N.I.L.E. Rodeo!!

"TETWP" night "working the arena" with Jay-2 Sankey Rodeo pick-up man.

The 40th Annual N.I.L.E. Pro-Rodeo this year was really special to me, it was in my hometown and this year I got to represent Montana as Miss Teen Rodeo Montana. I left Wednesday afternoon right after a math exam and drove to Billings in the pouring rain and luckily made it in one piece.
When I finally arrived I met with my 2nd mother Deb Brettin and she lined me out for the next four days of Professional Rodeo activities. I then did a photo shoot with the Billings Gazette for the "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" a fund raiser event that was sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank and St. Vincent Hospital.
It was really rainy and cold the first night, but it could have been worse. Before the rodeo I also got to be interviewed on the five o'clock news with KULR 8, Billings television station. I had been running around all that afternoon and hadn't gotten an chance to eat much that day, but I was so excited for the rodeo I forgot all about it. Before the rodeo I got to also meet up with visiting Rodeo Royalty from all across the state who had come down for the weekend. All of the girls did a wonderful job and made the rodeo queen image look awesome! I didn't get to help out with the "opening" of the rodeo but I got to push stock out of the arena and carry sponsor flags, Deb probably had about 15 flags! I also got to be with Vanessa Hardy(Megs little sis) Lacey and Elly Langager, and Shelby Sundheim. You gilrs did a GREAT job with the "Sponsor" flags and the "Opening".

Mutton-Bustin "sign-ups"

My mom had Janie and Jennika O'Neil stay with us and it was great so see them again. We stayed with them from my very first rodeo of the year, the 47th Annual Belt PRCA Rodeo and it was nice to return the favor. Jennika is the 2007-2008 Little Miss Big Sky Pro Rodeo Princess and they also took home something special this year, Janie bought a yearling gelding at the horse sale!
Jack and I promoting the NILE Rodeo!

The next day, I got to sleep in a little so that I wouldn't be totally exhausted by the end of the weekend. Deb also had miniature pony rides set up and entertained all of the little kids. It was exciting to be in my hometown and get to see all of my Angus friends and see people who I hadn't seen in a while. I hung out in the Angus barn for a little bit and then I was off to another night of rodeo. The first night I got to ride SPOT my FAVORITE black "Sankey Rodeo" horse. I got to test out a few different black horses that weekend and ended up riding 3 out of 4 of them. I got to carry flags every night on SPOT and I would have taken him home if I could have, he is such a solid horse!

Kate Ruland and Robin Nansel put on a queen clinic during the N.I.L.E. for girls who want to improve their queen abilities. I got to tag along and be a part of what they were doing. We got to go to the Rocky Mountain College Equestrian Center, learn about makeup, speeches, impromptu, hear stories from MRM 06' Cassidy Han, plus the girls got to meet with Mr. Ike Sankey to hear what he expects out of a rodeo queen. I think it was a wonderful clinic and it was great so see so many girls who are running in January for both Miss Rodeo Montana and Miss Teen Rodeo Montana.

Saturday morning, I was off to Shiptons (Big R) to sign autographs with some PRCA cowboys, bull fighters, and Dennis Halsted (PRCA Clown). After that I helped out with the "Kiddie Rodeo" and then I got to do something that always makes me appreciate what I have and holds a SPECIAL spot in my heart. I got to attend the Annual Kids and Cowboys reception to meet children who are survivors or who have cancer. It's so heart warming to see their little faces light up when they see all the queens walk in and how much it means to them get our autographs.

Thank you card from all the children who attended the Kids and Cowboys reception.

The last night of the rodeo was my favorite and ultimately the best! Everything moved so smoothly and it was Championship night so the best of the best were competing. I have to say that I will really missed Megan (she was in Japan) and this being my last Rodeo before Circuit Finals.

I have had a WONDERFUL year!

I had such a wonderful time at the N.I.L.E. and couldn't have asked for a better rodeo and I thank everyone who helped me throughout the week and I can't believe that before we know it Megan will be competing for Miss Rodeo America and then it will be MRM pageant time again!
I hope all of you girls are studying up and I wish you all the very best of luck!

