Desiree Bridges, Miss Puzzleface Ranch Rodeo from Jackson Hole, took home the honors of Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2014. The Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant was held in Douglas, Aug. 12-16, 2013, during the 101st Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo. There were eight young women vying for the title of Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2014 from across the Cowboy state. Contestants included Bridges – Miss Puzzleface Ranch Rodeo of Jackson, Laurel Austin – Miss Laramie Jubilee Days of Laramie, Katrina Barnett – Miss Cody Stampede of Cody, Maarissa Mason – Miss Teton County Fair and Rodeo of Jackson, Bridget Seidel – Miss Cody Nite Rodeo of Cody, Kaycee Auen – Miss Wyoming Livestock Roundup of Casper, Lisanne Fear – Miss Sublette County Rodeo Queen of Daniel and Christina Albertini – Miss Sweetwater Ranch Sorting Queen of Rock Springs. The contestants were analyzed by a panel of three highly qualified judges: Wayne Miller from Carr, Colo., Sally Haythorn from Arthur, Neb. and Raylah Holm from Ellensburg, Wash.

Holly Kennedy, Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2013, was on hand for the awards ceremony. The Wyoming State Fair Director James Goodrich and Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture Jason Fearneyhough presented the saddle to Desiree. She took home the categories of most programs sold, speech, personality and horsemanship.

The first runner-up went to Bridget Seidel, Miss Cody Nite Rodeo from Cody. The second runner-up and appearance went to Laurel Austin, Miss Laramie Jubilee Days from Laramie. Other awards included Mason winning scrapbook, Auen winning Miss Congeniality and knowledge and Barnett winning sales achievement.

Desiree believes her greatest blessing is to have been raised a Wyoming cowgirl. Sharing time between Jackson Hole and the family ranch in Thermopolis, she represents the wonderful variety Wyoming has to offer. From capturing the 2009 High School All-State girls alpine skiing championship to taking down a record Boone and Crockett antelope, she is the true spirit of the West.

Growing up in the shadow of the Tetons and on the plains below the Big Horns, Desiree participated in varied activities. She volunteered time to Horse Warriors, Special Olympics and the Girl Scouts. She represented Wyoming at the National History Day finals in Washington DC. Desiree just graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in agricultural business management. As a student, she competed on the Equestrian Team in western riding and reining, and qualified for nationals twice. Her interests are as varied as her experiences, including barrel racing, teaching children to ride and ski, photography, horse judging and travel. It's a good bet that anything on top of a horse is in her future!

Desiree believes in heart and perseverance. Her mission is to be an accessible role model, especially for children. She wants to reach out to those who may never own a horse or a ranch, but instinctively crave the values of the west, an image and lifestyle that is badly needed in today's society. Her goal as Miss Rodeo Wyoming is to live daily by the Code of the West and by her motto, "Character Counts!"

Desiree tentatively plans a coronation fundraiser in Jackson Hole this fall. For further information, please contact Wyoming National Director of the Miss Rodeo America pageant Laurie Thoman at 307-877-9336 or llthoman@ hughes.net. F

Miss Rodeo Wyoming Ass’n