Sisters rodeo crowns new queen

The Sisters Rodeo queen for 2008 is Kayla Gregory, a graduate of Mountain View High School in Bend. She was chosen from a group of six contestants on Sunday, October 7, at Sisters Rodeo Grounds and crowned by the 2007 Queen, Misty Carter.

The queen is chosen based on her speaking ability, riding skills and the performance of her horse.

"We had an exceptionally qualified group of young women this year, and the final decision was difficult," said John Leavitt, Sisters Rodeo board member. "We are very happy with our choice, and we're sure Kayla will do a great job."

Sixty people heard the contestants speak before watching them ride their horses as they performed an American Quarter Horse pattern in the rodeo arena. The queen is chosen based on points for poise, speaking ability and the skill of both rider and horse.

Gregory, who is 19 years old, competed on her sorrel Quarter Horse, Riley. She has been a PeeWee Rodeo member, a member of her high school equestrian team and is a NPRA barrel racer.

She is the daughter of Sonya and Ben Gregory. Her grandfather, Steve Gregory, was Sisters Rodeo president in 1986.

The future student of radiology at Central Oregon Community College trains cutting horses in Bend. She says that learning to train horses "is more about responsibility than about just owning, training and showing." She explained that in her childhood the constant care and feeding, appropriate veterinary care and conditioning of a horse helped her to learn responsibilities in life.

"She is also the most fun, upbeat girl, who will do a great job representing Sisters Rodeo," added former Queen Misty Carter.

"Sisters Rodeo is not just about rodeo," Gregory emphasized. "It is about community and heritage. I am very excited about this opportunity."

Gregory receives a wardrobe to represent Sisters Rodeo at rodeos in the northwest and a $1,000 Sally Leavitt Memorial Scholarship.

The 68th annual Sisters Rodeo will be held on June 13-15, 2008.