Until then,
Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07'

Montana Fur Trapper Convention!

Well, last Saturday Megan I headed down to Lewistown for the Montana Fur Trapper Convention. It was quite an interesting day, due to the fact that I was feeling a little under the weather for most of it. I had a bad experience at Burger King and spent most of the morning being sick, but that didn't stop me from going to Lewistown.

After three hours of me sleeping, we arrived. We ate at subway and the people there told us that our function was at the Yogo Inn. When we got to the Yogo Inn they had no idea what we were talking about. After a little investigating we finally figured out were we were suppose to be and the festivities began.

We got to try on the most beautiful furs and fell in love with almost all of them. There was raffle for a fur, and Megan and I bought tickets hoping to get lucky. I only bought one knowing I had not chance and Megan bought three. She wanted this one white fur more than anything and it was a pretty funny thing to watch. Unfortunately she didn't win but we still had a good time.

We were suppose to be in the trap setting contest, but I had no idea how to set one and neither did Megan, and I didn't want to do it wrong and snap one of my fingers off!! We did take part in the skillet tossing contest and if it wasn't for all the late entries I would have been at least in the top 2 but instead I finished 4th.

After, dinner we got to help hand out special awards to those who have accomplished great things throughout the year. Then we got to model the furs! Kate Rueland was also there modeling and it was her 7th year modeling and it was great to see her. I also got to model the last fur which was a sheered beaver fur that had been hand painted with flowers and pearls, it was really pretty and really expensive. After the fashion show we helped with the auction and Ed IV bought a teddy bear made of some kind of fur and gave it to me and Megan got a gold purse! It was funny because she wanted my teddy bear and I got to tease her with it!

After our day with the fur trappers we went back to our hotel room and had an interesting night. It had gotten pretty cold in Lewistown and we didn't really know how to turn on our heater and Megan said she didn't want to kill us if it was a propane heater. So instead we slept in sweats and sweaters. Megan had on three shirts and her hood from her sweater and we had to cuddle to stay warm! All of the interesting things that happen on trips, at least give us good stories for later on down the road!

Now, I'm back at school trying to figure everything out without getting overwhelmed. This weekend is the first football game so I'm planning on going to that. Go Bobcats!!

Until then,

Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07

Labor Day Weekend Rodeos!!

Well, I just finished my first week of college and it was stressful and different but a ton of fun. It's way different from high school but I have been enjoying myself so far!

Labor Day weekend in Montana is know as "Montana's biggest weekend," and I started off my weekend in Dillon, for the Dillon Jaycee Rodeo.
This rodeo means a lot to me because my very first title was the Miss Dillon Jaycee Princess. There were also some visiting royalty there I hadn't gotten to see yet this year.

Thanks to ARMY NATIONAL GUARD for their participation in the Grand Entry!
Riding with a "TANK" is interesting.


"ARMY NATIONAL GUARD are GREAT Supporters of Rodeo Royalty."
Most of the Miss Southwest Montana Royalty was there, Lizzy Vaughn, Amy Haggar, and Katie Hoppe. Leslie Furness, Miss Rodeo Western Montana,was also there, and I appreciate all they did to help in the Grand Entry and clearing the arena. Dillon Jaycees Rodeo Committee worked hard providing Class "A" acts!
I had to leave Dillon early on Sunday and drive over to White Sulphur Springs, and one of my good friends from high school Alta Pelia, and my mother accompanied me. The rodeo in White Sulphur started at 5 p.m. and I wasn't going to be able to ride in the rodeo, but I wanted to at least watch most of the rodeo, so I drove a little faster than the speed limit. Right as I came over a hill outside of Dillon, going 85, I passed a cop and he whipped around and his lights went on. I pulled off the side of the road and got all my stuff ready. He came up to my window and asked me how fast I thought I was going and I told him 80. He started laughing and I told him I'm was in a hurry to get to my next rodeo. He took all of my information, and went back to his car. Surprisingly he didn't take forever and he didn't give me a ticket or even a written warning. He just told me to slow down and get there safely. I was really glad I didn't get a ticket and now I drive a little slower and more cautious!!

