank you to everyone that showed up and truly made the night the best it could be. None of it would be possible without you! I would also like to say a personal thank you to my Emcees Kayla Vincent and Ashley Ferch. Also a huge thank you to my DJ, DJ Glenn. Lastly, I would like to say thank you to all of the people behind the scenes doing all they could do to make the night run smoothly.

I had an amazing time at the MIss NPRA coronation celebrating the 2020 Miss NPRA Nicole Rice. It was so much fun and I had an amazing time. Congratulations on the successful night. I had a great time meeting new people and rodeo queens I haven’t been able to meet yet. I’m excited to travel all around Oregon with you this summer!

Gratefully, Morgan Brownell, 2020 Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon

One of our more recent sponsors, Pendleton Woolen Mills, pulled out all the stops this year for Taylor Ann’s wardrobe. They provided several yards of fabric for articles of clothing and embellishments, also providing a Pendleton blanket for the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Auction. Thanks to the following designers who collaborated with Taylor Ann on her wardrobe: Ariana Head (custom-decorated Wrangler jacket, boot parade outfit, fashion show dress); Judy Benzel (Horsemanship shirt); Harris Sisters Collaborative (Justin boots embellishments); Kanaine (speech dress); Char Bracher (Interview skirt). Photo credit for all MRA photographs go to Sherry Smith Photography.

The Oregon Queen–February 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Samantha Henricks!

My first month as Miss Rodeo Oregon was one for the books and flew by just as fast as the Cervi horse I was able to ride in Denver!

I kicked off January by making the snowy trek to Yakima, Washington for the Columbia River Circuit Finals. There, I was accompanied by Ainsley and Miss Rodeo Washington 2020. I was honored to present the American flag at the Friday night performance and had a great time at the Rascal Rodeo on Saturday! On Sunday, I headed for the Portland Airport to catch my flight to Denver for the National Western Stock Show. One thing I never expected coming into my year was the strange looks that get thrown directly at my hat can while walking through the airport! While I was waiting at the gate to board my flight, a woman asked me, “What is in your case?” and when I told her that it was just a hat I heard another woman say, “See I told you that was all it was!” to whom I assume was her husband. Apparently, I need a label for my hat can to ease suspicion in the airport!

I arrived safely in Denver and hit the ground running with WESA Market, three performances of PBR, three school visits, three performances of PRCA Rodeo, Equicross, an animal welfare clinic, and many AQHA classes and livestock shows. I also got to attend a Colorado Avalanche game, which was very fun, as I have never been to a hockey game before. Miss Rodeo Colorado was able to score front row seats and I had a blast watching! The state queens were also given a tour of the Denver Zoo, where we were able to get up close and personal with some giraffes and were treated to lunch before we headed back to the Rodeo. I was able to swing my leg over multiple of the iconic black horses of the Cervi Rodeo Company, which was probably the highlight of my time in Denver.

I really enjoyed my time in Denver, but had to head back to Oregon (and the warmer weather) after seven days so I could attend Ainsley’s coronation. I believe my flight landed at 4:19 pm and I rolled in just as her event was kicking off at 6:00 pm! Ainsley had a great showing and it was really nice to see all the support she has as she embarks on her journey. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making her big night a success!

The following weekend, I made a much shorter trip to Junction City, Oregon to attend the Eugene Pro Rodeo Coronation. Queen Sha Walton and Junior Queen Pip Swan had a great showing! Congrats ladies–I look forward to traveling with you this year!

I wrapped up the last weekend of the month at the Southern District OHSET meet. Here I was able to speak to the athletes about agricultural opportunities after high school, which included Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, Eastern Oregon University’s Rodeo Team, Rodeo Queening and the benefits of volunteering their time to youth programs. I also coach two of the teams in Southern District, Grants Pass and North Valley. And….. I must brag as we ended the weekend with five team event wins, five individual event wins, and a multitude of top five placings throughout the weekend!

This month I will get to visit the sunny, warm state of Florida which I am looking forward to! I will also get to celebrate Morgan, as her coronation is this month. Thank you all who have supported me and will continue to do so; it is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Samantha Henricks, Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 Ainsley Goughnour!

Wow, time sure does fly when you’re having fun!

