Meet The Queen: Arkansas

By Wrangler Network contributor Miss Rodeo America

I think every elementary class has at least one. The girl who doodles horses on her folders, checks out every equine book from the library and dreams of being a cowgirl. That girl is the “horse crazy girl” and she just so happened to be me. I am Kelsey Parmenter. I am humbled to call myself your current Miss Rodeo Arkansas and equally as proud to call Pea Ridge, Arkansas my hometown. If you met me today you would never guess that I wasn’t born into a rodeo family because my lifestyle revolves around it!

I grew up in a family of four children with parents who taught us the importance of hard work. Growing up, I saved every penny with intention to buy a ranch but it turned out to be just enough to purchase my first truck, a 1993 Ford F150. After getting my first job, I bought a horse trailer and my horse, Remington. At the age of 13, my mother remarried into a dairy farming family who planted a deep seed for my love of agriculture and appreciation for the western way of life. My introduction to the rodeo world began with play days and snowballed from there. Showing cattle, holding FFA officer positions and extensive community involvement led me to the place I am now.

When I am not working at Rush Springs Ranch in Pineville, Missouri, you will find me doing something outdoors with the love of my life… a furry 4 year old Australian Collie, Shiloh! We love to jog, kayak, and hike around our beautiful slice of heaven.

I am taking a break from my studies as a senior at the University of Arkansas where I am majoring in Agribusiness; Marketing and Management. In addition to making memories and meeting people, my title has molded my future. It has led me to discover my aspiration to open a riding facility for children who are considered “at risk”; kids who have endured something life altering such as abuse, a difficult divorce or other circumstance. I believe horses offer a therapeutic method to channeling negative energy into responsibility and respect.

My year as Miss Rodeo Arkansas has brought me to 8 schools, 12 community/ nonprofit events and 15 rodeos including a few that were on my bucket list and the year is not over yet! I am so grateful for the opportunities that have presented themselves. These experiences would not be possible without my major sponsors: Lewis Automotive Group, Oak View Animal Clinic, Allen McBurnett Farrier Service, Rush Springs Ranch, Z Salon and Lone Creek Performance Horse. I appreciate each of them more than words can explain! They have played a vital role in helping me reach my goal. That goal is to be a testimony that no matter what your financial or personal obstacles may be, if you dream big, work hard and put God first, anything is possible!

“Ride with Passion & Rope your Dreams!”