We arrived in White Sulphur two hours and two missed exits later. We got to watch the end of the bull riding and it was weird just being a normal person and not all dressed up. Barb and Chanda Barber were gracious enough to bring me "Sage" and I carried the Montana Flag and pushed cattle with Marca, the new Miss Southwest Montana Teen Queen.

I enjoyed my final weekend of summer rodeos and the people I met and memories are something I will never forget. I will get to focus on school for a little while and help Megan study up for Miss Rodeo America. We get to go to Lewistown this weekend for the Montana Fur Trappers Convention so I'm really excited for that can't wait to see Megan!

Until then,

Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07'

Miles City Rodeo/ Yellowstone Downs Horse Races

My two favorite "girls"! Thank you for ALL that you have done for me ...

Tasha and Tessa Wieferich BROOKMAN RODEO CO.

I will always cherish our FRIENDSHIP!

Well my rodeo season is slowly coming to end for the summer, this weekend I was in Miles City for their Pro Rodeo and fair. I was in charge of getting all of the royalty information and bio's to the announcer plus oragnizing the order for Grand Entry. Miles City "Little Miss" - Thank you for a GREAT Job!

There were five Mile City royalty and one queen from Terry who helped out during the rodeo. I also got to ride Tasha and Tessa's horses Cody, Cowboy, and Freddie during the rodeo and grand entry. I got the carry "Old Glory" for the second weekend in a row, during the National Anthem and I was very excited because to me that is such an honor. All of the royalty plus Tessa helped me push cattle and I greatly appreciate all they did.
Way to go girls, you really represented your titles very well.

I also got to attend the horse races in Billings at the Yellowstone Downs. I was in the win picture during the Tractor and Equipment Race. I hadn't been to a horse race before so this was a new experience for me and enjoyed every minute of it! The Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund and his wonderful wife Kristy were also there so it was great to see them, they have done so much for me this year and I appreciate it very much!



"Track-Side" with Fernado Gomez
winning Jockey.




I moved into my dorm room this weekend too! It was sad saying good-bye to my Mother and my 2nd Queen mom Deb, but it's going to be a wonderful experience and I am going to learn life skills that will benefit me greatly. I already got lost looking for my classes and packed way to much for my small little dorm room, but I'm still learning!!

This weekend, Labor Day weekend I will be in Dillon for the 1st and 2nd and then I head over to White Sulphur Springs on the 3rd. So that will pretty much wrap up my summer rodeo season but in October I have the N.I.L.E. in Billings my hometown and I'm really looking forward to that!

Until then,

Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07'

Billings NRA Rodeo/ Fort Benton PRCA Rodeo!!

Thank you Paula for letting me ride your GREAT horse "Cheyenne" !!!Well my 2nd mother Deb is in charge of the Billings NRA rodeo and I didn't have to be in Fort Benton until Saturday so I helped out there on Friday night. I was fun being in my hometown with all of my friends and people who have helped me get to where I am. I got the carry the American flag for the first time all year and I was very excited and honored to do so. Paula Harris was gracious enough to let me use her horse "Cheyenne" who was awesome and stood perfectly during the pledge and National Anthem. I also had some good company as well.

Celie Highberger the reining Home of Champions Queen was there, Sara Haux the Home of Champions Princess, and the newly crowned Home of Champions Queen, Alyson Grinestaff was also there so it was great getting to chat with them and push cattle during all the time events and they have all done a wonderful job!

John and Kristie Ostlund "wonderful sponsors"!

Saturday morning my mom, best friend Crissie, and I were all off to the Fort Benton Rodeo. We got there and met with Angie Hucke and Sue, Jeff, and Bailey Thompson. I got to ride one of my favorite horses "Siren" and he did an awesome job, and I'm going to be sad when he leaves soon to go to his NEW owners in Washington... Fort Benton was a lot of fun and I was really glad I got to go.

