MRSD Travel Log - December Newsletter
Never give up. Always
ride for the brand. Talk less and say more. You reap what you sow. Start each day with a smile. Everything
happens for a reason.
Growing up, we are offered unlimited advice. Often times by people who have our best
interests in mind, sometimes by those just wanting to hear their own voices. While this month marks the conclusion of my year
as Miss Rodeo South Dakota, I know that without the constant support and
direction, especially from my family, I would not have the incredible life I am
enjoying today.
I spent the first two weeks of December in Las Vegas, Nevada. With the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in
town, it was a perfect setup for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Rodeo is known for the camaraderie amongst
the competitors. It is the only sport I
know of where a person’s toughest competition is also the same person that
would do anything to help the other win.
Thirty one states were represented this year, and because of my travels
as Miss Rodeo South Dakota, it literally felt like I was spending the time with
my closest friends.
After drawing two great horses during the horsemanship
competition, strutting a pair of hot pink Wrangler shorts during the fashion
show – not by choice, and evoking ample emotions from the audience during my
speech, I was content that I had showed the judges everything South Dakota had
to offer. Apparently, I was the only one
who thought Wednesday’s coronation flew by. Before I knew it, I was standing with
nine other incredible women among the Top Ten.
Then an unexplainable joy as I was called as one of the Top Five! A humbling experience to say the least,
knowing the caliber of women standing next to me and the remarkable people I
represented back home. Finally, standing
center stage with Chenae Shiner, Miss Rodeo Utah, we waited to hear the final
announcement. Chenae had won the
photogenics and appearance categories; I had secured the horsemanship and
personality categories; the final results were up in the air. When South Dakota was called as first
runner-up, the surprise on Chenae’s face is one I will never forget, and the
peace I felt was such a calm I never had before.
I was not immune to tears, however. The culprit: Standing next to AQHA President
Gene Graves, waiting to take a picture with the immaculate Tex Tan saddle they
sponsor for the horsemanship award, a coveted category to win. The beautiful spurs for the personality
award, Justin boots, and enough scholarship money to complete my master’s
degree in Agricultural Economics all reinforced the idea that I had completed
my job.
We will crown the new Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2013, Kristina
Maddocks, at the Eagle’s Club in Aberdeen, on Saturday, January 5, 2013. I know that she will have an incredible year
ahead of her. The best part of this
entire experience is the ability to share what makes our state so great with
the rest of the country! The unselfish
people, always offering timely advice or a helping hand will always be why
South Dakota is my favorite state of all.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your ambassador this
past year. The experiences, friendships,
and memories will last a lifetime.
Looking back, I know the best advice I have been given came over ten
years ago, when my mother said, “Remember, God is good.” Especially after this past year, I am
continually reminded, yes He is.
Merry Christmas,
Courtney Peterson
Courtney Peterson
Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2012
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| Orientation with Mackenzie Carr Miss Rodeo America 2012 |
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| Current Event Question (US involvement in Syria) |
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| Kickoff Party with sponsored Wrangler jean jackets |
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| Morning breakfast with Jayme Smith (AZ) and Laura Taysom (WI) |
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| Speeches! |
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| Scrapbook Awards presented by Cindy Wilk and Glenn Klaus left to right 4th- Kylie Kooistra, Washington 3rd- Mackenzie Cayford, California 2nd- Allison Bell, Louisiana 1st- Courtney Peterson, South Dakota |
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| Unwinding for the day with Paige Jarrett (NY) with Sierra Peterson (NE) joining in! |
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| Horsemanship Rounds 1 & 2 December 10, 2012 - my dad's birthday! |
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| TOP 5 from left to right 2nd runner up - Cassidy Cabot, CO 1st runner up, Courtney Peterson, SD 4th runner up, Kimberly Kuhn, WY Miss Rodeo America, Chenae Shiner, UT 3rd runner up, Rosanna Pace, TX |
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| Announcement of the new Miss Rodeo America 2013, Chenae Shiner! |
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| Horsemanship award with the late AQHA president, Gene Graves (left) and Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Board of Director, Kelly Baxley. |
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| My favorite picture of the pageant! Backstage with all my brothers and the beautiful horsemanship saddle! |
