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News Release from Pendleton Round-Up

PENDLETON, Oregon — Queen Sydney Jones of Pendleton, Oregon will reign over the 109th Pendleton Round-Up September 11 – 14, 2019. She is the twenty year old daughter of Harper and Kim Jones also of Pendleton. Sydney graduated from Pendleton High School where she earned multiple honors while participating on Rhythmic Mode Dance Team, Symphonic Band, Link Crew and National Honor Society. She now attends Carroll College, Helena, Montana where she is a Dean’s List biology major with chemistry minor. Daniel Gretch Ph.D, professor of biochemistry wrote, “Biochemistry classes are populated by many of our best students, most of them destined to study in medical school. Sydney is one of the top students in those classes.” Sydney’s Round-Up experience includes warming up court horses and jumping practice, retail sales, riding in nearly every parade for the past ten years, Happy Canyon cast member and 2017 Round-Up Princess. “Being a part of the 2017 court was an irreplaceable and memorable experience that transformed me into a better, more articulate and poised woman,” recalled Sydney. “My love for the western lifestyle has only grown since my time as a princess.” She began riding horses in 2008 with mentor Toni Minthorn who also taught her jumping skills. Sydney owns Tilly and Rosie two sorrel horses that know the routine and are ready to carry the new queen. Mary French-West said, “Sydney has a calm and sweet demeanor. She is always kind and polite but also willing to step up and make things right and lead when needed. She is truly a special girl.”

Queen Sydney will share her reign with four well qualified Princesses selected from a wide field of applicants.  

Princess Raelin Davis represents a family with deep Round-Up roots, starting with her grandfather Ermie Davis who supplied roping steers, many volunteers and court members including two aunts and two cousins. Although she was raised on her family’s Nevada ranch, they moved to Baker City, Oregon during her high school years, where she excelled in FFA (State Degree recipient), National Honor Society, was an Athlete Scholar, and a National High School Finals Rodeo Qualifier. Raeilin is the 20 year old daughter of Sandy Davis of La Grande, Oregon. Currently she is a Dean’s List student at Eastern Oregon University, studying biochemistry and is a member of EOU Pre-Veterinary Club, EOU Pre-Professional Club and EOU Chemistry Club. “From the time I could walk, my parents had me on the back of a horse,” said Raelin. She actively pursued the many disciplines of the American Quarter Horse Association including showmanship, western pleasure, western horsemanship, hunter under saddle, hunt equitation, trail, barrels and poles. She earned numerous all-around, high point and year-end awards culminating in qualifying and competing at the AQHA Youth Association World Show in Oklahoma City, OK. “Keeping the cowboy lifestyle is extremely important to me and my family,” said Raelin. “Hard work, loving your family, respecting your animals and being kind to others were values that were instilled in my upbringing.” She has worked to start colts, train horses, and fine tune client horses at Eastern Slope Ranch in Baker City where owner, Leslie Maiwald said, “Raelin is a very capable equestrian with a wide variety of knowledge in horses, equine first-aid and our western lifestyle.”  

Princess Robie Davis graduated from Baker High School as class president, member of National Honor Society and an Athletic Scholar. She is the 20 year old daughter of Sandy Davis of La Grande, Oregon. Raised on her family’s ranch in northern Nevada, she received the entire cowgirl experience from her earliest years. She developed her horse skills in the North Eastern Nevada Horseman’s Association, Elko Youth Rodeo, Silver State Stampede. Her family moved to Baker City when she was in high school and she joined the high school rodeo team where she placed at state and went on to compete at the National High School Finals. Robie was active within the American Quarter Horse Association industry where she won multiple All-Around titles and qualified to compete in the 2012 AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City, OK.  Last fall she earned the American FFA Degree, which is the highest award a member may achieve. Robie is now pursuing a degree in Biochemistry at Eastern Oregon University, and was a presenter at this year’s American Chemistry Society National Meeting. “While I have worked with Robie she has continually impressed me with her commitment to excellence in every facet of her life,” said FFA Advisor, Bibana Gifft. “She is an excellent representation of a modern horsewoman and the western lifestyle,” said Jim Brown, former employer. Robie has four family members which have ridden on the Round-Up court. She stated, “I would love to represent the

industry that raised me, the people that have always supported me and the animals that have always impressed me.”

Yes, Princess Raelin and Robie Davis are twin sisters.

Princess Addie Kilgore, daughter of Wes and Sherri Kilgore, is nineteen years old. She was the Valedictorian of her class at Joseph Charter School, where she earned numerous awards while participating in National Honor Society, FFA, three sports, drama and visual arts. “Addie will not only be successful educationally; she will be successful as a leader and community participant,” stated English Teacher Megan Smith. This year Kilgore is a sophomore at Oregon State University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in communications with an art minor. Addie started riding horses at five years old and worked her way through 4-H competing and showing in English, Western, Bareback, Gamed, and Trailed styles. She rode with the Tuckerettes precision riding drill team at the Chief Joseph Days rodeo where she also was the ninth member of her family to serve as CJD Queen. Three of Addie’s relatives have been inducted into the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame, including John Spain, and Bonnie Tucker-Blankenship and Harley Tucker. Addie’s own Round-Up Volunteerism includes serving in the 1910 Room last year. “Being on the Round-Up court would be extremely beneficial to my academic journey,” stated Addie. “Well, let’s just say there is not a class you can take like this in college.” Kilgore has spent two summers fighting wildland fires, where her supervisor Joseph Goebel said, “Addie is one of the team members who holds things together during stressful times. Her upbeat nature helps keep crew moral strong.”

Princess Mallory Walters, the twenty year old daughter of Cathy Walters, graduated from Pendleton High School with highest honors (4.38 GPA), and was a member of National Honor Society. Her adventure with horses began at age eight riding trail and rodeo horses, before advancing to 4-H, Oregon High School Equestrian Team, and finally American Quarter Horse Association competitions showing in everything from Hunter Under Saddle to Western Pleasure, and Trail. Mallory completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Pre-law in less than two years at the University of Montana, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2018. While in Montana she began training with AQHA Professional Horsewoman Sheila Lowden. “I cannot image my life without the influence of horses,” Mallory said. “These animals, and the people who love them, have made me the person I am today.” Walters now lives in Pendleton. She will work for a local law firm throughout her Princess reign then enter law school next year. “I think one of the outstanding things about Mallory is that she is unusually self-motivated,” said employer Steven Corey. Long-time family friend Randy Leonard added, “This is a determined girl who gives her best to whatever she takes on.” Mallory has ridden in countless parades, served on Pendleton Round-Up Wagon Train Committee, sold programs, cleaned grandstands, her volunteer record is endless. Mallory says, “I am looking forward to forging new relationships with fellow riders, as well as advocating for the sport we all love.”   

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