Another successful rodeo wraps up

Arnold crowned 2018 Siloam Springs Rodeo Queen

Janelle Jessen/Herald-Leader Brooklyn Teague, 10, of Siloam Springs, was crowned rodeo princess by 2017 Rodeo Queen Brittney Doshier on Saturday evening.
Janelle Jessen/Herald-Leader Brooklyn Teague, 10, of Siloam Springs, was crowned rodeo princess by 2017 Rodeo Queen Brittney Doshier on Saturday evening.

The 60th annual Siloam Springs Rodeo brought plenty of competitors from across the region and crowds of fans on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

A total of 610 cowboys and cowgirls, including mutton bustin' riders and junior barrel racers, competed in the event, and 5,160 ticket holders attended, according to Karen Davis, Siloam Springs Riding Club board member.

Davis said she isn't sure if the numbers broke any records.

"It was a good year though, for sure," she said.

Competitions ranged from mutton bustin' to bull riding, and included plenty of roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bronc riding. The Rodeo of the Ozarks Rounders drill team led the grand entry each night and performed during the evening.

On Saturday evening, the riding club held a memorial service for Jerald Smith, owner of longtime stock contractor Wing Rodeo Company, who died in the past year. Smith's wife Joan was honored, and instead of releasing doves or balloons, some of his favorite bucking horses were turned loose to run free in the arena.

After a week of interviews, fashion reviews and horsemanship competitions, Alexis Arnold, 15, of Lincoln, was crowned rodeo queen on Saturday, and Brooklyn Teague, 10, of Siloam Springs, was crowned rodeo princess.

Arnold, who attends Lincoln High School, said she has been riding since she could walk.

"I was born into it," she said.

Arnold has already competed in several queen contests and loves the challenge. She also competes in barrel racing and shows her horses in halter and western classes.

"I love doing what I do and its a very incredible thing to be a part of," she said.

Teague has been riding since she was three and also enjoys rodeo queen competitions.

Rodeo queen competitions are similar to other pageants, with the added challenge of horsemanship knowledge, riding and staying picture perfect in the heat and dirt of the rodeo environment. Competing in the rodeo queen contest takes weeks of preparation for the speech and the horsemanship pattern, Arnold said.

"It's very much worth it, it's amazing to be able to meet new people, talk to everyone, and we learn things every single day. I love it here," she said.

General News on 06/20/2018