Cowgirls In Style Spring Issue

Spring 2013 $5.95

www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

CIS

UP CLOSE with Alex Chavez , a Top QH Competitor and Wife of MLB Player, Eric Chavez. Also meet her sister Nikki in our “Around the Barrel.”

Cow irls In Styleg

Magazine

COUNTRYBRIDAL

SPRING

issue

FashionsThe Cowboy Rides Away... An evening withGEORGE STRAIT

Spring 2013

Snaffle BitTIPS10

Features

35 Country Weddings Find ideas for your upcoming wedding. Featuring real life country weddings.

18 the CoWboy rides AWAygeorge strait says fare-well to his fans.

50 Alex ChAvezMeet Alex Chavez, horse-woman and wife of Major league baseball player, eric Chavez.

In Style

Spring 2013

Magazine

Cover: Alexandra ChavezPhoto by: ImpulsePhotographyMB.com

Below: Nicole RigglePhoto by: ImpulsePhotographyMB.com

ON THE COVER...

62 Ten Snaffle BiT TipS Ten tips to transition your horse from snaffle to bridle.

6 | Cowgirls in style | Spring 2013

35

5064 Meet 2013 MrA QueenMeet Chenae shiner, the new Miss rodeo America 2013.

62

Photo by: ImpulsephotographyMB.com50

Photo by: Kellie CarrPhoto by: ImpulsephotographyMB.com

66

18

COWGI LSR

64

• Summer Getaways • Cowgirls Nostalgia• Planning your Summer Concerts• And More...


R In Style

Spring 2013

Magazine

In Every Issue COMINg SuMMER 2013...

Available the end of June 2013

9 Cowgirls MailrooM10 a Cowgirl’s VoiCe11 editor’s PiCks12 E-Cowgirl

16 Beauty BarnSpring Beauty Tips

18 entertainMent19 Country BuzzThe Cowboy Rides Away George Strait Tour

20 in fashionSpring Fashion ForecastRodeo Runway

30 sPirit of a Cowgirl49 Cowgirl entrePreneur58 how ‘Bout theM Cowgirls

Check out our Bridal and Country Wedding section on page 35. Photo by: D Bar D Photography

60 Cowgirls soCial62 horse training 1o1

64 rodeo queens CornerRoyalty NewsMeet 2013 Miss Rodeo America Chenae Shiner

66 around the BarrelNicole Riggle

68 the western wandererBonnie Springs, Nevada

70 Barn Boutique

72 Cowgirls getaway

35

COWGIRLS In Style | Mail Room

www.cowgirlsinstyle.com | [email protected]

thank you!Thank you so much for making me the face of Queen’s Corner! How fun and what a compliment this is to be a part of this great magazine!...~Brooke OwenMiss Rodeo Illinois 2011

i feel Very Blessed and thankful!I am so honored & excited to be featured in the Winter Edition of Cowgirls In Style Magazine!! I was signing copies of the magazine today to send to some family members & my horse Pistol was obviously very excited to browse through the pages! ;) Thank you Cowgirls In Style for publishing us. We feel so very blessed & thankful!~AMAndA IOntA

thank you for Cowgirls in style Magazine Thank you for the Cowgirls In Style Magazine during the Miss Rodeo America Pageant! It was a great week which would not be possible without everyone’s sup-port.~Courtney Peterson

like us on faCeBook!

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See what our readerS are Saying about

CowgirlS in Style magazine!

Contact Us! Email thE Editor at: [email protected]

advErtising: [email protected]

sUbsCriptions:[email protected] gEnEral information:info@cowgirlsinstylecom

susan gentryFounder

Editor-In-Chief

Jeannie FlynnAssistant Editor

robert gentryAssistant Editor

ContributorsCort Flynn

Jeannie Flynndevanie gentry

genevieve speringdana hokana

Photography Contributorslaura McClure

Art/Production/LayoutCountry Productions

AdvertisingQuinton Charles

Send editorial submissions to:[email protected]

For Advertising:[email protected]

Country ProductionsP.O. Box 841

Washington, UT 84780

Email:[email protected]

Copyright 2013 Country Productions/Cowgirls In Style Magazine. Cowgirls In Style does not assume liability for articles, products or services advertised within.


We are talking everything weddings in this issue and are excited to be featuring Alexandra Chavez on our cover with a cover story spread and her sister nicole riggle in our “Around the barrel” section.

Alexandra is the wife of Major league baseball player, eric Chavez and is quickly becoming one of the best in her field of horse show-manship.

We are also featuring some highlights from our nFr trip in las vegas! We had so much fun meeting so many of our readers, and advertisers! Another treat for me was to meet reba Mcentire’s sis-ter, susie luchsinger. she performed on the Cowboy Marketplace stage. What a gracious lady and a gorgeous voice.

i want to let our readers know how much we appreciate you! We came up with the idea of Cowgirls in style magazine a few years ago and wanted to create a publication that not only shows the latest fashions for the Cowgirl, but gave her a voice. We love in-cluding women around the country who love the Cowgirl lifestyle. We want it to be a unique and personal magazine for you that other magazines do not match. We are excited for the future and are thankful that you are on that journey with us.

see you all on the trail!

Susiesusan gentryeditor-in-Chief

A Cowgirl’s Voice...

COWGI LSR In Style

Spring 2013

Magazine

from the editor...

Left: Susie Luchsinger Right: Susan Gentry CIS Editor-In-Chief

Editor’s Picks

Spring 2013 | www.Cowgirlsinstyle.com | 11

Sometimes bigger is better – and sometimes it isn’t. Even here in Tex-as we understand that fact. If you work from a small desk or table, or if you’re on the road a lot, then you still need a great note pad—you just want one with smaller dimensions that’s easier to fit into a limited space. Plus you are buying American-made products.

No problem; meet the small leather notepad from South Texas Sad-delry, with the same rugged, no-nonsense features as their larger ver-sion, just scaled down a bit to fit your needs. Choose from three rich color schemes: chestnut, russet, or chocolate. We’ll even monogram up to three initials if you’d like, in a Western stamp—no extra charge. Order your small leather notepad today at www.SouthTexasSaddlery.com

e -CowgirlCOWGIRL BLOGGER |devanie gentry


Crafty texas girlswww.Craftytexasgirls.com

Crafty Texas Girls is a popular blog that focuses on home decor, family and all things crafty.

I bumped into this blog while I was surfing the net and found it to be very unique and informative. I was in-

trigued by the name, “Crafty Texas Girls” and wanted to learn more!

The site is for the woman who wants to do it all. Samantha Conner, the crafty mastermind behind the site, blogs about home décor, DIY projects, crafts for kids, recipes, and creativity. After launching

her own clothing and accessory line at Dallas Market, Samantha also shares her secrets for successfully running a small business while balancing motherhood and creating a beautiful home.

Crafty Texas Girls is an uplifting site that encourages, inspires, and brings out the creativity in every woman. See more at craftytexasgirls.com

Samantha Conner (above) the crafty mastermind behind Crafty Texas Girls.


Spring Beauty

tipSPastels will always be in for Spring, but why not try a pop of bright red or pink lipstick or bright blue nail polish ?

f

BeAuty BArn

Red Lipstickyou thought everything was pastels this season? Wrong! bright red lipsticks are in for spring, so along with your soft pinks and natural lip-sticks, include a red that will compliment your skin tone.

Powders light and natural powders are what’s in this spring.

f

Nude NailsA soft natural color is in for nails this spring. go with a soft nude color that bring out a healthy nail.

f

f

Body Lotion With the smell of vanilla, am-ber and sandalwood, this lo-tion is a refreshing fragrance for spring and wonderful way to get your smooth skin back after a long winter.www.bodyandbath.com

Thick Brows are in!if you are famous for over pluck-ing your eyebrows, stop right now. very skinny eyebrows are out and thick eyebrows are in this spring season. Allow your eyebrows to grow out a little bit so that they frame your face nicely. if they are a little sparse, fill them in with an eyebrow pen-cil that matches your natural hair color.

