Miss IIFR 2013

How did it feel when you heard your name announced as the winner for the crown? 

When I heard my name being announced as the winner of the crown, I was literally shaking and smiling so big. Its actually really unexplainable, there was a lot of excitement, adrenaline, happiness, and relief. My heart was doing back flips and summer salts!

What did you do to prepare for the pageant?  Any advice to the next round of contestants in preparing for the pageant. 

What I did to prepare, was review and practice the pattern for the riding portion. My speech teacher in high school actually helped me prepare with impromptu questions and public speaking. and I made sure, I knew my basics about the association, horses and rodeo. In the end, it came down to my riding skills and personalty so that is I would give to the next contestants that want to be MISS IIFR. Basically Be yourself and Enjoy what you do. Don't try to be anything else but you.

Where have you traveled since you became Miss IIFR?  

Since I became MISS IIFR, I went to Las Vegas, NV for INFR. Newtown, ND, Crow Native Days, North American Indian Days, and Im still traveling til October. Those are just some main spots I can recall being at. I also attended some elementary classes where I read to the students, crafted, and answered questions about being a Rodeo Queen. and among that I went to the Bozeman, Missoula and Havre PowWow!

You have a beautiful crown, how do you keep your hat on when you are in the arena and running around during the grand entry and then chasing out steers?

Thanks! I love my crown! :) I actually use a string of buckskin to keep my crow on tightly so it does not jiggle around.

The IIFR has become a great successful world finals rodeo for professional Native cowboys and cowgirls.  Tell us why people should come to the finals in Arizona this year?   What are the events planned around the rodeo?  Any good suggestions for fans to see while they are at the IIFR?

Actually this would be my first time to San Carlos, Arizona so Im not too positive on what attractions they have planned during the IIFR. I do reccomned fans and contestants to come out to the IIFR because it is said they will have a jackpot team roping before the rounds begin. There is a great show they put on during the grand entry with Native Dancers. I haven't heard exactly what is going on, only caught a glimpse of ideas they been throwing around, but im sure whatever it is they decide it will be great weekend at the IIFR.

How long have you been riding? 

I have been riding my whole life basically! My mom (at the time) didn't know she was pregnant and she got in a horse race. I always believe this is the first time I rode a horse. :) other then that, I grew up around horses and always was on the back of a horse since I can recall.

Do you use your own horse while attending the rodeos? 

I try to use my own horse when I do attend rodeos, but sometimes the haul is too far...so I will borrow a mount for the time being.

Who has been your biggest supporter that brought you to the IIFR queen pageant? 

My biggest supporter that brought me to the IIFR in 2012 would have to be my family. They supported me financially, mentally, and physical.

Do you plan to attend the Calgary Stampede?  How about the Pendleton Round Up?  

I actually planned on attending Calgary Stampede, but things didn't go as planned and I missed it. I was hoping I could make Pendleton Round Up, that would be a neat event to attend.

Advice to the young ladies out there who want to be a rodeo queen, how do they get started?

My advice is don't be scared to dream! I honestly, never seen myself as a "rodeo queen" or queen in general...and one day I decided to try it because its not just a status, your actually a role model. I feel like a whole different person under my crown, but I also love meeting new people, and informing them on rodeos, the IIFR, horses, and little kids love it when you talk to them! its a great feeling, and if you really have a great attitude towards things of that sort, you should be the next rodeo queen. Its a pretty neat deal.. Ive enjoyed myself!

Any sponsors you would like to thank?

I would like to thank my family, my friends, Hana Rae Yazzie, the Sells Family, Gloria Grant, Brittney Becenti, War Pony Land & Energy, H& R Block, and those who have said they would help when I make my way to San Carlos for the IIFR!