For my first official appearance I made my way up to Yakima Valley, WA for the Columbia River Circuit Finals. The first thing I did when I got to Yakima was to volunteer at the Rascal Rodeo. I had a great time hanging out with the kids and
their families and signing autographs. That night I had the opportunity to go to the second performance of the Columbia River Circuit Finals. I started out the night signing autograph sheets with Miss Rodeo Washington, Madi Casto and Miss Rodeo Oregon, Sam. Sam and Madi were very welcoming and kind and really helped show me the ropes at my first rodeo appearance of the year. I also met up with the Miss Teen Rodeo Washington, Chloe. I’m looking forward to meeting up with Chloe at future events. The rodeo was a blast and the contestants and livestock were top notch.
I had a wonderful surprise in the mail when I returned home from the finals. My custom made chaps had arrived. They are even better than I had imagined and I couldn’t wait to show them off at my coronation. They are so classy and I’m super excited to wear them in the arena.

The next weekend was my coronation. Coronation Day was so incredible! It started off with an interview by Clackamas County TV where they also captured the whole night on video. That night I had a blast talking to so many people who came to support me. Thanks to everyone who attended; we had a very successful event. The night’s activities included a yummy dinner made by one of my sponsors, McKillip’s Catering, a dessert auction, silent auction, live auction, dutch
auction, and of course the crowning and recognition of Meredith and everything she accomplished during her year as the 2019 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported me. I truly appreciate everyone’s generosity. A huge thank you to the Clackamas County Fair and Event Center for being amazing hosts and great sponsors. My coronation wouldn’t have been possible without them. I’d like to give another thanks to Christopher Bridge Wines, Little Wagon Bartending and Sip City for providing beverages. I felt so loved and will remember this night forever.

The day after coronation, Meredith and I met up and had an incredible time in a photoshoot of the two of us. I feel so blessed to follow in her footsteps and to have gained a new forever friend. I have no doubt we will see Meredith again as rodeo royalty.

On January 25, I was able to attend the Miss and Little Miss Eugene Pro Rodeo Coronation. I had a great night with Sam, Morgan, MRO Sweethearts and past Jr. Miss Rodeo Oregon Lauren Gibson, and other visiting royalty. I got to help with carrying around live auction items and desserts. It was a fun night celebrating the 2019 Eugene Pro Rodeo girls Katie and Mackenzie as well as the 2020 EPR queens Shay and Pip. I can’t wait to see them on the rodeo road!

I’m looking forward to what February has in store including Jr. Miss Rodeo Oregon Morgan’s coronation planned for February 22.
Graciously,
Ainsley Goughnour
Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Morgan Brownell!

It’s hard to believe that my first month of being JMRO is already over. I have had such a great time and have made so many new memories and have met some amazing people. It has also been a lot of work preparing for my coronation that is coming up very soon!

My first appearance was the 2020 MTRO Ainsley Goughnour’s coronation. I had an amazing time helping with the live and dessert auctions. I got to see Miss Rodeo Oregon Sweetheart Paisley Gibson and I was delighted to have her help me with auctioning off items and helping to raise money for Ainsley. Ainsley’s coronation was a blast and it just gets me even more excited for mine!

My next appearance was the Eugene Pro Rodeo coronation where we got to celebrate Queen Shay Walton and Little Miss Eugene Pro Rodeo Penelope Swan. It was a night full of fun with lots of new memories made. I had a blast being able to help out with everything I could. I’m really excited to be able to travel around with the Eugene girls and congratulations to them.

Other than coronations, I have been searching for sponsors, getting donations for my coronation, and getting finishing touches ready. I hope to see you at my coronation on February 22nd!

Gratefully, Morgan Brownell, 2020 Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon

Board Members and Court Advisors!

Two of our board members also serve as Court Directors for their hometown rodeos! Tanya Cloutier has been the Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo Court Director for twelve years in Madras, Oregon. Carol Zimmerman has been a dual advisor for the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo Queen and Grand Marshal for six years in Bend, Oregon.

Tanya serves on the Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation board as 1st VP and MRO Pageant Director. Carol serves on the MROIF board as Secretary. We are fortunate to have you on the board!

The Miss Rodeo Oregon Spirit Award!

The board of Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation has completely revamped the Spirit Award beginning January 1, 2020. Beginning with pageants this year, a Spirit Award can be given to any one contestant in a rodeo queen pageant who meets the criteria set by the board. The pageant director then makes application to MROIF for a clinic scholarship on their behalf. Up to four scholarships will be awarded to Spirit Award winners for the 2021 clinic.

2020 Scholarship Application for Spirit Award fillable

Miss Rodeo Oregon Queen Clinic–April 3 to 5, 2020!

We are excited for the 2020 clinic with Miss Rodeo America 2019 Taylor McNair! This will be our 18th year presenting clinics in Oregon, from the very first “Cowgirls and Crowns” one-day clinic in 2003 to our current weekend-long clinic. In addition to Taylor McNair, we will have MRO 2020 Samantha Henricks, MRO 2018 Jessi Cornforth, MRO 2017 Kayla Vincent, Miss Rodeo Washington 2018 Beth Snider, and Oregon CattleWomen President Diana Wirth as guest clinicians!