16 | Cowgirls In Style | SPRING 2013

SPRING BEAUTY

TIPSPastels will always be in for Spring, but why not try a pop of bright red or pink lipstick or bright blue nail polish ?

f

BEAUTY BARN

Red LipstickYou thought everything was pastels this season? Wrong! Bright red lipsticks are in for Spring, so along with your soft pinks and natural lip-sticks, include a red that will compliment your skin tone.

Powders Light and natural powders are what’s in this Spring.

f

Nude NailsA soft natural color is in for nails this spring. Go with a soft nude color that bring out a healthy nail.

f

f

Body Lotion With the smell of vanilla, am-ber and sandalwood, this lo-tion is a refreshing fragrance for spring and wonderful way to get your smooth skin back after a long winter.www.bodyandbath.com

Thick Brows are in!If you are famous for over pluck-ing your eyebrows, stop right now. Very skinny eyebrows are out and thick eyebrows are in this spring season. Allow your eyebrows to grow out a little bit so that they frame your face nicely. If they are a little sparse, fill them in with an eyebrow pen-cil that matches your natural hair color.

The Cowboy Rides AwAy...

It’s difficult to put words in writing about an event such as this.....the excitement, emotion, and passion all wrapped into this one special night..... A farewell to the greatest- a living legend- even George Harvey Strait...... Accompanied

by Martina McBride..... But I humbly will attempt such a feat. The night was February 2, 2013; the place, the MGM in Las Vegas, NV.

The evening started with the magnificent Martina McBride singing her greatest hits. Just having Martina perform was a treat in and of itself! Her musical talent, including her amaz-ing voice range, was at its living best! She informed us that she was the luckiest girl in the world because she was the one who got to tour with George! It was evident that she really felt thisway. I had to keep telling myself that this was going to be a night to remember, as this was just the warm up!

After Martina finished, the screens above were showing the in-credible, fabulous, and great career of George Strait. All of his awards (or so what seemed) thru the years were on display. Yes, I knew he was great, but this display of awards throughout the years reminded me of just how special of a career and man that he is. It seemed that every award there was in the history of country music had his name all over it. These highlights went on and on for several minutes. It was amazing! If the purpose of those highlights was to remind us of his remarkable career and just how much he will be missed, it did just that!

At last.... Here came George! The crowd went crazy! All of a sudden these thousands of fans, including me- who had been waiting months- just totally erupted. This ovation was “strait” from the heart. With every ounce of appreciation the fans could muster, this was the one night of true appreciation that

By: Bobby Joe Gentry

gEorgE strait says goodbyE to his fans in his “Cowboy ridEs away” toUr. Cis magazinE was thErE!



we fans would give to this living legend. It was one of respect, gratitude, and admiration for this man.

George sang songs from when he started, in the early 80’s. He also spoke about how grateful he was when one of his songs finally got a chance. Well, as we all know, the world has never been the same since!

Throughout the night, George repositioned himself so every-one had an opportunity of seeing him front stage. I felt this was a way he was showing appreciation for all his fans. This was especially appreciated by those of us who wouldn’t have had this opportunity. George was very humble about this. One could easily feel and sense how he connects with and appreciates all of his fans.

A highlight of his performance also included having Martina McBride join him on stage for a few performances.

As the night was progressing, I was thinking selfishly, and having moments of sadness, knowing this was going to be one of the last times to see George Strait live in concert. As a fan, I don’t want to see his performances come to an end. But I know this legend of a man now gets an opportunity of living his life in a way he sees fit, and doing things he’d like to do. I guess that is what is called retirement. As a fan, I must admit this. We all must. But George Strait will always be performing forever in our homes and in our hearts.

Thanks George! May you have much joy and happiness in your future!

www.RodeoEnvy.com

Martina McBride performing at the George Strait “Cowboy Rides Away” tour in Las Vegas, NV.

Technical department setting up for the big night at the MGM.

For more information on the “Cowboy Rides Away” Tour, go to www.GeorgeStrait.com

In Fashion

Fashion ForecastSpring 2013

Soft and bright colorS are in for Spring So don’t be afraid to go bold...

CowgirlsWRITTEN BY devanie gentry


EvEn though pastEl colors will always bE in stylE for spring, this yEar you can also ExpEct dEEp rEds, brilliant bluEs, and bright limEs and yEllows.

Finally the clouds break, the flowers start to bloom and the snow is gone for the season. spring is back again, and you want to make sure you are styled for the season. now that you don’t have oversized coats and heavy win-ter boots to hide yourself in, you may have to reassess

what it’s like for your clothing and accessories to be front and center all of a sudden. spring is your chance to shine with your clothing, makeup and accessories. so, what should we all be looking for this spring? What wardrobe pieces can carry over into the new season?

even though pastel colors will al-ways be in style for spring, this year you can also expect deep reds, bril-liant blues, and bright limes and yel-lows. not only will you see deep reds in fashion, but also in lipsticks and nail polish.

step out and try something bold this spring. go with the bright reds,

deep blues and bright greens and yellows.

Also look for chunky jewelry to be in for spring. Layer it with tur-quoise stones and various silvers. Necklaces, bracelets and rings are on the chunky side.

Remember with whatever outfit you decide to put together this spring, don’t forget to accessorize. Jewelry, handbags and your fa-vorite boots will finish off the look.

fall 2012 | www.Cowgirlsinstyle.com | 21

Subscribe!www.CowgirlsInStyle.com

our pick is the Women’s coral lightweight fleece short with drawstring waist-band and brown Cowgirl tuff Company print design down the side.

www.cowgirltuffco.com

In Fashion

Jazzy II: Me-dium wash with light distressing, sequin fabric back pockets, antique silver rivets and thick white stitching. MSRP $95.99

From the BIGGEST Cowgirl Brandswww.cowgirltuffco.com

Cowgirl Tuff for

Spring!

Latest Cowgirl Fashions...


Crosses Shim-mer Short: MSRP $58.99S00358: Let your wild side run free with this dark gray tank. The blackout black cross has a suede finish with tiny silver studs. MSRP $30.00

S00369: Exclusive Cowgirl Tuff paisley design done up with silver foil and crystals. Dol-man sleeves finish out the flowy move-ment of this tee. Ladies fit. MSRP $45.00

Cowgirls In Style Pick

Pink/black Chiffon Wran-gler® rock 47™ Collection. tie and beads at neckline. Cinched Waist and Cuffs. All over Print

www.wranglerwestern.com

In Fashion

Get Your Cowgirl On...


www.wranglerwestern.com


Latest Cowgirl Fashions...

Wrangler® Premium Patch® Short With Booty Up® Technol-ogy - Sits At HipAqua

Limeade Short Sleeve Tee

Color: Limeade (LJK567G) Rock 47™ Col-lection. Novelty Tee with Burnout Screenprint - Front/Back Floral Design.

Holly Berry 3/4 Sleeve Empire Waist DressColor: Holly Berry (LW-D270R) Scoop Ruffle Neck. 3/4 Sleeve Dress with Embroi-dery at Neck, Sleeves and Hem. Empire Waist with Self Fabric Tie. 100% Rayon Lawn.

Aura From The Women At Wran-gler Instantly Slim-ming Capri.Color: EP Wash (WUT34EP)

Look instantly slimmer as soon as you try on these capris from Aura from the Women at Wrangler. They are designed to flatter. We recommend you try a size smaller than your normal size. Tummy control panel.

PC518CCH: Pink Cattlelac Brown & Turquoise Screenprint Em-broidery V-Neck 3/4 Sleeves Dress ($54.00)

More Cowgirl Fashions... In Fashion

our pick is theocean drive® Women’s Pink Pais-ley Print Chiffon high-low Cami dress

www.cavenders.com


www.Cavenders.com


AR0011092: Ariat Paloma Sequoia Bark with Scrolling & Studs Snip Toe Western Boot ($259.99)

LJ5661K: Rock 47 by Wrangler Pink with Silver Fleur de Lis Burnout Long Sleeve Western Shirt ($54.00)

06958L: M&F Western Prod-ucts Black & Silver Zebra w/ Hot Pink Bling Cross iPhone 4 Case ($15.00)

This cool sweater knit tank by Vin-tage Havana is ivory with a racerback. Not lined - tank not included. Hand wash. 60% Cotton / 40% Poly-ester. Perfect for jeans and shorts!

