My name is Rachelle Snitchler and I’m proud to be the 2016 Miss Rodeo Oakdale. I am a 23-year-old student at Sacramento City College obtaining my degree in Political Science.

Being an ambassador for Oakdale Rodeo has been a huge dream-come-true. From galloping down the racetrack at the California Ro-day-o Salinas and signing autographs, to sharing my rodeo experience in Reno with my sister, to watching Nicole get crowned Princess at the Livermore Special Kids rodeo, and watching Brittney get crowned Miss Rodeo California, I have no specific favorite memory, as there is a whole collaboration of moments that brought a tear to my eye from happiness. Since April of last year I have traveled to rodeos across the state of California with a total of around 6,000 miles. I’ve loved having the opportunities to be a public speaker and presenter at schools, business meetings, at rodeos, and even being in the community when I raise questions at events of why I wear a crown on my hat. With 28 grand entries under my belt, I’ve learned an enormous amount of knowledge from my friends, family, and rodeo family.

I’ve done as best as I could to fill in the boots of the Queen before me, Julia Chamberlain and I wish all the best to the 2017 Queen. I could not have been as successful as I was without my family and friends helping me every step of the way and gaining so many new friends along this journey. The Oakdale Saddle Club has blessed me beyond measure with the freedom of going as far as the horizon with this title; you have no idea how grateful I am for that freedom.

This has been, without a doubt, the fastest year of my life and I owe everything to the village that raised me as well as my spitfire of a mare, Starlight. So many people have paved the path for me and I am so thankful. I’ve been using all my experiences as a Rodeo Queen to better my skills in the Public Relations atmosphere and hope to continue in my growth as an individual. What a gift of a lifetime I have received by growing more as an individual with the title of 2016 Miss Rodeo Oakdale.

Thank you for blessing me on this journey. As the saying goes, “Crowns tarnish, titles end, but experiences last a lifetime.” Oh, what truth there is to that saying. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me, as I part ways as the 2016 Queen, and move into the position as a City College Graduate.

Oakdale Rodeo will always have a special place in my heart as the original Cowboy Capital of the World.