Miss Rodeo Florida 2020: An Interview with McKenna Andris
by Gina McKnight
Archived from the May 2020 Issue of Florida Equine Athlete
No duplication without permission.
McKenna
Andris knows horses. Besides holding the title of Miss Rodeo Florida 2020, McKenna
is an award-winning horsewoman. Whether she is having a Zoom meeting with her
fellow State rodeo queens, supporting one another during the COVID-19
quarantine, or riding her AQHA gelding Pork Chop, McKenna inspires cowgirls around
the world.
Welcome, McKenna!
GM: When was your first encounter with a horse?
MA: When I was 5 years old I had a cowgirl themed birthday party
at a ranch and from that day on, I was in love with horses. At that ranch, they
had group lessons scheduled for every Saturday morning, which my parents
started taking me to. They figured it was just a phase and that I’d grow out of
it, but I never did.
GM: Congratulations on your success! You have many accolades,
including, MRF Horsemanship Award, Speech Award, Photogenic Award, Appearance
Award, Personality Award, and Test Award! How did you prepare for Miss Florida
Rodeo competition?
MA: Thank you! I spent A LOT of time studying the PRCA
rule book, media guide, and the ProRodeo Sports News magazines. I also had an
amazing group of past Miss Rodeo Florida’s to help me study. Sheila Shirah
Kitaif MRF 2015, was the written test winner at the Miss Rodeo America pageant
the year she competed. She was my go-to when it came to rodeo knowledge. She
would send me about 5 questions a day leading up to the pageant. Kelly
Steinruck MRF 2016, helped me articulate my thoughts accurately for when I
would public speak. She also acted as my stylist when it came to getting my
wardrobe ready for the pageant. When it came to speech, I knew I wanted to
think outside of the box and incorporate my dream of being a prosecutor. Once I
had written my speech, I made a recording of me reading it and I would play it
until I had it memorized.
When it came to horsemanship, I rode with Matt Goodman from Goodman
Performance Horses. He is a reiner based out of South Florida, who I have
been riding with since I was 12 years old. The summer before pageant he put me
on anything with four legs. I rode green broke two-year-olds to high
performance reining horses. I had a goal of getting on as many different horses
as possible to make me the best rider I can be. I am still riding with him and
learning new things every day!
GM: As a rodeo rider, you've competed in a lot of events. What is
your favorite rodeo event?
MA: Growing up I’ve competed in barrel racing, goat tying, pole
bending, and breakaway roping. Even though I was best at goat tying, my
favorite event is barrel racing. There is no better feeling than going through
the alley knowing your horse is about to give his heart and soul to you.
GM: Take us through a day in your life...
MA: (Before quarantine) I would start my day by waking up at 8am
to let my dog Shiloh outside and then to feed him. After eating breakfast
myself, I would get dressed and ready to go to the gym. After my workout, I would
typically grab a smoothie from Smoothie King and then go out to the barn to see
my horse. I would do my chores and either ride or just groom him. I would then
go home and shower. After I am all clean, I would sit down and do my school
work. The past 3 semesters for school, I have done online classes so I could
have a more flexible schedule. Once my school work is completed I would watch
some Netflix and scroll through the PRCA’s app on my phone to stay updated with
what is happening in the rodeo world. I would probably watch two episodes
before I would start making dinner. I then would eat, feed Shiloh, and hangout
with my roommates until I would go to bed.
GM: For those of us who are armchair beauty queens/horse lovers,
what advice do you have for health and happiness?
MA: I would tell them to never stop doing what makes them happy,
and always stay humble. A few years ago, when I first went away to college, I
lost sight of why I love horses so much. The pressure of competing got in the
way and I just did not enjoy it anymore. I took a step back and thought about
how disappointed 7-year-old me would be. I am blessed enough to have my own
horse and the opportunity to love on him whenever I want. The few months
following that, I would go out to the barn to just hang out with him, go on a
trail ride, or read a book. For me, it is key to remember why you started and
to continue to remind yourself how blessed you are.
GM: What horse(s) do you currently stable?
MA: I currently only own one horse at the moment. His name is Docs Six
Pac (barn name Pork Chop) and he is registered as an Appendix through AQHA. He
was trained as a barrel horse where I competed at NBHAs, jackpots, and
ProRodeos. He is a 16h sorrel, with a blaze.
GM: In your opinion, what qualities make the best rodeo horse?
MA: I find that it is really important to have a good mind and
heart in a horse. Some people believe that papers are what make a horse, but
even grade horses could be amazing athletes. If you have a good mind and heart,
then they will never stop trying to please you. They will love the sport as
much as you do and will do as much as possible to get their job done.
GM: Will you advance to Miss Rodeo America? What is the process
and when is the contest?
MA: Yes, I will get to compete for the title of Miss Rodeo
America. The pageant is a week-long competition made up of horsemanship,
multiple interviews, on-stage questions, modeling, a speech, and a written
test. It is November 29th - December 6th in Las Vegas,
Nevada.
GM: We will certainly be cheering for you! Best wishes as you
continue your journey! One last question I ask all the great people I
interview. What does horsemanship mean to you?
MA: I feel as if horsemanship is one of the most important parts
of being a Rodeo Queen. As Miss Rodeo Florida, I will never use my own horse at
a rodeo, parade, or any event. Rodeo Queens are expected to hop on anything and
be able to ride it. While competing for Miss Teen Rodeo Florida and Miss Rodeo
Florida, other than wanting those titles, I was determined to win the
Horsemanship Award. I won the Speech Award and Horsemanship Award along with
the main titles at both of those pageants.
Honestly, receiving the Horsemanship Award meant so much more. I
believe that it meant more because horseback riding is what got me into being a
Rodeo Queen. Everything I do comes back to my passion for horseback riding. It
is hard to explain, but my life has been revolved around horses since I was
five years old. I have worked with different trainers, asked for advice, and
more to continue bettering myself as a horsewoman. To have those awards, shows
me to be proud of myself and that all my hard work has paid off.
Connect with McKenna…
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| McKenna Andris, Miss Rodeo Florida 2020 Photo by David Rosenfield |
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