Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Singing Cowgirl Vies For Rodeo Crown
ARNOLD WILL LEVERAGE INFLUENCE TO PROMOTE RODEO
LINCOLN — Junior queen contestant Alexis Arnold feels inclined to sing on a regular basis, much like legendary singing cowgirl Dale Evans.
Singing accompanies many of Alexis’ activities. Alexis loves drawing and reading in her free time. She enjoys spending time with her fur babies: Bella the Great Dane, Ava the Australian Shepherd, and the newest addition to the family, Fiona the Golden Retriever. She loves to sing even though her mom says she sings a lot. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. For Alexis, family means everything.
Alexis is the 14-yearold daughter of Mike and Amanda Arnold, of Cane Hill. Alexis is in the eighth grade at Lincoln High School where she is on the AB Honor Roll. She works hard at school to keep good grades. She volunteers to help her neighbors often. She feels good neighbors are hard to come by so she is always willing to help out when help is needed. Alexis has two siblings, Blake, her brother; and Mika, her little sister. She is the granddaughter of Jim and Teresa Sellers. She hopes to be an educator when she gets older.
“Being Miss (Junior) Lincoln Rodeo would be an absolute honor and dream,” Alexis said. “I would love nothing more than to promote such a great riding club, and the sport of rodeo, as Junior Miss Lincoln Rodeo.”
Alexis has been riding since she can remember, pretty much her whole life. Horses are Alexis’ passion. She feels lucky enough to have grandparents, who she considers to be great horsemen. They have passed their knowledge and passion for horses down to Alexis. She has the pleasure of riding her 6-year-old mare Babydoll, a beautiful sorrel with a flaxen mane and tail. According to Alexis, Babydoll has the perfect temperament.
“She is so gentle sweet,” Alexis said.
One of Alexis’ favorite things to do is saddle up and take a ride in the pasture.
“I have always wanted to be part of rodeo,” Alexis and said. “Rodeo makes me who I am today. Whether it is competing in an event, performing in a drill, rocking it in a horsemanship, or even just watching the events, it feels like home. The sport of rodeo is a sport I love to support and promote.”
Alexis is proud to be part of the Arkansas Fillies Drill Team. She enjoyed participating in Lincoln Riding Club playdays. She was awarded second place in 2016 in her division. Alexis has recently started working on speed events, and looks forward to competing this year. Alexis started training for horse shows this year, and is looking forward to trying them out.
When Alexis first became interested in Lincoln Riding Club, she read a small paragraph on their website which read, “Lincoln Riding Club is a place where people can gather that have a common interest, whether you ride, are learning to ride, or just a lover of horses. You are welcome here. We strive to provide a fun, safe place where families can enjoy one another, and make new and lasting friendships.
“It caught my attention and has clung to my heart,” Alexis said. “Every experience I have had with Lincoln Riding Club, this has been true to the case. This has made a lasting impression on me, and been a positive influence. Rodeo is about family and good ‘ol’ clean fun’.”
If selected as Junior Miss Lincoln Rodeo, Alexis intends to spread the joy of rodeo, and influence as many young guys and gals as possible, in hopes of bringing more people into the sport of rodeo.
Dale Evans became influential in changing public perception of children with developmental disabilities after writing her best-selling book, “Angel Unaware.” This is the story about the life of her daughter with Roy Rogers, Robin Elizabeth, who died of complications of Down syndrome just before her second birthday. Likewise, Alexis realizes winning a rodeo pageant will give her a platform.
“Rodeo is my passion, and is something I hope to see others take part in and support,” Alexis said. “I hope to influence others, as I myself have been influenced by rodeo and horses in general. While having the honor of promoting my riding club, I look forward to traveling to different places, making lots of memories and making new friendships.”