SpringFashionphotographed by: laura mcClure

Rodeo Runway


accssssories by brit west

model: taci shaffer

Summer 2012 | www.Cowgirlsinstyle.com | 27fall 2012 | www.Cowgirlsinstyle.com | 27

Boots by Born Bootswww.bornshoes.comSaddle Pack Vest, Jacket and Leather Gauchos by DDRanchwww.ddranchwear.com

Photo by: Laura McClure www.cowgirlglitterati.com

Top is Marrika Nakk and the skirt is Vintage Collection

photographed by: laura mcClure

model: amanda ionta

28 | Cowgirls in style | fall 2012


Chunky Jewelry by brit west www.britwest.com

model: taci shaffer



Chunky Jewelry by brit west www.britwest.com

model: taci shaffermodel: taci shaffer

By Genevieve Marie Spirit of a Cowgirl

Spring! It’s the perfect time of year to freshen up your look and redefine your style – and no one loves style more than

the cowboy couture experts at Stages West in Pigeon Forge, TN. Cowgirls In Style attended an exclu-sive photo shoot at Stages West to bring you some gorgeous new looks and fashion tips for spring. Whether you’re a bride-to-be or sim-ply looking to have fun with the hot-test western fashion this season, here are some insider tips to keep you on the cutting edge.

style tip 1: play with Color.The days of meticulously matching every last detail are over! This season, you are free to move toward more complementary colors such as a pal-ate of pastels, whites and off-whites, and various shades of the same color. This makes coordinating outfits and even your wedding party and recep-tion easier since you won’t have to scramble to find that exact shade of coral. Experiment with tones and hues to create a soft, balanced feel.

style tip 2: blended two tones.Another big trend this spring is blended two tone looks like dip-dyed hair and ombre wedding gowns. Ba-sically, this look involves one color fading into another. You can do this in a subtle way or go for an all-out funky look. Ombre wedding dresses are gaining popularity, but if you want to keep it more traditional for your wedding day, why not try a bold color-blended sundress for your hon-eymoon or night out with the girls? Maybe you’re even daring enough to try this out on your tresses!

style tip 3: texture.In the world of western fashion, denim is always in. This spring light blue, white, and patchwork denim make a big splash. Whether you wear a denim vest over a sundress at a ca-sual outdoor wedding or your ring bearer sports denim head-to-toe, you can’t go wrong with this stylish staple. Lace and fringe also top the list of hot looks and can give your outfit a boost of texture.

Country Bridal and Spring Fashion 101



style tip 4: flatter yourself.Get to know what looks best on you. Learn about your body type and the various ways to flatter it from jeans to dresses to bath-ing suits. Discover what colors work best for your complexion and customize your make-up and clothes to complement you. Not sure where to start? There are tons of resources online and you can visit a local boutique or make-up counter for face-to-face consultations. Have fun with this! Try new looks and experiment with colors and styles you may not have tried before.

style tip 5: set your own trends.The style experts at Stages West don’t fol-low trends. They make their own. They know what’s going on in the world of fash-ion, but they don’t stop there. They go out and decide for themselves what pieces will make up their collections by hand pick-ing each item. You can do the same. Get inspired by checking out style trends and

then set out to create your own look from there. Bring your unique style into your wedding day as well as every day looks.

style tip 6: inside out.Remember that true beauty always starts on the inside. No matter what the occa-sion, if you’ve got a great attitude and hap-piness in your heart, you’re going to glow!

To shop at Stages West visit www.stageswest.com or check out their store in Pigeon Forge, TN.

models in photos: Michaela Rowe, Ashley Self, Mikalea Bohanan, Heather Howard, Cheyenne Knight

Read more from Genevieve on her Facebook page or go to:www.mindbodyspiritofacowgirl.com


Written By: Katie BartlettPhotos Submitted

Meeting briefly at Houston Rodeo three years ago, little did both Shea and Tyson know that one day they’d be planning a wedding. Sending her emails weekly from that day on, the five-time WNFR tie-down roper was

persistent and wouldn’t give up even after she refused to meet up with him or give him her phone number for months. “I was very career focused at that time and didn’t want to be tied down. He was very persistent and when I finally gave him my number he called once a week,” said Shea, who’s music songs have reached #1 hits in Australia four times.

After perusing Shea for over six months, Tyson finally got her talked in to going out for breakfast with him one morning. “I saw a girl who was very different to the girls here; she was obviously gorgeous and just had all the traits I liked. She has ambition and was always working hard and probably the fact that she didn’t make it easy for me made me chase her more.” Getting to know each other over the next year, both Shea and Tyson realized that this could be something serious and made their relationship official at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2011.

Staying true to tradition, Tyson asked Shea’s parents, Eddie and Jo, at the 2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo; where they both gave him their blessing. With Vegas over, Tyson

and Shea headed to New York City for a few days over New Years and Tyson knew this would be the perfect place to ask her. Having no idea what was coming, Shea and Tyson spent the evening dining on a five course meal at a famous steak house called Sparks, followed by a horse

and carriage ride through New York City before arriving at Central Park.

“There were thousands of people everywhere that night and where I had originally planned to propose was actually closed off. I thought about jumping the fence and doing it anyway but thought if we did we’d probably end up in the slammer,” laughed Tyson. “It was about two minutes before midnight and Tyson started the speech that every girl wants to hear and right before the first fire-work went off for New Year’s he got down on one knee. It was like a fairytale,” smiled Shea.

Engagement news Shea

& Tyson

Top Left: Ty and SheaMiddle: Shea’s en-gagement ringRight: Shea on the CMT red carpet

Opposite Page: Ty competing as WNFR tie-down roper. Bottom Right: Ty and Shea

“Where I had originally planned to propose was closed off, I thought about jumping the fence and doing it anyway...” -tyson Durfey


With a wedding to now plan, Shea and Tyson are working towards an October wedding in America at a location in Texas. “It’s a beautiful ranch down there and although I’d love to get married in Australia, all my family and friends wanted a destination wedding so it works out perfectly. Home will be a multiple of places, between Australia, Nashville and Weatherford, Texas. We have 26 acres and a nice little house and barn in Weatherford, but I will still keep my place in Nash-ville and of course Australia; Tyson really likes Australia,” said Shea.

As one of rodeo’s hottest couples right now and a bright future ahead of them, starting their life together is what they are both looking for-ward to most. “It’s really great when you both have the same faith; we both trust in the Lord with our future. I am sure marriage isn’t easy but with the Lord’s help we will be just fine,” smiled Shea.

Country Music Artist and Model, Shea Fisher and WnFr tie-down roper, tyson Durfey share their engagement news with CIS Magazine!

34 | Cowgirls in style | winter 2013

D Bar D PhotographyPhotographer :Dianna Drollette

Specializing in Families, Weddings, Seniors, Couples and Rodeos.435-754-6267

winter 2013 | www.Cowgirlsinstyle.com | 35

CountryBridal

guidePhoto by: D Bar D Photography

Bride: Sarah Stephan


Match your flowers with your boots!Photo by: D Bar D Photography

Bride: Sarah Stephan


Tangerine

wedding colors

OLD GRINGO BOOTSwww.Allensboots.com

FLOWER GIRL BOOTSwww.stetson.com

Tangerines and Oranges are one of the top colors of the season for weddings. Boots in browns and oranges and lip gloss in an orange/peach tint is the perfect way to finish off the look.

