by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Lexus King is traveling to Las Vegas NV this week to compete in a national rodeo pageant. Sisters Jazmine and Tia also had rodeo royalty aspirations that have come true. The girls are from the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin. They are the daughters of Dennis and Sharon King of Oneida, WI.
“I am Miss Rodeo Wisconsin 2019,” said Lexus.” In June of 2018, I competed in a three-day pageant. The contestants were judged on horsemanship skills, public speaking, interviews, appearance and knowledge. After the pageant, I was fortunate to win the categories of horsemanship, knowledge, personality, and appearance as well as the title of Miss Rodeo Wisconsin 2019. In January of 2019, I officially began my responsibilities as Miss Rodeo Wisconsin. Throughout the year I traveled the country promoting rodeos at schools, hospitals, parades, and other community events.”
Lexus, 22, and her sisters Jazmine, 25, and Tia, 18, were at their grandparents, Lonnie and Kathy Johnson, often during their early years. “When we were younger, our grandparents were our caretakers while our parents were working,” said Lexus. “Our grandpa, Lonnie Johnson, had horses so we were always outside working with him and helping with the horses. Grandpa Lonnie always encouraged me to go after my dreams and to do my best in all things.”
“One of the ways they would keep us entertained in that time was by riding horses,” said Jazmine. “Our Uncle Kevin Johnson is the one who taught us the ropes of barrel racing. He and our grandpa are the ones who made sure we always had the right equipment not only for us but our horses as well. I am very thankful to have family that helps watch my kids while I’m at work now too. My oldest daughter (age 3) has the ‘crazy horse girl gene’ as well and has even competed and won at local barrel racing events.”
“When they were real little, just a couple years old, I’d be giving them rides,” said Grandpa Lonnie. “I would say to the girls: ‘There’s my rodeo queen and national barrel champion,’ and when they grew up they were one.”
Big sister Jazmine started the sibling tour with rodeo royalty pageantry. She was the 2016 Midwestern Rodeo Princess. Younger sister Tia is the 2019 Midwestern Rodeo Princess and followed it up being the 2020 Midwestern Rodeo Princess.
Lexus won Miss Manawa Rodeo Queen at age 17. “From there they said she needs to run for state and last year she was crowned at state,” said Grandpa Lonnie.
“Uncle Kevin barrel-raced with the horses,” said Lexus. “They both taught me how to ride. Riding horses evolved into competing at local horse shows and Little Britches of Wisconsin Rodeos.”
“As far as training the girls they pretty much cut their teeth on the saddle horn,” said Uncle Kevin. “From a very young age they all had a great desire to ride. Never had to encourage the girls to ride. When it comes to riding horses the only way to get better is spend hours in the saddle. All three King girls were natural at riding with good balance. At a very young age both Jazmine and Lexus had a great desire to compete. Tia was a little later. Whenever any of the girls had a bad run we would review the video and learn where things went wrong. Then work on the mistake making improvements. Sometimes it’s a step forward and two back but never gave up. As far as rodeo royalty never dreamed that all three girls would be.”
“As I got older and more competitive I started competing in the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) and have qualified and competed at the NBHA Youth Worlds held in Perry, GA,” said Lexus. “While I was in college I competed in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association on the University of WI-River Falls Rodeo Team for two years.”
“During December 1-8, 2019, I will be competing in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant held in Las Vegas in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo,” said Lexus. “Throughout the pageant I will be judged on horsemanship skills, personality, knowledge of rodeo rules, history, and records, appearance, and public speaking. The judges look for these characteristics throughout a series of interviews, a written test, a public speech and a fashion show. I will be competing against 26 other young women.”
Lexus shared where her future is taking her: “In May 2019, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with an equine science emphasis and a minor in chemistry. I hope to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine and own an equine sports medicine and rehabilitation facility. Rodeo has taught me to persevere and keep trying no matter how many times you are knocked down. When there is a will there’s a way.”
“This year I signed all my autograph sheets with, ‘Be Courageous- Ezra 10:4’, said Lexus. “It’s important for everyone to get out of comfort zones. It allows people to grow and be another step closer to achieving their dreams. It may be scary to take those steps to go after your aspirations, but you never know what you can accomplish until you try.”
“I am the first Native American to win the title of Miss Rodeo Wisconsin,” said Lexus. “Through this title I was able to bring positivity to my community. I was able to share my knowledge of rodeo to the community by demonstrating barrel racing at the 10th Annual Apple Fest. At several rodeos I attended in other states, there were Native Americans dancing in the rodeos. It was really neat to see both cultures coming together.”
Mom Sharon talked about her daughter Lexus’ growth with rodeo pageantry: “Lexus has grown so much as a person this year as she represented Wisconsin and Oneida Nation as Miss Rodeo Wisconsin. She has traveled to a lot of places this year, getting to see all kinds of beautiful sceneries. Lexus has always been one that if she puts her mind to it, she will do it! As a parent, you need to be there to encourage them to do their best and to follow their dreams! Don’t stress about things just go have fun doing what you love to do! She has done a wonderful job as Miss Rodeo Wisconsin and will do a great job as she competes for Miss Rodeo America!”
“As everyone knows the King girls have always been around horses,” said Tia. “I think I decided to run for rodeo royalty because of my sisters and everything they taught me. I looked up to them and wanted to be a role model to kids just like they were to me.”
“When it comes to rodeo, my sisters and I always cheer each other on. After our run, we always tell one another what we thought about it and what could be done differently to make it better. When it comes to rodeo royalty, we help out the sister with the title get ready,” added Tia.
Tia’s profile as 2019 Mid-Western Rodeo Princess is located here: http://manawarodeo.org/rodeo-royalty/
Photographs Credits: D.King of Images
