Auburn, California

Hello Rodeo Fans,

I am so excited to have the amazing opportunity to represent Auburn Wild West Stampede 2011. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Kirstin Dykes. I am 20 years old and come to you from Lincoln, Ca. I grew up in Lincoln and have never missed a year of the Auburn Rodeo.

My parents are Joe and Cynthia Wahleithner and I have three younger brothers. My family has been involved with horses and horse shows for years and I'm the first one to be involved in the rodeo industry. I am the only person who rides and everything that I have earned has come from a lot of hard work, training and ambition.

I have been riding horses since before I could walk. I began showing horses in lead line events and quickly found I loved showing horses. By the time I was 6 years old I was competing for the all around titles showing Western and English pleasure, trail, horsemanship and showmanship.

In high school I had a need for speed and started competing in High School Rodeo. I ran barrels and poles and competed in goat tying. While in Middle School I began raising Boer goats for my 4H project and showed at the Placer County and Gold Country Fairs. After starting high school I joined the Lincoln FFA and continued showing my goats. During my junior year I also began to show market lambs. I was honored to have won both Grand and Reserve champion market goat as well as competing in the championship drive with both my market goats and market lambs. I am proud that I won both the senior goat and sheep showmanship numerous times. Being the senior showmanship winner I was able to compete in master showmanship where I was required to show market goats, dairy goats, sheep, swine, and beef. With many hours of practice and studying I have achieved the honor of Master Showman and have represented Placer County and Gold Country in the Show of Champions at the California State Fair.

While I have dedicated most of my life to riding horses and raising animals I do try making free time to attend rodeos, PBR Bull Ridings and hang out with my friends. Thanks so much to everyone who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to be the 2011 Auburn Rodeo Queen.

I look forward to representing the Auburn Wild West Stampede at rodeos and events across California. I look forward to seeing you at the Rodeos.

Thank You,

Kirstin Dykes

2011 AWWS Queen