TANGERINE ORANGE BEADS CLUSTER BRACELETwww.fashionjewelryforeveryone.com

BRIDESMAID DRESS www.Dessy.com

LIPSTICK www.Revlon.com



BERRY NAIL POLISHwww.Allure.com

wedding colors

WineBerryBerry and Pinks add that burst of color to any wedding. Boots in wine or berry set off a classic look of color. Don’t forget the nail polish and flowers in various pinks to bring it all together.

WINEBERRY BOOTSwww.stetson.com


wedding colors

Aqua’s add that feminine touch to any wedding. Boots in aqua and brown and finish it off with a pearl necklace will bring a soft touch to an elegant wedding.

Aqua

SOFT NATURAL NAILS www.sallyhansen.com


OLD GRINGO BOOTSwww.Allensboots.com

PEARL NECKLACE SET www.cowbootyfashions.com




photos by: wayne simpson photography

wedding Colors? Cobalt blue and yellow. We had cobalt blue bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen vests/ties. The flowers were bright yellow sun-flowers mixed with wheat that we handpicked from our own fields.

how did he propose? Drew suggested that we take a quick trip to Banff to do a bit of shopping and touring around. We were about to leave Banff on November 6th, 2011 and Drew decided to stop in at the Banff Springs Hotel. We pulled up to the waterfall and he suggested that we get out and go for a bit of a walk. It was a beautiful, sunny day (but a bit chilly) and the waterfall was partially frozen and looked incredible. We walked up the hill a little ways to a quiet bench by the falls. Drew began to talk about our past years together and the bright future ahead. He said he could not imagine spending the rest of his life with anyone but me. It was at that moment he pulled the ring out of his jacket and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes :)

location of wedding? The ceremony was held at the Riverview Bed & Breakfast and the reception/dance was held at the DeWinton Community Hall (Both locations are near my family’s farm and near Okotoks, Alberta)

favorite moment? Since our wedding ceremony was at 4:30 pm and the reception

followed immediately after, we ended up doing our formal photos before the actual cer-emony. I was hesitant to do this at first (because I did not want to see each other before the ceremony) but in the end I am so glad that we did be-cause the “first look” was my favorite part of the entire day. I had arranged to meet Drew at an abandoned old barn close to my par-ents’ farm. Drew was standing at one end of the barn facing away from me and I walked through the barn quietly and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around and we both got to see each other for the first time that day. It was a beautiful and emotional mo-ment shared by just the two of us that I will always treasure close to my heart. It was a hectic day and it truly did go by in the blink of an eye, but those 10 minutes alone with Drew in front of the barn made time stand still.your song? “Tougher Than The Rest” Chris LeDouxhoneymoon destination? We both have very busy jobs that don’t allow time off during the summer so we really have not gone on a honeymoon yet. We were very fortunate, however, to go on a pre-wedding moon to Australia before we got married. Drew and I took a month off in January/February 2011 prior to the wedding and had some incredible adventures and made some wonderful memories.

Melissa & Drew

real life country weddings


I feel so very blessed to have found the one that makes my heart smile every day. Drew has always seen the best in me from the moment we met and has always encouraged me to chase my dreams. He is my best friend and one of my biggest supporters. Drew and I met during the Calgary Bull Sale at Ranchman’s through a mutual friend. I had just returned home after spending a year working on cattle stations in Out-back Australia. Drew was fitting bulls and was persistent in his quest to snag a date with me. The first date was good but it wasn’t until the second date that I started to realize that he could be my forever. Drew says that he knew from the moment he saw me that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. We planned our wedding with a theme that suited the both of us, “Rustic Elegance”. We wanted to celebrate our future with each other in a setting that spoke to our agricultural roots and one that involved our family and friends. We enjoy the outdoors, helping on the farm, skiing, travelling, road trips, cattle, horses and anything that gives us a chance to be to-gether.

Kissing Booth

Photos by: Kristen Evensen

wedding Colors: Turquoise, brown and white

location: Riverton, WY

honeymoon destination: They have yet to go

John and Jessi Franzen got married on their ranch in Riverton, Wyoming on September 22, 2012. They had a simple, “Do It Your-self,” complete, country wedding.

The ceremony took place in the field behind their house along a row of trees, with the reception following in the same location. The groomsmen rode horseback from the corrals to the ceremony in a line, with the groom in the middle. The maids of honor, brides-maids, flower girl and ring bearer came from the opposite direc-tion in a wagon and team of horses. After the guys tied their horses to the hitching rail, they met their ladies as they were coming off the wagon to walk down the aisle together.

The flower girl didn’t drop petals, but instead carried John and Jes-si’s dog, Tipper, down the isle so she could be part of the ceremony as well. Jessi and her dad came from the distance in an old doctor’s

buggy and horse. Jessi’s uncle was their pastor for the ceremony. Her sister and grandpa both sang a song, and all of their friends and family were there to witness the bond and new life they were about to start together.

With trees as the backdrop, the sun setting, and amazing weather, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day.

For the reception, they had barbecue brisket and neighbors brought salads. They danced all night, had an open bar and everyone fit un-der one tent to have a good time until the sun came up!

John is a professional steer wrestler and also works for his parents, Hank and Lori Franzen, who own Powder River Rodeo Company. Jessi is the owner and designer of Outhouse Jewels and also works for his family’s business as a timer and secretary. Her parents are Rusty and Mary Jane Fieldgrove. They have yet to go on a honey-moon because soon after the wedding they both had to go to work at the rodeos and it hasn’t slowed down since.


Jessi & John



Photos By: Tuff Enuff Photos by Adeline Hyatt

wedding Colors: Truffle satin brown for the bridesmaids and groomsmen wore a natu-ral colored cinch button up. Flowers were mainly sunflowers, white and yellow roses, daisies etc

location: Wyoming Hereford Ranch, Cheyenne, WY

Hansen and Kelsea were married on June 30th, 2012 at the beauti-ful Wyoming Hereford Ranch in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It was a very simple, small wedding, but exactly everything they had hoped for. “We had our ceremony on a nice grassy area next to a creek that runs through the ranch. Our reception was held in the old salebarn, where cow sales had been held and put on by the ranch for many years. Our dance floor was the good, old fashioned, hard wood floor that had been built on top of the old sale ring. The old bleachers still remained and provided extra seating for all the guests. The band was amazing, put on by Westbound 40 out of Laramie, Wyoming. Ben Jones an incredibly talented college friend of mine who I met when I attended the University of Wyoming. The large barn doors were opened, near by in the corrals the horses grazed and added to the wonderful west-ern atmosphere.

Our decorations and center pieces were simply, like all weddings, on a budget. However, they were perfect. Mason jars wrapped with beau-tiful ribbon, hemp twine, and each had an array of gorgeous sunflow-ers that brightened up the barn. The support beams throughout the barn were wrapped with light and more color coordinated ribbon. Beverages were beer, wine, ice tea, lemonade, soda and water. The kegs and sodas were served over ice in the old feed wheelbarrows and were placed throughout the barn. Food at the wedding was provided by Pioneer BBQ out of Cheyenne, Wyoming and they did a wonder-ful job of getting everyone fed with a delicious meal of pulled pork, roast beef, beans and all the good BBQ fixings. Our honeymoon destination was to go to Yellowstone National Park, but the ranch and farm delayed our adventures until a later date. We did however get a chance to make it down to Mexico. Being my first time, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I still insist on Yellowstone as being our honeymoon trip :) We are now back up in Torrington, Wyoming about to start the busi-est time of year with calving season, then on to branding, summer pasture, followed by the warm days of farming. But we wouldn’t have it any other way and plan to live happily ever after.”

Kelsea & Hansen




Photos By: Maegan Puetz

wedding Colors: Turquoise, corral, and sunflowers for the flowers

location: Callisburg, TX

honeymoon destination: Broken Bow/Beavers Bend, Oklahoma in a Honeymoon log cabin in the Mountains over looking Broken Bow Lake.