"Siren" and Lorissa at Fort Benton

My mothers Birthday was August 19th so the next morning after the rodeo we all got some coffee and rented a canoe to paddled down the Missouri river about a mile and had a great time. We would have gone farther but we still have a long drive home ahead of us.

Next, I'm headed to Miles City and then on Sunday I move into my dorm room at MSU -Bozeman. My roommate is already down there painting our room and getting it all ready. It's going to be quit a change but I'll have Megan down there and I'm only two hours away so I think I'll survive!!

Until then,

Lorissa Harris

MTRM 07'

Great Falls/Missoula/Glasgow!!

Miss Rodeo America - Ashley Andrews
Well I have been very busy lately and I'm sorry it has been so long since I have written on my blog! The first rodeo of August was in Great Falls for the Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup and pageant. This rodeo and pageant is kinda special to me because last summer I handed down my crown from being Miss Rodeo State Fair Princess. It was a four day rodeo with pageant action throughout the day. This year was also special because Ashley Andrews, Miss Rodeo America was here and I had a great time getting to hang out with her signing autographs and asking her a million questions about her year as MRA. Sue and Bailey Thompson were also gracious once again to bring us horses and this time I got to ride "Siren" the cutest and sweetest horse ever! The pageant was also a great success!! Kirsten won queen, Tiffany Sinclair won Princess, and little Jennika O'Neil won Little Miss! I was so proud of all the girls and it's so great to see "pageant" friends who you have spent most of your summers with.
One of my favorite horses - "Siren"

Bailey and I chatting between events.

After Great Falls I was home for a couple of days and then I headed to Missoula for the Western Montana Rodeo and pageant. I got there Wednesday night and watched the PBR with Lynne and Audrey Sholty, and got to watch Flint, who always keeps me entertained! The Rys-Sikora family was gracious enough to open their home to me during this busy fair week and I also got to ride Mariah's beautiful palomino "Butter" and appreciate all they did for me that week.

This year was also the start of the Tough Enough To Wear Pink/Miss Rodeo Montana Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament. I got to golf with three bull riders and we had a great time. We didn't win, like we had hoped, we tied for 3 rd but we had a blast. The belt buckles were really pretty and it was great to see so many people supporting the cause and to see how many people actually sported the PINK, my favorite color!

During the speech portion of the Miss Western Montana Rodeo Pageant, Megan and I also got to talk and tell stories about out year. Right before the last speaker came up Megan and I walked onto the stage and she said, "On behalf of Lorissa and I, I would just like to say... GO BOBCATS!!" We kinda got booed but it was all in good humor.

Missoula Royalty

Valley View Home - Glasgow "Little Buckaroo Rodeo"
Glasgow's - Daley Aune, Tel Aune and Jack Cornwell roped and Barrel Raced.

After being in Missoula for two days Megan, my mom, Baxter, and I were headed to Glasgow. That is quit a drive let me tell you and I didn't even drive the whole time! I just had to drive from Missoula to Havre, which is about 4 and a half hours so I pulled my weight. We finally made it later that evening and Kirsten met us there, for her first rodeo as Miss Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup.

Shelly Johnson brought horses for Kirsten and I and was I in for a treat! I got to ride her prized barrel racing horse "Rocky" and it was awesome! One other really cool thing that they did at this rodeo was play one of my favorite songs and ringer on my phone " Beautiful Girls" when all of us queens came into the arena! Megan's mom, Rita, and sister, Vanessa also came up and it was great getting to see them! When Vanessa and I are together it's like Meg has TWO sisters!!

Well, my summer isn't quit over yet this weekend I am headed to Fort Benton, where I get to see Sue and Bailey again and ride Siren! It is also my mom's Birthday so we are going to have a blast!
"I LOVE you Mom!"
Until then,

Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07'

The Last Chance Stampede in Helena!

