Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Singing Cowgirl
LRC JUNIOR QUEEN SPOTLIGHT
LINCOLN — In the tradition of legendary singing cowgirl Dale Evans, reigning 2017 Lincoln Riding Club junior queen Alexis Arnold expresses herself through song on a regular basis.
Impromptu singing accompanies many of Alexis’ activities. Alexis draws and reads in her free time. She enjoys spending time with her fur baby, Fiona.
“Golden Retrievers are the best,” Alexis said.
Alexis’ mom, Amanda Arnold, says she sings a lot. Alexis can’t contain herself, she loves to sing.
Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. For Alexis, family means everything.
Alexis is the 15-year-old daughter of Mike and Amanda Arnold of Cane Hill. In the spring Alexis completed her freshman year at Lincoln High School. She has made the AB Honor Roll. She works hard at school to keep good grades. Alexis has two siblings, Blake, her brother and Mika, her little sister. She hopes to be an educator when she gets older.
Alexis has been riding since she can remember, pretty much her whole life. Horses are Alexis’ passion. She feels lucky enough to have grandparents, Jim and Teresa Sellers, whom she considers to be great horsemen. They passed their knowledge and passion for horses down to Alexis.
Alexis has two horses, Babydoll and Skeeter. Skeeter is a big bay, which Alexis describes as “a been there and done that kind of gentleman.” Skeeter likes keeping on the move and Alexis appreciates his disposition, whether running barrels, carrying a flag, making a queen run or a bare back ride in the pasture. Babydoll is a 7-yearold mare, Alexis says is a beautiful sorrel with a flaxen mane and tail. Alexis has been training Babydoll for this year’s competitions after the pair won second place at LRC play days this past fall.
One of Alexis’ favorite things to
do is saddle up and take ride in the pasture.
“I have always wanted to be part of rodeo,” Alexis 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.”
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.”
As Junior Miss Lincoln Rodeo, Alexis endeavored 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.
Like Dale Evans, who a 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; Alexis realizes winning a rodeo pageant has given her a platform.
Alexis’ dream came true when she was crowned Miss Junior Lincoln Rodeo, something she describes as “an absolute honor and dream.” Alexis enjoyed promoting what she calls “such a great riding club,” and the sport of rodeo, as Junior Miss Lincoln Rodeo over the past year.
Appearances by Alexis Arnold, 64th annual Lincoln Riding Club Rodeo junior queen.
June 2, 2017 — Colcord, Okla.
June 9, 2017 — NFC Rodeo. June 24, 2017 — Westville, Okla., IPRA Rodeo.
July 27, 2017 — Arnold competed at the ABRA World Show and came home as a 2017 World Champion.
Sept. 5, 2017 — Arnold won Reserve Champion in Western Pleasure for the Washington County Fair.
Dec. 3, 2017 — Arnold had a busy day representing Lincoln Riding club and Rodeo. Arnold appeared at the Westville, Okla., Christmas Parade during the day, and also at the Farmington Christmas Parade that night.