In a small Texas high school 13 years ago, I was 16 years old and had my first boyfriend, my first love. This boy’s name was Chris West-brook, and he was really the sweetest boy ever. Made you feel special for being you. We dated for 2 years and were so happy. I’ve never laughed like that before. Mom use to say “No boys ever made you smile like him Jamie.” When he graduated high school his dream was to be a Marine and to defend our Country, and his dream came true. He was to move to Callifornia that summer. He asked me if I would please move with him, and marry him. I was 18 years old, scared to leave my small town, and my close family, so very sadly I said no. We then separated, he went his way with new adventures, and I stayed home doing the same thing everyday. Turns out I mar-ried a man named Chris, but not THE CHRIS.

As time went on, this marriage did not work out. After my divorce, I NEVER ONCE stopped thinking about Chris Westbrook, the

Marine. 9-1-1 hit in the middle of those years, and all I did was wor-ry for him. I always wondered how he was, and if he was thinking of me too. I wanted so badly to reach out for help, to reach out to him. But I was always scared he had found someone else, like I had.

After my divorce was final, I noticed on Facebook that he was there! Chris Westbrook was right in front of me, well his picture was. He was holding up a fish in his picture. I always liked to fish... I now was divorced, back living with my parents, with my baby girl. My parents were amazing to us. They helped me in any way they could and I told them my situation. One day I worked up the courage to message Westbrook (I call him that since the other was Chris too), and let him know how I was... He messaged me back!

Chris had also been through a divorce. after 13 years of wonder-ing, searching, praying, and day dreaming he told me three little words again, “I love you.” I never once in a million years would have thought after ALL I had been through, 13 years gone, he could come right back into my life like he had never left. He had seen so much, served 5 tours in the Marine Corps, and was now a very fine Marine. No longer a young Marine, but a very skilled, profes-sional, well decorated Marine in charge of a large number of young Marines. Everyday that goes by now and I see his face come home with uniform on, I have never been more proud to be a Marine wife, never been more happy than I am every single day.

Jamie & Chris


Honeymoon log cabin in Broken Bow/Beavers Bend, Oklahoma

Honeymoon log cabin in Broken Bow/Beavers Bend, Oklahoma


How many of you ladies dream of riding in to meet the man of our life on horseback with manes flowing as we gallop to our new love, just like in the movies? Since I just actually did this, I have learned a few things that

might make this scene more real and much less dangerous of going viral on U-Tube. While I was contemplating riding in, I did check out U-Tube to get some ideas and was unpleasantly surprised as to how many were wrecks! I think we forget the butterflies that are involved at that moment and how they can be taken by the horse as fear. With this in mind, re-think your glorious entry and try some of the advice below.

If you want to ride in, make sure you know the horse and the horse is completely broke. I also con-templated riding in on a young horse who was so beautiful, but immediately I realized that any-thing can spook them and with a long dress and butterflies al-ready, it can quickly go from bad to worse. So I choose the old horse that has taught hundreds of kids to ride over the years, I know him inside and out, I know that I can lope in, walk in, side pass in and he will just do what I need because I have millions of other things on my mind at that time and just want to enjoy that moment. Even so, I started a couple months ahead riding Mac in bed sheets (and yes the highway crew pulled over and watched one day.) You will look like a dork out there riding your horse around in bed sheets, but it is much better to look like a dork there, then the day of your wedding. Then, I went to wearing the petticoat and bed sheets. This caused even more cars to pull over to see what that crazy person was doing, but I ignored them and went on with my training. This went so well that I decided to try bridleless with just a flower wreath around his neck, which did go pretty well in practice, but the day before it didn’t and so I went back to a bridle. At any point, when I felt that things were not right, I would step back and either re-prepare or take that part out. Keep in mind all that is going on in your life at that moment, keep it simple and quiet for your equine friend as well.

Have plenty of help getting the horse to where you want it, getting on and off the horse. Make sure the people doing this are horse people and that nothing gets the horse upset or spooked. Getting on the horse was much easier than I anticipated, I simply mounted as I al-

ways would only lifting my right leg a little higher, I did not get my dress to lie as I had wished but no one noticed but me. In places the petticoat showed, but like I said no one else noticed. When I went to dismount, I did the same thing again, lifting my right leg a little higher to swoop the dress over with me, then I rested in my left stirrup momentarily to make sure no part of the dress was hung up. Then I allowed my brothers to take my elbow and waist to help me down, thus helping me not step on my dress. At that point, I had my brother go tie up my horse so he was not distracting to the wedding ceremony and vows.

Another thought to keep in mind is your partner, remember they have dreams of this day and moment too, as do all the people show-

ing up to support you both and your future. If you do not do all your preparation or take a chance on a less trained horse, you are af-fecting their day as well as yours. I really don’t think there are too many men out there that dream of spending their wedding night in the Emergency room. Remember, this is their wedding too, so as bad as you may want a grand entry horse-back, if it isn’t working out you may want to look at other options. And even though people love action, the guests are not coming to see a ro-deo, they are coming to share two people who are coming together to share their lives together and this moment is magical, even if you have to opt out of the horseback en-try. Right up until the last second, (literally) I was prepared to walk in without the horse if anything went

wrong. I think that is pretty important, always have a back up plan. Also, there are people out there that hire out carriages where they take the work and responsibility upon themselves, they train the horses and you just get to enjoy your moment, always check out all those options as well.

Weigh out all options of something going wrong, think out any sce-nario that might take place, pick a well broke horse, practice, prac-tice practice, have good help getting them to point A and removing them, breath deep, and enjoy the moment. A wedding day should be a day of beauty and happiness, a wreck on a horse would ruin that moment. Keeping all this in mind, have fun and share that wonder-ful moment with God, Husband, Guests and our Beautiful Equine friends. Good luck!

Horseback WeddingsWritten By: Candy Yow Photo by: Trista Wilson

CowgirlENTREPRENEUR

This is YourStory

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AlexandraThe talented and beautiful wife of Major League baseball player, Eric Chavez has found her way in the Major Leagues of Quarter Horse Showmanship.

Alex talks about horses, family and fashion...

Photos by: ImpulsePhotographyMB.com

Chavez

Alexandra Chavez

Alex and Beautiful Maiden


Alex usually rides at least 3 times a week when she is at home. At a show, she will ride multiple times a day to prepare herself and horse for a class.


Photo by: Clark Marten PhotographyCourtesy of Montana Silversmiths

Alex sporting the Arizona Diamondbacks cap. Husband, Eric Chavez, former NY Yan-kee baseball player recently signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.


Alexandra Chavez is not your average girl next door. She is a woman who manages an active family, is married to a Major League Baseball player and competes nationally in the world of Western Pleasure.

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, “Alex” met her husband, Eric while attending college in Seattle. She had decided to go to a Seattle Mariners baseball game one night where the Oakland A’s were in town and Eric was the third baseman for the A’s at the time. While at the game, Eric handed Alex a letter asking her out.—fast forward -- They have just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary and have three young chil-dren, two sons, Diego, 7 and Cruz, 4 and a daughter, Dolce, who is 5.

The Chavez family have made their home in Arizona since 2002, as it was the Spring Training location of the Oakland A’s. Eric went on to play for the New York Yankees for two years, and is now a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Because of Alex’s love of horses, the Chavez’s updated their residence from being a home with a backyard filled with a batting cage and various baseball accommodations, to a backyard with riding arenas and a barn full of horses

In just one year, Alex has gone from a novice, beginning rider to an award winning competitive rider for the Quarter Horse breed, This year she was the circuit champion at the Arizona Sun Circuit in the novice amateur pleasure and trainer, Katie Green, was circuit champion in the senior western pleasure. Alex was also named the circuit champion in the novice amateur HUS with “Beautiful Maiden” (“AJ”) with trainer,Stacy Huls. In Jackson,,MS, she earned some amateur points and Green quali-fied for the world senior western pleasure.

Rising quickly as one of the top competitors in the Quarter Horse industry, Alex Chavez tells CIS Magazine about her love of horses, family and fashion.

