Read Jeannette's blog.

Hello cattlemen and rodeo fans! The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, Colo., was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. And such a great way to kick off my year. During my week in Denver I was able to meet the Pikes Peak Rangerettes, the Westernaires, many famous cowboys and cowgirls. I was also able to meet Sharon Camarillo and can’t wait for her clinic at Black Hawk College in Galva, Ill., May 11-13. It was so exciting to meet so many of my rodeo heroes. I was able to see my fellow state titleholders again--Vegas had been too long. I love sharing the passion for rodeo with so many nice ladies. While in Denver I had the opportunity to run sponsorship and event flags. Cervi’s horses are a blast to ride. I was able to help give out the Justin Boot Certificates, sign autographs at the RAM booth, and help throw t- shirts to the crowds for the Powerball Giveaway. I met the stagecoach driver of the Percherons, these horses are graceful gentle giants. Greg Westfall ,the photographer for the rodeo did an amazing job all week capturing each special moment during the performances. Miss Rodeo Idaho’s National Director Stevie Beehler and Miss Rodeo Idaho Caitlin Thorton were kind enough to accompany me to Market W.E.S.A. where I met with Wrangler, Montana Silversmith, Reata Ranch Gear, Bailey Hat Company, Weaver Leather, and so many other vendors who will join my list of sponsors throughout this year. Dan Post Boots is also going to continue their sponsorship with us. Denver was such an amazing opportunity that I will never forget and can’t wait to go back. I learned I have a lot of work ahead of me. Thank you goes to Jodie Witt, Paul Andrews, the Cervi’s, and Denver for being so kind and welcoming and having me apart of the 106th National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. 

The last weekend in January I had the opportunity to go to Moline to the World’s Toughest Rodeo produced by Three Hills Rodeo Inc. They have been producing rodeos for over 30 years and have over 500 head of bucking horses, bulls, and cow calf pairs! This was so special to me because it was in my home state. I was able to take part in the pre-rodeo show and sign autographs with the bullfighters and the cowboys and cowgirls as well as other rodeo royalty--Miss Teen Rodeo Illinois Mikhayla DeMott, Illinois High School Rodeo Queen Jacy Littrell, and Illinois Junior Rodeo Princess Shayna VanDerLeest. The girls and I got to ride in the back of the RAM truck and throw RCC Western Stores Frisbees to the crowd as the barrels were getting put in place. I got to meet Tim “Wild Thang” Lepard the owner of the Team Ghost Riders-three monkeys Laramie, Mega, and Dakota and three dogs Ted, Dog, and Spot. If you’ve never seen his act it is definitely one not to miss. Watching these monkey cowboys ride the dogs to heard the ram goats onto the RAM truck is amazing to watch. Tim has such a great talent with these animals. Thank you Marla and Dave Moorehead for having all of us at your rodeo. I’m so thankful for everything you all do in the rodeo industry. While there I ran into a couple I met six years ago and since then they have been going rodeos in the state of Illinois. This means so much to me because I hope to introduce more new people to the rodeo industry. To see the entire arena filled in Moline brings hope that each rodeo I go to I can help in some way to fill their stands each performance.

Remember, “It’s not where you start but where you end up!”
Love always & God Bless, Jeannette Lynn

Jeannette Lynn Hull of Mansfield, Illinois, is a junior at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where she is an Illinois Soybean Checkoff Scholar. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy within the Plant and Soil Sciences Department. Her goal is to earn a Master’s degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics, where she plans to work for a leading crop production company developing new varieties that will produce record-breaking yields, and have resistance to crop pests and pathogens. She is active in Collegiate FFA, PAS, and Block and Bridle Club. While attending Parkland College she was the Equestrian Team president and competed in reining. There she placed 4th in the Nation in Agri-Business, and was a National Qualifier in Equine Management in PAS. Jeannette is the daughter of David and Tammy Hobbs and has a brother, Travis. Jeannette served as the 2007 PRCA Piatt County TrailBlazer’s Rodeo Queen and was a world qualifier for the National Barrel Horse Association since 1998. Jeannette was an NBHA Barrel Racing Champion from1998-2002. She is a member of the Illinois Quarter Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, and NBHA. In addition to her professional duties as Miss Rodeo Illinois, Jeannette volunteers with the C-Bar Land and Cattle Company’s Drill Team, Riding Clubs, and Shriners Hospitals for Children. In her spare time she enjoys trail riding, barrel racing, hunting, four-wheeling, wakeboarding, camping, working out, scrapbooking, going to church, cooking, zumba, fishing, being outdoors, educating children about the sport of rodeo, drug and alcohol abuse, and continuing education, spending time with friends and family, and helping out on her grandfather’s farm.

“As a young cowgirl, I learned it is not where you start but where you end up.  I want to share my love for rodeo, the standards, and excitement that rodeo brings to me with others as Miss Rodeo Illinois.  It is my job to make a difference serving others within our state and nation bringing industries closer together, and to promote the great sport of rodeo!  To me being part of the “rodeo family” is that rodeo is not just a sport it’s a way of life!”   

As the reigning Miss Rodeo Illinois 2012, Jeannette will be competing in the 58th Miss Rodeo America pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada, in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (PRCA).

~ Jeannette Lynn Hull

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