Hey there, I’m Mackenzie and if you’ve been following RCFR for awhile, you know that not only was I the 100th Annual RCFR Queen in 2014, but I have served on the RCFR Board from 2016-2022 and I have been so honored to have met so many wonderful people throughout my years.
The royalty program gave me so many unique opportunities which would later serve me in my career as a self-employed Western Brand Photographer. Many of the ladies I met while serving on the court, are still friends and now clients of mine. The public speaking, public relations, and personal development skills that I learned while serving have been so instrumental in building my own brand and an amazing network of people. Don’t get me wrong, I know that this program is a big commitment for both parents and young ladies, but the lessons, skills, experiences, and community are worth the investment. I am so thankful to this program, my family, my friends, and the Routt County community for all of their support in my younger years. Let my successes be yours too.
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Each applicant will write a 500-1000-word essay on: “You are approached by visitor to the fair and he/she states that the barrel racers are mean to their horses when they whip them and the calf ropers are mean to the baby claves when they rope them, what is your response and why?” If I was approached by a visitor concerned about barrel racers whipping their horses and calf ropers harming the calves, I would first put myself in their shoes. This will allow me to understand the visitors level of exposure to the rodeo world. It is always important to allow people to express their concerns so all residing issues can be addressed and discussed fully. Everyone has a right to their own opinions and each individual's opinion should have a right to be heard. Even if it doesn’t align with your own beliefs, most people’s opinions are formulated by their prior experience. Therefore, in this situation, I feel it is important to identify the concerned party’s previous experience in the rodeo/livestock industry. By being open and discussing specific concerns with them and identifying the visitors' background, knowledge, and exposure, therefore allowing me to decrease levels of concern and misconceptions the visitor may have. As a successful barrel racer, I have great respect and strong relationship with my horse. I would never jeopardize the relationship and trust I have with my horse. I cannot put a value on the time and dedication it has taken to build. In the barrel racing event, it takes both horse and rider to complete a successful pattern. It is in the best interest of the rider to provide positive encouragement so the horse enjoys the job of running barrels. A rider would never put his or her horse in danger because that would also create a threat to the safety and wellbeing of the rider. There is no scientific evidence that using a form of over-under or crop is damaging to the equine athlete. However, research shows that utilizing these tools can improve the communication between horse and rider. Today there are concerns over the welfare of the calves used in professional rodeo, and the industry itself policies these events very closely, penalizing competitors who "jerk down" a calf with the rope or flip it over backward. A no-jerk-down rule provides for fines if a contestant jerks a calf over backwards in tie-down roping. Calf roping is not bad if the rules set in place are followed. The Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) states that the roper must apply tension to the rope while dismounting and after pulling slack to alert and allow the calf to slow down. Dr. Eddie Taylor stated that in 16 years as an attending veterinarian at PRCA rodeos in Arizona, "I personally have not seen a serious neck injury to a tie-down roping calf." Statistically, the rate of injury to the animals is relatively low. A later PRCA survey of 60,971 animal performances at 198 rodeo performances and 73 sections of slack indicated 12 animals were injured, again approximately 0.0004 of the overall count. Any PRCA member caught using unnecessary roughness or abusing an animal may be immediately disqualified from the rodeo and fined. This holds true whether it is in the competitive arena or elsewhere on the rodeo grounds. While addressing a concerned visitor I will do my best to explain the human aspects of handling rodeo animals. But on the reverse side, if there are any issues regarding animal cruelty I would greatly feel responsible and would take immediate action to contact the proper authorities. My main objective is to ensure animal safety and security. I will carry this mode of operation forward in events both in and outside of Routt County. You're on the fence. Is royalty right for me? What would it require? Do I have to ride a horse? I don't know how to curl my hair or do my makeup. What would I get out of this experience? This is exactly why you should attend our clinic! Our informational clinic is designed to answer all of your questions about what it takes to be a part of a fair court. There is no pressure to actually try-out, but if you're considering trying out, this clinic is highly recommended! This clinic is designed to help young girls build essential life skills. These skills include, but are not limited to: public relations, public speaking, professional dress, professional communications, table etiquette, basic self-defense practices, and many more. Our girls will get to practice their horsemanship skills, public speaking skills, and modeling. These girls will learn how to be effective and properly use social media to their advantage. What does fair royalty offer me?
Why should I believe you? You're a bit skeptical still? Well, I can tell you from personal experience that being the 2014 Routt County Fair Queen helped me to pursue a degree in Agricultural Communications and on May 12, 2018, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications, with minors in Public Relations and Farm & Ranch Management. I did it! And I was inspired to follow this career path because of my experience as a fair queen. Mackenzie Holmberg Routt County Fair Royalty Board Member
Friday, June 9th, we had our 2017 clinic. We started the day out with horsemanship, practicing with flags. Then we moved on to hair and makeup, where learned how to get that iconic queen hair and wings. During lunch we practiced proper table etiquette with Barb Diehl, and after lunch we worked on modeling and interviews. We also learned about social media do's and don'ts with Mackenzie Holmberg.
We had a wonderful group of girls! Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year's clinic a success! Taylor Sanchez Attendant On Saturday May 27th, I went to the Grand Old West Days Parade in Craig, Colorado. It was such an honor to be a part of the parade representing the Routt County Fair as Queen! I would also like to thank all past, and present servicemen and women for all that they have done to protect and serve our country. We are able to sleep well at night thanks to your dedication and sacrifice. We hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!
Jess Diehl 2017 Routt County Fair Queen Need a little push? Here is a 6 reasons why you should attend our clinic:
1) It's FREE! It costs you nothing but time out of your day and you will learn a lot! 2) Professional Clinicians We will be doing sessions on horsemanship, social media safety, modeling, hair and makeup, etiquette and an overview of what is expected out of the Royalty Court. The clinicians teaching these sessions are professionals in their field with years of experience. 3) Practice for Try-Outs If you're considering running for a court, you should definitely come and get an idea of what is expected at try-outs. 4) Meet girls with similar passions You can build new friendships while learning new skills. 5) Learn how you can be a role model A big part of being a RCF Queen/Attendant is being a role model for youth everywhere. You can learn how bettering yourself will also better your surrounding community. 6) Future Scholarship Opportunities Being a Fair Queen/Attendant opens the doors for some continuing education scholarships. REGISTER FOR OUR FREE CLINIC NOW! Mackenzie Holmberg RCFR Board Member Social Media/Website Coordinator 2014, 100th Anniversary Routt County Fair Queen On Thursday, May 11th, Taylor and I traveled to Craig, CO to do a radio interview advertising for our clinic. It was so much fun to sit down and talk to Nolan from KRAI. The interview will be run in the coming weeks! Hope everyone interested in Routt County Fair Royalty comes and joins us at the 2017 RCF Royalty Clinic in Hayden, CO. Have a great day everyone!
Jess Diehl 2017 Routt County Fair Queen As we expand our social media and internet presence, we've decided to start a blog! We are very excited about this and hope that you all are as well. The girls, Jess and Taylor, plan on submitting short articles throughout their term about the different events they go to as well as upcoming events. Check back often and follow us on Facebook to get updates on new articles.
Mackenzie Holmberg RCFR Board Member Social Media/Website Coordinator |
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