2013 La Pine Rodeo queen crowned

The La Pine Rodeo Association held Queen Tryouts on November 3, at the Diamond Bar R Ranch with three ladies trying out Charisa Bates, Rose-marie Blake and Alex Nizinski.

Each contestant completed a pattern with their horse, an interview and a speech. The event was capped off with the crowning of the 2013 La Pine Rodeo Queen ~ Alex Nizinski.

Alex enjoys horse back riding, fishing, hunting and being in the outdoors. In the summer she likes going to rodeos and fairs. She also spends several weeks in Portland helping at Pony Camps, which gives her the opportunity to teach little kids how to ride or help more experienced riders be more confident in their riding.

A senior in high school, she is active with OHSET (Oregon High School Equestrian Team), participating in all the gaming events plus team penning. Alex plans after high school to attend COCC for two years, then transfer to OSU Cascades to get a degree in animal science.

Her first horse “Coco” came home to her when she moved to Bend in 2006. A few years later she found “JJ” who was abused when he was very young.

Unfortunately, in 2008 “Coco” passed away, leaving her with “JJ”. She says, “I told myself that I wouldn’t ride again, but seeing “JJ” call for “Coco” made me realize that we both have lost someone special in our lives.” This made our bond click.

“I started training “JJ” when he was two and a half years old and finished him all on my own. He became more than just a horse in my pasture. He is my best friend and enjoys what we do, whether we going trail rid-ing or working in an arena. “JJ’s” breed is close to a cross between quarter horse and Tennessee walker. He is a solid liver chestnut with one crown of white on his back left foot.”

Alex is supported by her mother Cindy of Bend, father Chris of Portland, brother Nick, sister Kayla in Texas and Elsie her chocolate lab.