New Sisters Rodeo queen named

Whitney Richey, a resident of Walterville, Oregon, was crowned 2013 Sisters Rodeo Queen on October 7 at Sisters Rodeo Grounds.

The twenty-two-year old was one of six contestants to vie for the title. Judging is based on combined points from an interview, a speech to rodeo member,s and guests and horsemanship demonstrated in a detailed pattern of riding.

According to Judge Wendy Weems, “Whitney’s horsemanship allowed her to shine above the others.” Richey competed on Remi, her ten-year-old Quarter Horse mare.

Richey was inspired at the age of five at Umpqua rodeo, caught up in the thrill of the romance of rodeo, bright chaps, crowns and galloping horses. She never forgot the message from that Umpqua Rodeo queen, “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” It had an impact on her that motivated her to reach other people in the same way.

A graduate of Thurston High School and a 3.5 GPA student at the University of Oregon, Richey began the campaign to a title with Pee Wee Rodeo, Junior Rodeo, and her high school equestrian team. She served as Yoncalla Rodeo Senior Princess in 2005 and 2006, and was Yoncalla Rodeo Queen in 2007. She currently is a member of The Desperado Coed Drill Team and plans to become a dental hygienist.

“Whitney was the most polished in her presentation and demeanor,” said Kathy Hansbrough, another of the competition judges. “She will represent Sisters Rodeo well.”

Her parents are Debbi and Craig Richey, lifelong horse people who like to trail ride from their home base in Walterville. “We are behind her all the way,” said Craig, “and we feel that this is a good opportunity for Whitney.” They will be very happy to spend more time in Central Oregon, where Debbi was born and raised.

“I am honored and excited to represent the professional sport of rodeo as Sisters Rodeo Queen,” the newly crowned queen stated with pride. “I look forward to a year of promoting the sport I love, and to educating people about the events, traditions and way of life.”

Sisters Rodeo has five performances on June 5 and June 7-9.

For tickets and information, call the ticket hotline at 541-549-0121 or

1-800-827-7522, or visit the ticket office, 220 West Cascade Street in Sisters. For more information, go to www.sistersrodeo.com.