By: Susan Gentry

Photos By: ImpulsePhotographyMB.com


Alex grew up in the city but on the weekends she would head to her father’s ranch in Washington where her love of Horses be-gan. After time away from the breed she loved, Alex’s husband, Eric, encouraged her to get back in the saddle in 2008. And in 2011, she took a leap of faith and began her AQHA career at the biggest show of them all… the Congress. With her full of life attitude, Alex decided to “enter it all” with her trusted steed, “Hocus Boston Flame.”

Several NSBA World Show Top Tens and State year-end High Point awards later, Alex was searching for an elite hunter,when Stacy (Huls) found ‘Beautiful Maiden,’ AJ.” It was like the picture just came together,” said Alex.

Back left: Eric, AlexFront: Diego, Cruz and Dolce

10 YEARS OF MARRIAGE TO MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

PLAYER, ERIC CHAVEz, THREE KIDS AND A BARN

FULL OF HORSES...

Not only did she become the proud owner of “AJ”, but also a gold trophy, after Stacy brought home the World Cham-pionship in Junior Hunter Under Saddle.

With the help of Rusty and Katie Green, Alex found her amateur western pleasure horse, the “Best Sign Yet”, also known as “Rocket” She also has five yearlings, two being trained by the Green’s and three with Stacy Huls, that are sure to have a bright future.

One look at Alex and you know that she knows her fash-ion. “I love fashion. My mother is my fashion icon! She is the most stylish woman I know. A few years ago, before the American Quarter Horse Congress, we flew to Paris for fashion week. I sat front row for the Louis Vuitton fashion show, the hustle and bustle of the fashion world was amazing! We shopped and people watched for days!! Stacy started a retail boutique, ‘Savvy Clothing Co.,’ I have had a lot of fun buying for the store. We will be setting up a mobile retail boutique at all the horse shows we travel to. The goal behind ‘Savvy’ is to bring cute, fun, and comfy clothes at a decent price to people within the horse show world.

When I am showing English, I try to add a little personality to my outfit by wear-ing a fun colored shirt or collar. Katie and I had a lot of fun designing my western pleasure jacket, Roan horses are harder to match. It’s a Plaua’s Place Jacket, espe-cially designed for me, I think it weighs about 30 lbs! “

Alex humbly answered that she still con-siders herself a beginner when

we asked her what type advice she would give those that would like to get into

showing horses. “I would advise them to follow their heart and dreams. To live, love, laugh and work hard for what you want to achieve. Personally, some of my goals have been reached, some I still want to achieve. I am thankful for my support; friends, family and amazing trainers!”

Alex wearing her Plaula’s Place Jacket, that she helped design.

The Chavez children from left to right. Daughter Dolce, sons, Cruz and Diego.


“I LOVE FASHION. A FEW YEARS AGO, BE-

FORE THE AMERICAN QUARTER

HORSE CONGRESS, MY MOTHER AND I FLEW

TO PARIS FOR FASHION WEEK.”

-Alex Chavez

Right: Alex with sister Nicole Riggle on the left

We asked Alex what goals if any that she still has left. “On a daily basis, I try to stay consistent, work on better knowing my horses, balance and body positioning. I’d like to improve a little each time I show.... Long term goals would be to a Congress top 10 and/or World finalist.”

With Alex’s entire family support-ing her in and out of the show pen, she is simply looking to enjoy the time she has with her horses she considers to be part of her family. “I love my horses win or lose and just feel blessed to be able to do what I love,” says Alex.

“I LOVE MY HORSES WIN

OR LOSE...”~Alex Chavez

Read about Alex’s sister Nicole Riggle, in our “Around the Barrel” section on page 66.

58 | Cowgirls in style | Srping 2013

More Information...We’re celebrating Cowgirls! “liKe” us on Facebook to be a part of it all! email your photos and we might select you! [email protected]

CelebratingCowgirls...

facebook.com/cowgirlsinstyle

Kristen SmithPhoto by

Kate Williams

Melinda BergFrom

Montana

Heather SteinPhoto by:

Simply Charming Photography

Missy WhitfieldPhoto by:

MW Photography

Jessica Phelps Photo by

April Sykes

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NFR Booth Highlights !

Cowgirl’s Social

Left: Country Music Artist and model, Shea Fisher Right: CIS Editor-In-Chief Susan Gentry

Left: CIS Editor Devanie Gentry Right: Miss Rodeo Illinois 2011 Brooke Owen

Left: Country Music Artist Joe Nichols Right: CIS Editor Devanie Gentry

Left: NFR Roper Colby Lovell Right: CIS Editor Devanie Gentry

Cowgirl’s SocialSome fun photos since our last issue...

Model, Amanda Ionta showing her horse her magazine spread.

Model, Amanda Ionta’s horse looking at her magazine spread

2012 MRA Queen, McKenzie Carr signing autographs in the CIS Magazine booth

Set up crew for the CIS Magazine booth in Vegas for the NFR. Quinn, Brandon and

Garrett. Thanks boys!

When you apply these proven training tech-niques to transi-tion your horse from a snaffle to a shank bridle you will have a solid horse and a good under-standing of the mechanics of bits. lets make this transition from a snaffle to a bridle a posi-tive one for you and your horse.

there are many differ-ent opinions and methods on how to cor-rectly advance

your young or green horse from the ring snaffle bit to the shank curb bridle. however most great horseman give this transition great regard as many believe that how you “put your horse in the bridle” as it is called will greatly affect the long term bridle horse he becomes. i agree with this, as the bridle or snaffle is a communication tool between you and your horse. by using the bridle correctly and introducing it correctly to your horse you are giving your horse’s training and integrity of the interior of his mouth the highest regard. respect your horse like the high level partner he truly is.

let’s start with a basic understanding of the mechanics of a snaffle bit vs. the mechanics of a shank bridle. When you ride your horse in a snaffle you use direct pull reining. A snaffle has a broken mouthpiece with rings that your reins attach to. it is a simpler more basic style of riding and involves fewer parts of the horse’s mouth, chin and jaw. When you pull on your snaffle bit reins, you have a direct line to the corners of the horse’s mouth. A snaffle is designed so that the reins have direct contact with the horse’s mouth and the pounds

of pressure that your hands apply equal the same pressure to the mouth. A snaffle does not have a shank and applies no leverage. The primary pressure point of the snaffle is the tongue, followed by the bars of the jaw and the corners of the mouth. Since the snaffle is a direct pull bit, the horse can eas-ily understand your direct rein pull. it makes exercises such as following the nose and taking the horse’s head side to side to gain lateral flexion very simple and easy. Because of the simplicity of the bit it is great for young or green horses. it is for horses whose education is at a grade school level, where as a shank bridle is like high school.

The difference between a snaffle and the bridle is the shank. the reins attach to the end of the shank multiplying the ef-fective pounds of pressure a rider may apply to the horse’s mouth. the severity of the bridle is determined by four main factors.• The length of the shank – The longer the shank the more severe the bridle.• The angle of the shank – The straighter the shank the more severe the bridle. • The shape of the mouthpiece – There are many fac-tors in this to determine severity such as the interior of each individuals mouth but a rule of thumb is that the higher the port, the more severe the mouthpiece is• Type and adjustment of the curb strap. A leather strap is much milder than a chain and a bar is more severe than a chain.

shank bridles also can be a solid shank and solid mouth piece or loose shank with a solid mouth piece or a loose shank and a broken mouthpiece. the loose shank bridle allows more of a direct rein pull similar to a snaffle when ridden with two hands. different metals especially copper used in the mouth-piece can create more saliva. A shank hobble holds the shanks of a loose shank bridle together so that they don’t swivel. this will increase the leverage of the bridle and increases the communication of the indirect reins. A shank bridle applies pressure to the tongue, bars, roof of the mouth and the chin or jaw. the amount of pressure and where it is applied is de-pendant on the type of mouth piece, length and angle of the shank and the type of mouthpiece, length and angle of shank and type of curb strap. A bridle is an indirect rein pull and guide, and turning or guiding your horse involves teaching him to respond to an indirect rein, and to move off the pres-

Horse training 101by dAnA hoKAnA

Ten Simple Tips to Transition Your Horse from the Snaffle to the Bridle!


sure of the rein.

before you put your horse in the bridle, you need to es-tablish if he is ready. i can give you my opinion as to if a horse is ready or not. before i put one of my horses in the bridle i need to be able to pull my horse’s head one way or the other with him accepting the pressure willingly, he also needs to be able to move willingly over off my leg. he needs to give his face, flex at the poll and flex laterally in the neck and he needs to allow me to collect him and to drive him to his face at the walk, jog, and lope and to accept it willingly. i want him to be beginning to exhibit self-carriage and not speed up when i release the reins. i want him to stop balanced and back willingly in the bridle.

i will say that i have had horses that were exceptionally heavy or stiff and i have put them in the bridle before they have accomplished all of these things; but the majority of my horses must pass this test. now that you’ve established if your horse is ready for the bridle let’s get started.

