LINCOLN -- Rodeo has not always been a part of Shayla Fox's life, now the 2017 Lincoln Riding Club queen can't imagine life without it.

Fox considers holding the title Miss Lincoln Riding Club an honor. She has been thrilled with the opportunity to promote the Lincoln rodeo and influence it in a positive way.

"Over the past year, I have had an amazing time being Miss LRC," Fox said. "Having the opportunity to travel all over Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma representing my hometown, has been a blast. I laughed with new friends and made memories."

Coming into her reign, Fox strived to impact younger generations and remind them of the traditional values associated with rodeo while hoping to have lots of fun making unforgettable memories. Looking back, she feels she succeeded.

"I am sure all of these memories will be recalled throughout the years ahead, causing me to smile, and maybe to be a little nostalgic," Fox said.

Fox is the 18-year-old daughter of Fannie Davenport, and has been riding by herself since she was 3-years-old, 14 years total. Fox was a founding member of the Lincoln Riding Club Regulators' precision drill team, and become one of 12 riders performing drill team routines at local rodeos and horse festivals.

Fox enjoyed maneuvering high-speed choreographed patterns on horseback, had a lot of fun and strived with the drill team to put on a great performance for each audience.

Fox is a 2017 graduate of Lincoln High School. Fox hopes to one day become a veterinarian. Fox was a proud member of the Lincoln FFA 2017 National championship poultry judging team. She has shown many different types of livestock at the Washington County Fair. She has a lot of fun memories, and won lots of ribbons and trophies. She has won lots of purple and blue ribbons with her shorthorn heifers.

While acknowledging she did not have opportunity to grow up in a rodeo family, Fox is quick to point out she is a hometown girl with traditional values who grew up in a home that was not afraid of hard work. Selected last year as Miss Lincoln Riding Club rodeo queen, Fox feels privileged to carry the Lincoln Riding Club flag. Promoting the name is something she is honored to do while learning more about horses and furthering her horsemanship through the experience.

"To say the least, is that I owe the Lincoln Riding Club and it's board members a great big thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve," Fox said. "So as I bid you farewell, please know that you have opened doors to a new and better horizon for me, and I am humbled by your kindness and faith in my abilities. Thank you all and God bless."

Appearances by Shayla Fox, 64th annual Lincoln Riding Club Rodeo queen

June 2-3, 2017 - Pryor, Okla.

June 9, 2017 - Owasso Okla.

June 11, 2017 - Fox, tough enough to wear pink representing the club at Owasso, Okla.

June 24, 2017 - Fox and LRC Rodeo Princess Olivia Moody representing at Westville, Okla., IPRA Rodeo.

Aug. 18-19, 2017 - Crowder Rodeo.

Aug. 25-27, 2017 - Ozark Ranch Rodeo

Sept. 17, 2017 - Fox and LRC Rodeo Princess Olivia Moody representing at the Harrison Rodeo.

Oct. 27, 2017 - Fox part of Lincoln FFA National Championship Poultry Judging team.