Keeping Stories Alive
NC State student Sara Richardson was crowned Miss Rodeo North Carolina 2025 this past November and is already working to shine a spotlight on rodeo in NC. Sara is a young woman whose quiet confidence and poise point to her deep-seated intelligence and sense of purpose. Paired with her love of horses and willingness to always put them first, she is a natural fit to represent rodeo and serve as an ambassador for a positive, horse-centered lifestyle.
Several years ago, a special young woman named Rachel Gagliardi moved to North Carolina, bringing her unique passions and talents to our great state.
Rachel Gagliardi is a breakaway roper, barrel racer, horse trainer, breeding program owner, and veterinarian-in-training. As if she wasn’t busy enough, she recently defended her thesis and graduated from the PhD part of a dual doctorate degree program after doing groundbreaking research on equine osteoarthritis through NC State University. Now, she continues with the program for another two years at which point she will graduate again with her second doctoral degree, a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
A talented young woman from Graham, North Carolina has been named Junior Miss Rodeo North Carolina for 2025. This young lady, 13-year-old Rachel Greeson, is a barrel racer, big loop ranch roper, and all-around advocate for the western ranch horse and rodeo industry. On top of it all, she is a great ambassador for her Christian faith with a desire to encourage others.
A good queen is well-versed in many areas and shares her passions as a leader in the field. Whether it is dogs or horses, Emm Evaristo is proud to wear the crown.
Not yet 20 years old, Emm has traveled the country as an equestrian competitor, rodeo queen, mustang trainer, and dog handler/breeder.
Growing up, Emm loved watching the Westminster dog show. Her enthusiasm for the show led to her begging her mother to let her get a dog they could take through the ranks. Her mother bought into the dream with the condition that it would have to be a hunting dog for her dad’s sake. So, their search began, and they found themselves enamored with a UKC registered black and tan coonhound named Lulu.
This past weekend, talented cowboys and cowgirls from around the country gathered in Topeka to compete and connect with old friends during the 60th annual United Rodeo Association (URA) Finals. With the support of businesses and individuals sponsoring events, the hospitality of the staff at the Stormont Vail Events Center, and the devoted attitude of its members, the weekend was full of high-quality stock and professional competition in a family friendly environment.
The work of a true artist is like a secret, with a little bit of the hidden truth revealed in each depiction of both reality and imagination. For artist Cat Davenport, portraying horses means highlighting the beautiful detail of what is present while also drawing the observer’s mind to the hidden possibilities. You can look at her sketches and find yourself drawn into the eyes of the animal, contemplating their thoughts and personality. Her work brings the creation to life, making it apparent that she knows her subject matter inside and out.