Registration is now available on our website: http://www.missrodeooregon.com/wpz18/events/clinics/

If you have a girl younger than twelve who wishes to attend, please call Glenda Franich at (503) 819-6548 to discuss our needs and hers!

If you have questions, contact us on our Facebook page, contact Glenda Franich, or send us a note at missrodeooregonincfoundation@gmail.com.

The Oregon Queen–January 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Samantha Henricks!

When people tell you, “The time will fly by,” they are not kidding. The months since the Miss Rodeo Oregon pageant in August have done exactly that.

I wanted to kick off my first blog entry by telling you a little bit more about myself! I am twenty-four years old and I have lived in the Rogue Valley my entire life. Currently, I call Grants Pass my home. I grew up alongside my younger brother, Jake, younger sister, Jessie, and my parents, Lyle and Lisa. When I was younger, I was very involved in the 4-H program, particularly the swine and horse projects, where I graduated as a nine year member. I also was a four year member of Oregon High School Equestrian Teams (OHSET), competing for Grants Pass High School, until I graduated in 2014. I played soccer for ten years and alongside my family, was always competing in breed and open shows with my mule.

Currently, I work at Siskiyou Community Health Center as a CCMA and in my spare time I coach the Grants Pass and North Valley High School Equestrian Teams. As I am planning next year, I cannot help but reflect on the reasons I wanted to become Miss Rodeo Oregon. These same reasons are becoming an instrumental part in coordinating this next year. Of course, traveling across the state and country, not only representing Oregon, the PRCA, the sport of rodeo and the western heritage and family values the industry stands for, are all driving factors. However, I want to spend extra time this year representing the youth, especially youth who are involved in agricultural programs like the ones I grew up with. My goal, or platform if you will, for 2020 is to submerge myself into programs like 4-H, High School Rodeo, FFA and Equestrian Team as these programs are where the next generation of rodeo athletes and ambassadors lie. Plus, I believe that the younger generation needs positive role models to show them anything is possible with hard work, grit and determination, qualities nearly every rodeo athlete displays.

During the months after pageant I have had multiple appearances. First, I traveled to Gaston, Oregon where I met 2019 MRO Taylor Ann. Here, we both were able to be a part of their annual car show. Though it was incredibly warm, we had fun walking through all the cars and trucks and even got to select one to recognize with the MRO’s Choice Award! Next, I was able to be a part of the 2020 Miss Northwest Pro Rodeo Association (NPRA) Pageant. I was invited to be a Little Miss Judge and well as the contestant chaperone for the Miss contestants. Both were a huge honor as I served as the 2017 Miss NPRA. In October, I was asked to be a guest at the 2019 Grants Pass High School’s Booster Club Auction. If anyone has ever been to any Grants Pass Athletic event, you will see how instrumental the Booster Club is for the school, and ultimately the community of Grants Pass. If you were following the MRO Facebook page, you will see that I was able to make the trip down to Las Vegas for the 2020 Miss Rodeo America Pageant to support Taylor Ann. And when I say trip, I mean a seventeen hour car ride with my mom. Gotta love snow and chains! Though I have been the National Finals Rodeo before, I had never been to any pageant events. I have to say, if you ever have the opportunity to go to the Miss Rodeo America Fashion Show, do it. That was definitely the highlight of the trip. I also got to see Horsemanship, the Chap Parade, and Speeches. I also attended the 2020 Lady in Waiting breakfast as well as the Rodeo Royalty Seminar.

As January approaches, I am getting geared up for the Columbia River Circuit Finals and the Denver Stock Show and Market. Then I will head north to attend the 2020 Teen MRO Coronation and will wrap up the month at the OHSET Southern District Meet where I was asked to be a guest speaker. I truly hope that time starts to slow down, though I have my doubts! I want to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point and those who will continue to support me. I hope to see you all in my travels!

Sincerely, Samantha Henrick

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 Ainsley Goughnour!

Wow! I can’t believe it’s already been six months since my name was announced as the 2020 Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon. What a humbling experience. I feel so honored to be able to represent rodeo and the state of Oregon in 2020.

My time as Lady in Waiting has been so much fun and very busy. Morgan (Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020) and I met the Miss Rodeo Oregon Board at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds to go over our contracts shortly after the pageant. This made things feel so real to me. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face if you tried.