Well, last Thursday I headed down to Helena early in the morning to meet up with Megan for the Last Chance Stampede. I got to Helena first thing Thursday morning for a "kiddie parade" where about a hundred little kids dressed up for their own parade and compete for various prizes. I got to meet the Last Chance Stampede Queen, Libby, see Kirsten, Miss Big Sky Pro Rodeo Queen again, and of course my favorite queen, Megan.

After the kiddie parade Kirsten and I met up with Sue and Bailey Thompson, who were gracious enough to bring all three of us girls horses. My horse "Kody" is owned by Sonny and Bev Stiger, who were also nice enough to let us stay with them at their house and we really appreciate it.

The Helena rodeo is a three night rodeo and before each performance the queens and sponsor flags get to do a walk-by, then all the flags for the National Anthem, and then a queen buzz so it was pretty neat how much arena time we got this rodeo compared to some of the others.

The last night of the rodeo my parents got to come up and see how everything was going. This was the first rodeo where I mom didn't come the whole time and I did fairly well considering I had Sue, Bailey, and Megan to help me out whenever I needed anything, and I Thank you. It is different without your mother with you and we are slowly "weaning" each other off before I go to college.

Thanks to Sue, Bailey and Megan!

Another cool thing that happened the last night of the rodeo was Fred Whitfield came to the rodeo and it was really cool to see someone of the caliber at the rodeo. He didn't win but he was a true sportsman about the whole thing and seemed like a nice guy.
Next I am headed down to Great Falls for the Big Sky Pro Rodeo and Pageant. I am very excited because I was the State Fair Princess last year and this year Miss Rodeo America, Ashley Andrews is coming and I am very excited to meet her!!

Until then,

Lorissa Harris

Shelby Rodeo!

Well, this last weekend I was in Shelby for their fair and rodeo. It was a long five hour drive, but well worth it when we eventually got there. I met up with Kirsten Svennungsen, the Big Sky Pro Rodeo Princess, and got all lined up with my horse. The Brown's were gracious enough to bring me a horse, and their sons BJ and Jack didn't waste any time helping me out and I really appreciate all they did for me and "Jake" and I got along great!
Each night the rodeo started at 7:30 p.m. which was GREAT because, temp's that weekend soared up to 100 degrees during the day and by evening it got pretty cool and really nice toward the middle of the rodeo.

Lorissa, Kirsten and Tasha "working the arena".

On Saturday, Kirsten and I headed down to the parade, where I got to meet a lot of great people who were just thrilled we were both there. After the parade my mother and I met up with Lynne and Audrey Sholty for some lunch and had a great time catching up and talking about how my summer is going. We were then ready for the rodeo again! This time before the rodeo we carried all the sponsor flags before the National Anthem. I went first which meant I was going to be carrying two flags. My 2nd flag was the huge Wrangler flag and as I finish unwrapping it they are already calling me, so as I headed into the arena and the flag gets tangled in between my arm and the pole! I eventually got it free but it took me second!! I'm sure I'll have way more funny little things like that happen before my summer is over!

Lynn and Audrey Shotly with me at the Rodeo







Next, I head over to Helena for the Last Chance Stampede. I will get to see Megan and hear all about her wild adventures and then after that we are headed to Great Falls, for the Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup!

Until then,

Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07'

CM Russell Stampede Rodeo

Sorry its been a little while since I have updated my blog we are getting a new roof put on our house and our internet has been down. I headed down to Stanford July 14 for the Kiddie rodeo and had quite a crowd and tons of kids for the rodeo. Marsha Cleary was in charge and did a wonderful job, and Jennika O'Neil came down to help out and I really appreciate it.

Lorissa's #1 fan "Ridley" a Stanford local youngster

After the kiddie rodeo I helped out with their auction of all the quick draw drawings. My job was to walk them around the stage while they were being auctioned off. They all sold really well and the people in Stanford were so nice and friendly which made things that much better.

The next morning Jennika and I got up early to work slack and had a great time. Dr. John Gee was gracious enough to bring me a horse named "Sammy" and we got along great!
The rodeo that day started at 1:30 and I was excited because I got to see Megan and catch up on all the rodeo's we had been to without each other. We all had a great time together and I really enjoyed my stay in Stanford at the Sundowner Hotel and Thank everyone who helped out!