Tip #1- hang a bridle in his mouth and put a halter on over it and tie him in a safe location where he cannot get the bridle hooked on anything, and let him wear it and mouth it and get used to the feel of a different bit. i usually do this every day for about a week for a few hours a day. Tip #2 - before you get on your horse, reach your hands over your horse’s neck and pull his head side to side and back him up. do this until he accepts the pull willingly. Fit your curb chain fairly loose. Tip #3 - start your horse in a short shank loose cheek cor-rection type mouthpiece. i like this kind of bit to start young horses in because the cheek pieces or shanks are loose and more similar to the loose cheeks of a snaffle and the broken mouthpiece can exert pressure when you take a hold, but it is forgiving when you release it.Tip#4 – Ride your horse two handed until he is comfortable with his new bridle. this may take a few days or it may take weeks. Tip #5 - teach your horse to accept you pulling his face to one side or another, do this with forward motion keeping him stepping forward. identify if he leans one way or the other or drops a shoulder, ribcage or hip in or out.Tip #6 – Once your horse accepts being collected and driv-en forward two handed, go to one hand. Practice your ap-proach or your pick up. your approach is everything. do not hit his mouth with an abrupt or jerky pickup. good hands and feel take practice. i teach my riders to pick up their horse as follows. Pick up until the slack is out of the reins and you feel his mouth. do this slowly and feel for the con-tact then bump, hold lightly jerk until you get the desired response. then soften or lighten your cue. At this point i often hold or stay in light contact until i know the horse accepts my pick up, and then i will drop. i practice this pick up over and over making my horse give his face every time, until he is soft and accepting to my pressure. Tip #7 – Different bits and curbs will give you different re-sults in your horse’s profile and head and neck carriage. i have found that for my pleasure horses i want less of a mouth piece and shank and more of a curb as i want them to lift up through the back and withers when i collect

them but when i drop them i want them to let go with their neck and hang their head and neck in a natural position. i have found that too much mouth piece can make an over bridled profile which is not desired in the AQHA standard for Western Pleasure. i’ve also found that some horses will hide in an over bridled position and get quicker with their legs which is not desired. i also prefer showing rail horses in a solid cheek shank as loose cheek shanks have on some horses created a little more movement in their profile. This does not apply to all horses as i’ve explained that every horse’s mouth, tongue, and jaw are shaped differently and different bits give a different feel and reaction in different horses. I like to remain flexible and open to change as the individual may require. My daughters ride and show reining horses and most of the time they prefer loose shanked bri-dles. They require a different feel and response and profile than pleasure, western riding, and horsemanship horses.Tip #8 – As your horse accepts your pickup and approach and release then teach him to respond to the neck rein. A great tip for this is to keep your hand over the line of his mane slightly in front of the saddle horn. Ask him to turn by bringing your hand 4-6” to the right or left. notice the neck rein lying against his neck and give him a moment to re-spond. if he doesn’t make a turn or respond to the cue stop him and put your hand around the reins and pull him over off the rein cue until he moves over off the rein. once he responds release him instantly, walk forward and try again. sometimes trotting him forward and adding forward mo-tion will help. Be definite about your cues. Keep your hand still and recognize that if you move your hand one way or another you are giving a cue. be mindful about your hand. i don’t pick up unless i want my horse to respond and i don’t move my hand over to the right or left unless i want him to turn.Tip #9 – Buy a quality manufactured bit that has been cor-rectly balanced. A balanced bit will hang correctly in the horse’s mouth and will weigh the same on wither side.Tip #10 - have your veterinarian check your horse’s teeth. often resistance in a horse to the bridle means they need work done on their teeth. Most 2 year olds need their wolf teeth pulled. he can help your horses to remain comfort-able carrying the bit or bridle by making sure his teeth aren’t bothering him.

Make sure that if your horse shows extreme resistance to any of these cues and you feel in any danger seek the help of a professional. do not take chances. your safety and well being is of utmost importance. best wishes to you in put-ting your horse into the bridle.

Dana Hokana is one of the top female trainers in the Quarter Horse industry. w w w . h o k a n a . C o m


Meet Miss rodeo america 2013, Chenae shiner!

Chenae Shiner of Roosevelt, Utah reigns as Miss Rodeo America 2013. She received the crown on December 12, 2012 at the conclusion of the week-long pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Chenae will travel more than 100,000 miles during her reign representing Miss Rodeo America, Inc. and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association.

“For me, queens embrace the spirit of rodeo, never hesitating to turn a spectator into a true fan.” Shiner said. “To represent this rodeo family as an ambassador would be my greatest honor.”

Chenae obtained an Associates Degree from Utah State University and is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Radiologic Sciences with a special emphasis in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Com-puted Tomography (CT). She will be taking time out from her studies at Weber State University to reign as the “First Lady of Professional Rodeo.” She will be able to use the $22,500 in scholarships she was awarded as Miss Rodeo America from the Miss Rodeo America Schol-arship Foundation to help further her educational goals.

As a WPRA card holder, Chenae proudly says that rodeo is her favorite sport! She truly feels at home on their family ranch where branding or herding 600 head of cattle can’t be beat! She also enjoys lake-surfing, wakeboarding, cycling, running, hiking and snow skiing. She can’t wait to travel across the country and her home state promoting the Miss Rodeo America organization as well as our great sponsors!

Photos and information provided by the Miss rodeo America Pageant. www.missrodeoamerica.com


ChenaeShiner

Miss rodeo America

2013

Cowgirls In Style: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Nikki : i grew up in Woodinville, WA on hollywood hill which was primarily horse and wine country. My family and i moved to scott-sdale, Az almost 3 years ago. After the move it greatly excelled my riding and competitive edge, being in a more central area of rodeo.

CIS: When and how did you find your love of horses and barrel racing?

N.R.: My dad introduced me to horses when i was just a baby, so I was riding before I could hardly walk. It’s definitely in our blood, you either have the “bug” or you don’t. you couldn’t get me off a horse if you tried! When i was about 10 years old i began barrel racing, and at 13 I purchased my first winning and champion bar-rel horse, “Cheys tucker desire”. i ran her until last winter when i decided to retire her at age 16, she is now producing incredible babies and i look forward to training and competing on them at high levels. i currently have 8 running bred Quarter horses and Chey is currently in foal and due in March.

By: CIS Magazine Photos by: ImpulsePhotographyMB.com

Around the Barrel

City/State: Scottsdale, AZ

Barrel Racer

with

NicoleRiggle

CIS: What type of personal training do you do?N.R. having 8 horses is a work out within itself. riding and training babies takes a lot out of a gal! i love to run outside and on the treadmill, also walk my border collie who has tons of energy, hiking is always fun too.

