Washington County Enterprise-Leader
From Comfort Zone To Cusp Of Throne
VISION PROMOTES STEWARDSHIP
LINCOLN — The game of thrones Elyse Perdue intends to play occurs on horseback, at least part of the time.
Perdue has always wanted to participate in queening, but never pursued it. She says she has decided to step out of her comfort zone and experience something new.
That decision promoted her into becoming a candidate for the 2019 Lincoln Riding Club queen.
Perdue, 19, is the daughter of Paul and Lori Perdue, of Gentry. She is currently a sophomore at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith majoring in Biology – Biomedicine professions. Perdue strives to become a Pediatric Neurologist.
Perdue has been riding most of her life. She rides a 14-year-old sorrel gelding by the name of Beaux, which she has ridden for seven years. Among her experiences, Perdue rode with the Rodeo of the Ozarks Rounders four years.
She loves community service and currently volunteers at Healing by Horseback — a hippa therapy program for special needs children. Perdue is also involved in a pediatric therapy program, plus volunteers with her sorority Delta Gamma at various activities.
She enjoys camping, trail riding, drawing, but most of all just spending time with her friends and family.
Perdue says she would love to participate and encourage her peers as well as the youngsters to get involved in the sport of rodeo.
“I feel that I could bring leadership and encouragement, as well as stewardship to this association,” Perdue said. “I hope through this experience I gain new skills, friendships, and learn more of queening and pageantry. I’m excited for this experience and everything it offers.”