Dr. John Gee & Jennika

"Working the arena"

Next, I am off to Shelby for their Fair and rodeo and then next weekend I'll be in Helena with Megan again!!

Until then,

Lorissa Harris
MTRM 07'

Vaughn/ The 4th in Red Lodge

"Local Rodeo Fans" - Haelee, Cambrie and Bridger stopped to visit after the Rodeo.

Busy, Busy, Busy is the best way to describe my last week and a half. I started June 29 and 30th in Vaughn for their first PRCA. The JS rodeo Company did a wonderful job and I had a great time with Kirsten, Miss Big Sky Pro Rodeo Princess, Jennika O'Neil and Bailey Thompson. The second night of the rodeo we did have a something interesting happen. Bailey, Kirsten, and I were all in the arena for calf roping when one of the saddle bronc horses flipped over in the chute and had to be let out. They let the horse out and it came running blind around the arena.

The pick-up men were trying to rope it and get it out of the arena when it came running straight for us. I was the the middle and Kirsten was on the receiving end of getting bumped by the horse. I remember closing my eyes and hoping nothing bad happened. Luckily nothing bad happened and everyone was ok. Like my mother always says, it's a live show and anything can happen. My mother and I also got to stay with Jody which was so much fun getting to talk and get to know her even better and see all of Gary's buckles, he has a ton a pick-up man buckles and it was such a blast!

Lorissa & Jody before the Rodeo.

We left early Sunday morning and headed home for some more clothes and then I was off to Red Lodge for the 4th. I stayed with my Queen mom # 2 Deb Brettin and had such a wonderful time. Early Monday morning the Home of Champions Rodeo Queen Ceily Highberger and I got to work slack and it was like being at a mini NFR. There were so many top cowboys and cowgirls there it was like seeing your favorite celebrities up close. We then headed off to the parade with the held daily at noon. On the 2nd there is also a kiddie rodeo and then rodeo at 6 p.m. for the 2nd and 3rd. On the Fourth the rodeo was at 3. On the 3rd there was also a MTV star that appeared at the Red Lodge Rodeo, Johnny Knoxville and he even participated in the wild horse race!

Tasha Wieferich, Brookman Rodeo Company was so sweet to let me ride her horses for the Home of Champions Rodeo, Thank you so VERY much!After three days of HOT weather and rodeo, the Home of Champions pageant took place. On July 6, we set everything up in the Bull-n-Bear and then the contestants took their written test and had their orientation. Sue Thompson and Kristy Stuart were the judges and it was really cool to get to meet Kirsty,because she was Miss Rodeo Montana 2001 and 5th runner up at Miss Rodeo America and super nice.

Then on July 7th, the Home of Champions Royalty Ceily, Sare and I headed down to Fromberg for the parade and autograph signing. While we were there I also got to see Marg Taylor who made my chaps and I also got to meet Birdie Askin Johnston who was married to the late Dick Johnston a World Champion Bronc rider. So it was a great opportunity and you just never know who you are going to meet.

Later that night was the public speaking portion of the competition. Each contestant was asked two impromptu questions and had to do a commercial/speech on the Home Of Champions Rodeo. I got to ask the reining royalty some questions and tell everyone more about Miss Teen Rodeo Montana and my duties as Miss Teen. There was also a live auction and I had my eye on a pair of blue Luchese Boots. My mom helped me out bidding and I got a pair of boots valued at $500 for $150!! I was pretty excited and can't wait to wear them.

Also, the new Miss Home Of Champions Rodeo Queen is Alyson Grinestaff, so a BIG Congrats to her!! While in Red Lodge I also got a message from Mariah Rys-Sikora that while at Silver State she was the 2nd runner up in the Queen Contest so great job Mariah representing Montana!!

So, this week I'm going to relax a little bit and take my clothes to the dry cleaners and get ready for this weekend. I am off to Stanford Saturday for a kiddie rodeo and then rodeo on Sunday.

Until then,
Lorissa Harris