CIS: Tell us a little bit about your horses and the type of training you do each day with them? N.R. :My main rodeo horse is “Chowchilla Filly” and i call her “Cici”. i’ve had her for almost 3 years. she had a few injuries when i bought her, we did stem cell therapy and gave her about 2 years off from running. i re-trained her to mesh our styles, listen to me more, and get her better trained. i started running her again at the beginning of this summer at PrCA rodeos and started placing at them in August. it was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get Cici healed up and re-trained, but it was the best decision of my life to stick with her. now i never look back, she’s the best horse i’ve ever owned and i can’t wait for what the future holds for us. i ride Cici about 6 times a week, mostly long trotting in the arena, and taking her through the trails and washes is great exercise and keeps her mind from getting blown. the horses that i’m training for the future are ridden about 5 times a week, i do all sorts of things with them, trails, arena work, barrels, and i like to bring them along to the rodeos to get them used to the rodeo atmosphere.

CIS: What are your favorite style of clothes?N.R.: i’m not into a whole lot of “bling” but i love the clas-sic western look. in rodeo you have to wear a western shirt, boots and a hat, normally a belt and jeans. I’m definitely a jean collector, my favorites are buckle jeans and Cowgirl tuff jeans. We do a whole lot of traveling so anything that’s com-fortable is at the top of my list!

CIS: What are you goals for the future?N.R. My number one goal is to Qualify for the nFr. this year i’m shooting to qualify for our turquoise Circuit Finals, and try my best at the Rookie of the year title. I definitely have my sights set on the nFr, but we’ve got a long road ahead of us. i always want to love what i’m doing and never forget that i’m lucky enough to be able to run at this high of a level, i’m living the dream and couldn’t ask for anything more.

i like that my sister (Alex Chavez, article on page 50) and i have the love of horses in common. My Dad definitely passed the riding trait along to the both of us. it’s so fun to share the same goal of competing at high level events. We both have a ton of drive and perseverance to win and do well. We both always have each others backs, and would do anything to help each other out.

Keep your eye on Nikki as she works on her goal of reaching the

NFR.

The Western Wanderer

written By: Cort flynn

In Bonnie Springs, all of the buildings are authentic old west buildings moved onto the site. The springs however have historical significance

as they are located on the Old Spanish Trail where even John C. Fremont stopped on one of his treks west...

In Bonnie Springs, Nevada


W hile wandering through nevada we came upon a very special discovery, lAs vegAs. you say, now wait a minute! the lights, the glitter, the extravagance—that is not what the Western Wanderer is about. Well, pardners, head west; west of las vegas beyond the city lights and onto a scenic drive with rugged mountain views and wandering, wild burros along the roadside and you find the special place. It is called Bonnie Springs.

if any of you remember the feel of the old Knotts berry Farm back in the ‘50s when it was mainly an old western village, bonnie springs will remind of that. it is not a true ghost town, but all the buildings are authentic old west buildings moved onto the site. The springs however have historical signifi-cance as they are located on the old spanish trail where even John C. Fremont stopped on one of his treks west.

this is a fun place so bring the kids and grand kids. it has shoot-outs in the streets and from the rooftops, hangings in the town square (watch out you may get involved!) and a melodrama show is put on several times a day. there is also a great petting zoo with some pretty cool animals and you can take a ride on the train.

you will enjoy touring the buildings too, which include an old west-themed wax museum. Watch out for the ghosts, too! Many have claimed to have encountered ghosts, voices, shadows and moving objects around the town. Check out the playground whirly gig. it has been seen spinning on its own as if unseen children have returned to play on it. bonnie springs was even featured in one episode of ghost Adven-tures.

the admission fee is very reasonable and includes all the ac-tivities except for horseback riding which is a separate charge. Also there is a good restaurant on the sight which overlooks a pond full of ducks and turtles. We will be watching for you along the skyline.

This is a fun place so bring the kids and grand kids. It has shoot-outs in the streets and from the roof-tops, hangings in the town square (watch out you may get involved!)


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•The Cowgirls

Shopping

Mall


CowgirLS getAwAy

WHAT WE DID...

Who loves the bright lights of Las Vegas and the excite-ment of the National Finals Rodeo? Cowgirl Swank….that’s who! We try to make it a yearly trip to the fast-

paced city and what better time to do it than when the city is overrun by cowgirls and cowboys!

We arrived on the afternoon of the first day and after checking into our ho-tel it was off to the Thomas & Mack to watch the best 10 days of rodeo ac-tion there is! We were there rooting for friends, neighbors, and our Cowgirl Swank sponsored cowgirl, Nikki Steffes. The night was full of action and good times. Afterwards, it was back to the Gold Buckle zone at the MGM Grand. Nothing better than staying where the action is! We managed to run down Trevor Brazile for an autograph as well as Fred Whitfield and Billy Etbauer!

Friday morning we hit the shopping scene pretty hard by checking out the vendors set up at Mandalay Bay. We then hurried on over to the Golden Nug-get so we could get autographs from the top 15 barrel racers in the world. What a thrill and very inspirational! We then decided to head to the NRS Experience set up right near the MGM Grand. Our cart was full by the time we reached the check out lane….they have some GREAT stuff there and it’s nice because it’s close to our room so we don’t have to lug it all around town with us! We then headed off to the Thomas & Mack once again. We started the night off by enjoying some music and beverages at the cowboy bar set up inside. Then we headed in to cheer for our favorites again. The night, which seemed to go on forever, was ended at the Gold Buckle zone once again.

Saturday morning we hit the NRS Experience once again (since we didn’t get enough the first time) and then got ready to watch one of the main reasons we came to Las Vegas…..the Miss Rodeo America fashion show. How awe-some it was to see Cowgirl Swank caps on the stage once again! We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and fantastic company at our table while Forum Shops and to look around. We watched the NFR’s live feed at Caesar’s. We were so happy that Mary Walker won the round again that we decided to head to the South Point to the Gold Buckle Ceremony. It truly is something

thE CowgirlsCowgirl Getaway


By : Cheyenne Wilson

Location: Las Vegas, nevadathe Getaway: the national Finals Rodeo and Miss Rodeo america Pageant what we LeaRned: even though you can have as much fun as possible on an in-credible vacation, nothing is more important than family and friends.

Even Stran Smith is a Swank Fan! :)

Trevor Brazile! One of our first and best surprise celebrity en-counters!

Left to Right: Kayla, Roni, and Cheyenne

to be seen. Mary was amazing and truly humble. There were lots of hugs and tears on stage for her. It’s a great feeling watching some-one accomplish something who has overcome a lot of obstacles. It was great seeing the cowboys and Mary get their buckles and thank those who have helped them along the way. We then got the surprise of our lives when Clif Cooper was accepting his buckle. Who walks onto the stage, but George Strait!! Unbelievable!!!!!!! We had an incredible time and will never forget our experience!

Sunday morning and our last full day in the city was one filled with shopping. We shopped over half a day at Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. What an amazing place! We were able to visit with Charmayne James and get our picture with her. It’s great how the cowboys and cowgirls make themselves acces-sible to their fans. We really enjoyed that aspect a lot!

Then, we headed over to the Sands’ Cowboy Marketplace to com-plete the day. Afterwards, we headed to dinner. I wanted to reward my team for a very successful year with some yummy eats. We ended up going to a seafood buffet. The food was amazing! We were just finishing up when I got a call from my husband telling me that my four-year-old son, Stone, had broken his arm badly and they were en route to the hospital 100 miles away. My fun va-cation soon took a downward turn and from there it was all worry and some tears. I am thankful for my friends who were with me and for our friends who were there for my husband and my son. They made an almost unbearable situation bearable. We flew out the next morning and I arrived at the hospital after my little boy went through surgery. He was awake and ready to see his mom and I was certainly ready to see him! Three pins later and a cast….he was a real trooper. I’m happy to report that he has healed well and all is pretty good.

As for our trip to Vegas…..it was incredible and a true Cowgirl Getaway if I ever had one! Loved getting autographs from

the Top 15 Barrel Racers!

The big fight was on at our hotel!

Our celebration seafood dinner for hitting 20,000 Facebook Fans!

Got in line early at the NRS Experience for free Tin Haul Flip Flops!

And then we saw King George.....what an amazing night!

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