Fit for a (rodeo) queen

Jozey Retzlaff, a junior at Carrington High School, has spent her life on the farm immersed in the Western way of life.

Get up early, do your chores, feed your horse and maintain a trusting relationship and bond with them, build a strong love of the land, family and country.

Those ingrained qualities served Retzlaff in her participation in the Miss Rodeo competition at the 86th Annual North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City, held Friday night, March 10, as part of the show festivities.

She would be named the Junior Miss North Dakota Winter Show Queen at the event, through her mastery of horsemanship, interviews, and speaking, among other qualities.

Retzlaff said there is also a modeling competition and pageant.

"The judges judge you on all your skills and the ability to 'think on your feet' when it comes to questions," Jozey said. "Also, they look at your personality and appearance."

Retzlaff's inspiration going into the Winter Show came from the lyrics of one of her favorite country artists, Cody Johnson. "If you have a chance, take it; if you have a dream, chase it."

"Every time I had a chance to chase my dream, I took it," Jozey said. "When I got crowned, I felt very proud and accomplished for having the confidence and courage to run for Junior Miss North Dakota Winter Show.

"It's an opportunity that you only get once, and a privilege to represent the North Dakota Winter Show, along with educating youth about our western heritage and to promote the sport of rodeo."

She wishes to show appreciation to Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2022 Elise Burwell for her inspiration. Also, to event organizers at the Winter Show, who helped her with providing a horse and giving the opportunity to represent them, as well as her parents.

Jozey is the daughter of Doug and Holly Retzlaff of Carrington.