Competitions are in full swing at the West Texas Rodeo. Abilene High School Junior Kaylee Carmichael began showing her lamb Saturday. Carmichael has worked with her lamb to be ready to be judged Lambs on fat, muscle, size, wool, and movement in the show ring. "I think just getting them in a show ring is just a good experience for them and me to learn how what I need to work with them,” Carmichael said.
Seven Abilene High School students are competing in the lamb, cattle, goats, and Rodeo divisions. Carmichael says their FFA Advisor Cindy Easley has been a big supporter of everyone not just in shows, but in other extracurricular activities as well.
Also on Saturday, the West Texas Rodeo Queen Contest came to a close. Contestants will have to wait until Friday to see who will be crowned. Over the course of two days, thirteen contestants participated in hope of winning the crown for their age division.
The queen will receive the traditional chaps, passed down from the previous queen, and will move on to compete for the title of Miss Texas Rodeo. Miss West Texas 2019-2020 Bobbi Loran says contestants can learn life-long skills, "I mean the speaking skills you learn, just being able to get up there and give a speech and not to mention the interview skills. That's something you can use throughout job interviews and your career.”
This year, the pageant has added more divisions and raised the queen scholarship to $2,500. Organizers intend to raise the scholarship more in the coming years. Winners will also receive a variety of prizes, including sashes, crowns, belt buckles, and riding equipment.