The Rodeo Trail: Part 4

Rachel Kelderman: Who are you?
Nichole: I am Nichole Hewitt, Miss Rodeo Washington 2005

RK: Where are you from and how old are you?
Nichole: I am from Longview, Washington and I am 21 years old.

RK: What do you want people to know?
MRW: I want people to know rodeo and our western heritage. I want families and anyone to be a part of rodeo. Washington is a beautiful state and I am proud to represent the evergreen state.

RK: How did you get started in queening?
MRW: I got my first horse when I was 11 years old and did 4-H for 8 years. I ran for my county title and was named Miss Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo 2002. Miss Rodeo Washington came to the rodeo and she inspired me to try for the state title.

I competed at the Miss Rodeo Washington Pageant 3 times before the title was mine. Along with the title I won Horsemanship, Sales, Congeniality, Personality, Photogenics, and Knowledge. I was officially crowned in January 2005, even though I won the title in September during the Ellensburg Rodeo.

RK: What has been your favorite part so far?
MRW: Meeting new people and going places that I have never been able to go before. The opportunity to travel and see new ways of life, have been the best so far.

RK: Have you had any embarrassing moments?
MRW: When I won the title the only thing I had was a magnetic pin, since I would not officially wear the crown and banner yet. I was walking around the rodeo just thrilled and walking on a cloud. I went to a vendor and bought a water, “Who are you” the vender asked. I am Miss Rodeo Washington 2005, I said proudly. “Well your pin is upside down she pointed out!!!

I had a really embarrassing moment when I was the Thunder Mountain Queen. I was making a queens run and as I came around the first turn, I leaned a little to far forward and I got my Velcro button up shirt caught on my saddle horn and my shirt came all the way open. I tried to cover myself up with my hand that was holding the reins. I was holding the reins and my shirt in one hand and waving with the other hand. I waved the whole way around the arena. My mom told me don’t worry about it I only saw your black bra!

RK: What do you want to accomplish this year?
MRW: I want to touch the lives of everyone that I meet and tell at least 1 person about rodeo and my job of representing the state of Washington. I want children and adults to know that this is my job and what I am here for.

RK: Anything else you want people to know?
MRW: Stick to your goals, Dream your dream and you will become a legend!!

There are 25 PRCA Rodeos in Washington, and I hope to see one of you at a rodeo, please feel free to come talk to me. Also anyone can email me, just visit www.missrodeowashington.com. I will be competing for the title of Miss Rodeo America 2006 this coming December in Las Vegas.

Good Luck Nichole!!

From Rodeo Guide Ralph Clark:
This is Rachel's 4th Trail installment, be sure to read the rest of her entries in the Rodeo Trail Series.
Don't miss them!