June 27, 2025: Bonus Buzz – Queen of the Barn & Cowgirl Credentials

This week, the barn got a little more sparkle—and a whole lot more grit. We’re thrilled to welcome Saylor Walters, the newest member of our barn family and the proud owner of two gorgeous geldings, Dually and Joker. If their names sound familiar, that’s because Joker now occupies Bee’s old stall and Dually is cozied up in Sinjari’s former digs.

But Saylor’s introduction to the barn wasn’t just about stall swaps. She proved her cowgirl credentials on day one-ish when she fearlessly handled a massive snake in the barn. No drama, just action. That’s barn life—and Saylor handled it like a seasoned pro.

Turns out, she’s not just a snake-slaying horsewoman—she’s also this year’s Miss North Texas High School Rodeo Association Queen. Beauty, brains, bravery, and boots? Yes, please.

She’s in good company. Our own Levi’s mom, Meg, was once Miss Rodeo Georgia, wearing the crown back in the late '90s. And while she jokes about her “glory days,” her grace (and her rodeo-queen shoulders) still command a room.

The rodeo queen tradition dates back to 1910 at the Pendleton Round-Up in Oregon, where local women were first selected to represent their towns with grace, grit, and genuine horsemanship. Originally, rodeo queens were chosen through community contests—often based on ticket sales or public votes—and served as ambassadors of local spirit and Western heritage. These young women weren’t just pageant winners; they were accomplished riders and role models who helped bridge the gap between rodeo sports and the broader public. Over the decades, the tradition evolved into a national and even international institution. Today, titles like Miss Rodeo America and Miss Rodeo Canada carry prestige and responsibility, as queens travel across the country promoting agriculture, animal welfare, and the enduring values of the Western lifestyle. Far more than tiaras and sashes, modern rodeo queens are horsewomen, public speakers, and leaders who embody tradition while inspiring the next generation.

We’re lucky to share a barn with women who embody those values—and lucky Bee gets to call them neighbors.