Izzy Rockwell
Izzy Rockwell, the reigning Miss Rodeo North Carolina, has become a beloved figure in the rodeo community. Her journey into the sport is a story of passion, persistence, and a deep love for the western lifestyle. Born in Florida and later moving to Upstate New York, Izzy was exposed to the world of agriculture and rodeo from an early age.
“I grew up watching the Double M Western Rodeo in New York,” she recalls. “I would watch the rodeo queens with their big wings and sparkly chaps, carrying flags, and I remember thinking, ‘I want to do that when I grow up.'” This early fascination with rodeo queens sparked Izzy’s interest in the sport and planted the seed for her future in rodeo.
The dream of being part of the rodeo world stayed with her as her family moved to North Carolina when Izzy was five. It was in North Carolina that her parents enrolled her in horseback riding lessons, a decision that would shape the course of her life. “I begged my parents to let me take riding lessons,” she recalls. “I just knew it was something I wanted to do.”
The Rodeo World
At first, Izzy started in the English riding world, where she competed in jumpers and participated in events like those seen in the Olympics, including dressage and show jumping. “It was a completely different world from rodeo,” she explains, “but I loved it, and I learned a lot about horsemanship and discipline.”
Though she enjoyed English riding, she soon realized that her true passion lay in the world of rodeo. It wasn’t until she got her first barrel horse that Izzy felt she had truly found her place in the rodeo world. “Once I got into barrel racing, I just knew that was it for me,” she says. “I loved the fast-paced action, the connection with my horse, and the challenge of competing.” This new love for barrel racing led Izzy to discover the Miss Rodeo division in North Carolina, which ultimately set her on the path to becoming a rodeo queen.
“The Miss Rodeo division was perfect for me,” Izzy explains. “I was in the right age group and had the passion for the sport. I looked into it and knew it was something I wanted to pursue.” Izzy quickly immersed herself in the responsibilities and activities associated with becoming a rodeo queen, and her hard work paid off when she was crowned Miss Rodeo North Carolina.
“Being a rodeo queen is about so much more than just the crown,” Izzy says thoughtfully. “It’s about representing the sport of rodeo and the values that come with it—hard work, integrity, and community.” As Miss Rodeo North Carolina, Izzy takes her role seriously, traveling across the state to represent rodeo and inspire others to get involved in the sport. Her reign is not only about attending rodeos but also about promoting the western lifestyle, advocating for youth participation, and preserving the traditions of the sport she loves.
“Rodeo is such a rich part of the western culture, and I want to help others understand why it’s so important,” she says. “It’s about more than just competing; it’s about building character, working hard, and being part of a community that values respect for animals, the land, and each other.” As a young woman passionate about rodeo, Izzy hopes to inspire others to follow in her footsteps and pursue their own rodeo dreams, no matter where they come from.
As Miss Rodeo North Carolina, Izzy Rockwell is more than just a titleholder; she is a role model for the next generation of cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeo enthusiasts. With her determination, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to the sport, Izzy is helping to shape the future of rodeo, one rodeo at a time.