In August, I attended the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant. We kicked off the week with a pajama party. At the PJ party we hung out with the current Miss Rodeo Oregon title holders, Miss Rodeo Alaska, Jonna Drew, and contestant Samantha Henricks. I had a blast playing games; I have to say Meredith and I didn’t win but we made a pretty good team. The next morning was Horsemanship. Taylor Ann used my horse Pete; he was also one of the draw horses. I love being able to share him with the rodeo queen world. During Horsemanship, Morgan and I sold programs and cheered on all the contestants. Right after horsemanship I headed over to the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo Court Ice Cream Social where I met up with the St. Paul Rodeo Court and Candy Rodeo Court. We then hustled over to mock TV interviews with the contestants; I was surprised to be called up for an Interview as well. During the fashion show, I helped sell raffle tickets and was introduced as MTRO 2020. I don’t think that will ever get old. Standing with all of the visiting royalty (including my sister who is the Santiam Canyon Queen) was such an honor. I was also able to be there when Samantha Henricks was crowned 2020 Miss Rodeo Oregon.

My first official photoshoot was at the Oregon Gardens. I’d like to thank AZ Photography for all the amazing pictures and for braving the 100 degree day with me. She came up with some great shots. September brought the NPRA Finals and 2020 Miss NPRA Pageant in Salem. I was announced during the performance and was asked to help hand out bandanas to the crowd during the rodeo. I was also able to spend time with Samantha and Morgan as well as 2019 MTRO Meredith and JMRO Rowdy. We all have a great time together and I feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing group.

October was the beginning of rodeo court tryout season in my area. I attended the St. Paul Rodeo court tryouts, my hometown rodeo, where I helped collect score sheets and helped take down the trail course. Congrats to Kearsten, Saige, and Monica — I can’t wait to travel our great state together!

Morgan and I, along with our families, made the drive east to Taylor’s send off party. I had a blast supporting Taylor. We introduced ourselves and enjoyed a delicious spaghetti dinner. Watching Taylor model her MRA outfits and wishing her well before she traveled to Las Vegas was definitely worth the four-hour drive (one way). The Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo Court tryouts were next on my lady in waiting agenda. Spending time with Maddie and Savanna (2019 CCF&R Court), taking pictures and looking through all of their memories gave me even more excitement for my year. All of the contestants did amazing and I’d like to congratulate the 2020 CCF&R Court Nicole, Alexa, and Marlee and I can’t wait to spend more time with you guys this coming year.

Winter arrived with a blast of cold weather and snow in Central Oregon over Thanksgiving so of course I had to take advantage of the beautiful landscape and do a second photoshoot in Bend in the snow. It was very cold but worth it for the amazing pictures. A special thank you to Jed Lowrie Photography for braving the single digit temperatures to get some amazing shots.

I have been working hard on finding sponsors and donations of auction items for my coronation, dinner and auction. My coronation will be held at the Clackamas County Fair and Event Center on January 18, 2020. It should be a great evening of celebration. I hope to see you there. Congratulations to Meredith Moore on an outstanding year as Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2019. She set the bar high and I’ll do my best to follow in her footsteps with grace, joy and lots of laughter. Here’s to an amazing start to what’s sure to be an amazing year. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. I couldn’t do it without you.
Cheerfully yours–Ainsley

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Morgan Brownell!

I can’t believe it’s already 2020! It seems like just yesterday I got crowned. I grew up with rodeo queens all around me and I always wanted to be one of them. When I got crowned 2020 Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon it was the happiest day of my life and I realized I got to be one of those girls I always looked up to as a kid. I can’t wait for all the adventures 2020 has in store for me.

My first event as Lady in Waiting was the Miss Rodeo Oregon pajama party. We had a coloring contest and many other fun games. The day after that, I helped sell programs with 2020 MTRO Ainsley at Horsemanship and I also got to cheer on the girls in the arena. I wasn’t able to make many appearances at the MRO pageant because I had my youth rodeo finals that weekend but that didn’t stop me from making appearances.

I had my youth rodeo finals in Philomath. On Saturday I ran barrels and had goat tying. Later that night there were court tryouts for the 2020 Northwest Youth Rodeo Association. I got to make a Lady in Waiting run in during horsemanship and help with speeches. On Sunday, I had team roping and pole bending in which I placed 5th!

My next Lady in Waiting event was going to NPRA Finals. The first night, MTRO Ainsley and I got to go to the VIP seating and during grand entry we were introduced. I got to attend the Miss NPRA fashion show and later that night see Nicole Rice get crowned as the 2020 Miss NPRA.

My second to last event was going to Miss Rodeo Oregon Taylor Ann’s good luck party for the Miss Rodeo America pageant. I got to help with auctioning off a dessert to help raise money for Taylor to go to Las Vegas. I also got to write Taylor Ann a little good luck note that was going to be put into a scrapbook for her to take to the Miss Rodeo America pageant with her.

