Sanders named Sisters Rodeo Queen

Sisters Rodeo chose Cassie Sanders as the 2009 Sisters Rodeo Queen on Sunday, September 28.

Twenty-two-year-old Cassie calls Prineville home. She has been a past rodeo queen in Spray and at Crooked River Roundup. She was the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association Queen in 2007, which includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and Northern California. She is also legally deaf.

Cassie was selected from four contestants in three categories: Interviews by Sisters Rodeo judges, public speaking and horsemanship.

"Sisters Rodeo has always been important to me," she said after her victory. "It is the most prestigious rodeo in this territory."

Sanders is one of seven children, the daughter of Ginger Sanders and Jerry Vega of Prineville. She says her parents and family taught her that nothing could stop her, despite her disability, and she has spent her life reading books about noble and courageous people.

In an eloquent speech to a large audience of rodeo members and guests, she said she wants to look back on her life knowing she made a difference. "To inspire hope," she explained, "is the greatest joy."

She was a 2007 recipient of the Miss Rodeo Oregon Spirit Award, given to the young woman who most truly represents the cowgirl spirit.

For the last five years, Cassie has worked as an assistant to a horse trainer in Prineville. She has also received an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from COCC. Her future goal is to study advertising and marketing with a focus on graphic design.

In the immediate future, she is coordinating speaking projects in public schools to encourage students who have her disability or other disabilities to persevere by setting goals for themselves, being dedicated and working diligently.

Sanders rides a three-year-old gelding called Boots. Although she has limited assistance from hearing aids, she competed on Sunday with only one. A recent fall from her horse shattered the second. This was not an issue for the skilled horsewoman, however, as her best hearing aid is reading lips.

Kayla Gregory, the 2008 Sisters Rodeo Queen, said, "Cassie has a good heart, is dedicated and gives all of her ability to anything she does."