Miss CA Rodeo Salinas Contestants
Brittany Slaton, Miss Clovis Rodeo
Miss California Rodeo Contestant 2009
Brittany Slaton, daughter of Teresa and Doug Slaton Jr. of Hollister, California, is competing as Miss Clovis Rodeo. This 20 year-old is currently studying at Gavilan College working to achieve an Associates Degree in Communications with plans to transfer to Cal State University-Fresno to earn her Bachelor’s Degree. Brittany has been riding horses since age 11 competing in English and Western Pleasure. In high school she began participating in 4-H and high school rodeo events such as barrel racing, pole bending and cutting. Most recently she has been active in reining classes. While actively competing in and acquiring titles to various horse and rodeo organizations she has enjoyed being a representative of rodeo, the equine industry and the western way of life. Outside of the arena Brittany enjoys dancing, baking and photography.
Brittany Voss, Miss Rodeo Creston
Miss California Rodeo Contestant 2009
Twenty-year-old Brittany Voss from Clements, California enters as Miss Rodeo Creston. Brittany is the daughter of Melinda and Drexel Gaw. She is currently attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo studying in the PreVeterinarian Program. Brittany is working towards becoming a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine orthopedic surgery. While in college Brittany is taking advantage of the many learning opportunities presented to her beyond the classroom, such as the Quarter Horse Enterprise Project and numerous volunteer, hands-on experiences. She has competed in equine events such as team penning, cattle sorting, trail, English and Western riding from the age 15. Brittany’s other interests include preserving agriculture and improving her community through a variety of volunteer programs.
Claire Plemmons, Miss Salinas Valley Fair
Miss California Rodeo Contestant 2009
Claire Plemmons, a Salinas cowgirl, carries the title of Miss Salinas Valley Fair in this year’s contest. She is the 20 year-old daughter of Brent and Julie Plemmons. Claire studied for four semesters at Texas A&M University and plans to further her education this summer at Hartnell College working towards her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse with plans of eventually obtaining a BA in Nursing. From the age of seven she knew that her love for horses would forever be a part of her life. A former member of the Texas A&M Equestrian Team, Claire enjoys training her own horses and showing in various reining and stock horse classes. She has been involved with many different clubs and organizations that promote youth leadership, agriculture, sports, scholastic aptitude and student government, just to name a few.
Darla Iverson, Miss Truckee Rodeo
Miss California Rodeo Contestant 2009
Miss Truckee Rodeo, Darla Iverson is the 21 year-old daughter of Dan and Gina Iverson of Oakdale, California. She is currently attending Fresno City College and plans to transfer to California State University-Fresno to pursue her major in Surgical Nursing. Darla was in the saddle before she could walk and soon after was barrel racing and swinging ropes. Her love for the sport of rodeo grew over the years with her participation in junior rodeo, as well as high school rodeo where she qualified for several trips to the California State High School Rodeo finals. She has captured many all-around titles and buckles to show off her hard work in the arena. Darla enjoys playing volleyball, being involved in student leadership and fellowship while still spending time with her family which she considers most valuable.
Jessica Lynn Haynie, Miss Mother Lode Round Up
Miss California Rodeo Contestant 2009
Jessica Haynie from Jamestown, California, enters as Miss Mother Lode Roundup. She is the 20 year-old daughter of John Haynie and Margaret Whitelaw. While studying at UC Davis, Jessica has decided to major in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine Reproduction and Genetics and a minor in Dramatic Arts. Throughout the years Jessica has actively participated in 4-H and has earned many achievements and awards at the local and state level. Horses have always been a part of her life while competing in gymkhana, English and Western classes, showmanship and reining. She enjoys being around the sport of rodeo along with helping educate the public about the western way of life. Outside of horses Jessica has been active in acro-gymnastics, cake decorating, raising potbellied pigs, youth leadership and high school sports.
Samantha Lozano, Miss Rodeo Tehachapi
Miss California Rodeo Contestant 2009
Daughter of Sam and Shelly Lozano, 19 year-old Samantha Lozano, joins us from Bakersfield, California. Samantha is representing the Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association as Miss Rodeo Tehachapi. While attending California State University of Bakersfield, she is working towards a Masters Degree in History and a minor in Economics. She also plans to transfer to Pepperdine University to earn a PhD in United States History then fulfill her lifelong dream of teaching history on the high school level. Outside of school she actively competes in reining cow horse shows, stock horse shows and enjoys the fast pace of barrel racing. In addition to her dedication to school and her equine pals she is very committed to her community and is working hard to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research foundation.
Sara Friesen, Miss Merced Horsemen's Association
Miss California Rodeo Contestant 2009
Coming to us from Atwater, California is Sarah Friesen. The daughter of Maria and Kevin Moore and Dennis Friesen, this 20 year-old cowgirl enters as Miss Merced Horsemen’s Association. Sarah attended Colorado State University for two years and currently attends Merced Junior College pursuing an Associates Degree in Equine Management and Sports Medicine with plans to transfer to California State University-Fresno to continue her goal of becoming an athletic trainer. She began her love for horses and the western way of life at age 10 when she was given her first horse. Aside from her current schooling and future plans, she has competed in high school and college rodeo, the American Quarter Horse Association and PRCA. Outside the arena Sarah enjoys playing basketball and soccer, and spending time with her Greek family.
Shannon McPhee, Miss Redding Rodeo
Miss California Rodeo Contestant 2009
From Cottonwood, California, Shannon McPhee represents the Redding Rodeo Association as Miss Redding Rodeo. The daughter of Doug and Yvonne McPhee, this 21 year-old cowgirl has attended Feather River College studying Sports Medicine and Kinesiology with plans to further her education to become a Medical Assistant at Lake College in Redding. Participating in junior rodeos, gymkhanas, local barrel racing associations, college rodeo and the California Cowboys Pro Rodeo Assoc, Shannon is doing her part to keep the traditions of the western world alive as an ambassador for rodeo. She also shares her knowledge of rodeo pageants by hosting clinics with her mom for other young women that hope to one day represent rodeo as well. When not riding colts or barrel racing, you can find her camping, hiking, or on the lake wakeboarding.