Finally I had my last event of 2019 and that was the Hoof ‘N Holler New Years Eve Rodeo in Albany. 2019 JMRO Rowdy Israel was also there to crown me at midnight. We started off with handing out programs to the people as they came in the door. We then got to help with giveaways in the arena between events. Rowdy crowned me at midnight officially as the 2020 Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon.

I have been super busy planning for my coronation that is going to be held on February 22nd. It is a lot of work with all of the planning that needs to be done. I have also been excitedly finding a chap maker and getting my chaps designed and all the leather ordered to get them started.

Until next month–Morgan Brownell, 2020 Jr Miss Rodeo Oregon

Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors!

We couldn’t do what we do without the financial and in-kind sponsorship of these folks. Bob Roy is the leather artist who provides saddles for all our titleholders and leather frames for our judges. Jeff Wong is our official pageant photographer and generously provides personal albums for all contestants and gives us the official first portraits of every new Miss Rodeo Oregon. Clackamas County Fairgrounds and Canby Rodeo have been our generous hosts during every pageant since 2011. The family of Jim Haynes continues to provide financially for too many items to list. The man who designed our website, Chad Morris of Fervent Media, makes us look good in every way. Tillamook County Rodeo partners with the Junior Teen Pageant and provides the arena and meeting space. Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo provides the space and arena for our annual Spring Clinic. Pendleton Woolen Mills sponsors the blanket that is part of the Miss Rodeo Oregon auction bag at the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Auction. Hamley’s sponsored the perpetual serape that Miss Rodeo Oregon uses. Boot Barn provides the fashions that we use in the Fashion Show every summer. Best Western sponsors the conference room at the Wilsonville location. Canby Ford sponsors vehicles for our judges and contestants. Douglas Harmon CPA tabulates the score sheets for our Miss pageant. Rocking R5 Ranch Rodeo Co. is the voice of the Horsemanship competition and also provides the cattle.

We salute you all!

The Oregon Queen — October 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Samantha Henricks!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Ainsley Goughnour!

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Morgan Brownell!

Animal Evacuations: Personal Stories

Meet the MROIF Treasurer Raylah Holm!

Thank you to our very generous sponsors!

The Oregon Queen — September 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Samantha Henricks!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Ainsley Goughnour!

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-21 Morgan Brownell!

Meet 2nd VP Lois Forester!

The Oregon Queen–August 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Samantha Henricks!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Ainsley Goughnour!

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Morgan Brownell!

Meet Tanya Cloutier, 1st VP and Miss Pageant Director!

Membership Meeting!

The Oregon Queen–July 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Samantha Henricks!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Ainsley Goughnour

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Morgan Brownell!

One year ago at the Junior/Teen Pageant!

Meet Lynn Haynes, Board Member and National Director–Oregon!

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

The Oregon Queen–June 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Samantha Henricks!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Ainsley Goughnour!

Parade Ready!!

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020-2021 Morgan Brownell!

Covid Queens Photo Shoot with Thomas Duncan Photography!

Looking Forward!!

Sponsors, we thank you!!

The Oregon Queen–May 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Samantha Henricks!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 Ainsley Goughnour!

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Morgan Brownell!

Meet the President of Miss Rodeo Oregon, Inc. Foundation!

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2021 Pageant

Fingers Crossed!

Fall Miss Rodeo Oregon Clinic!

The Oregon Queen — April 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Samantha Henricks!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 Ainsley Goughnour!

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Morgan Brownell!

Introducing Glenda Franich, Junior Teen Advisor!

Since 1957, Oregon’s Finest Royalty!

Our upcoming pageants!

Rescheduled Date!

Thanks once more to our sponsors! We appreciate you!!

The Oregon Queen — March 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Samantha Henricks!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 Ainsley Goughnour!

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Morgan Brownell!

Upcoming Events for March and April!

Upcoming Pageants!

The Oregon Queen–February 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Samantha Henricks!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 Ainsley Goughnour!

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Morgan Brownell!

Board Members and Court Advisors!

Upcoming Coronations!

The Miss Rodeo Oregon Spirit Award!

Miss Rodeo Oregon Queen Clinic–April 3 to 5, 2020!

Thank you, MROI Foundation Sponsors!

The Oregon Queen–January 2020

Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Samantha Henricks!

Miss Teen Rodeo Oregon 2020 Ainsley Goughnour!

Junior Miss Rodeo Oregon 2020 Morgan Brownell!

January 18 Coronation!!

Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors!