There is a whole separate world dedicated to those who are in the bull riding profession. Those who wrangle, ride, mutton bust and travel from arena to arena, speak a different language and use terms like “flank strap” in their everyday conversations.

Those in the bull-riding world also know about and revere the position of Rodeo Queen — the role of a woman who leads the rodeo and is an ambassador for her association.

Dallas County High School freshman, 16-year-old Brandy Harden became the Rodeo Queen at the end of the bull-riding season in 2012 for the Alabama Youth and Junior Bull Riding Association.

“Before I was a rodeo queen I spent my time practicing — barrel racing, pole bending and bull riding about four times a week,” Harden said. “It took a lot of time but by the end of 2012 all of that practice got me first place, Bull-riding Champion and second place barrel racer and pole bender.”

Harden said her duties as queen are many and they are varied. As an ambassador role, she mostly meets and greets those who come to the rodeos and works to make sure there is no confusion as to when association practices are.

“We also greet everyone and we always have to be supportive of everyone,” Harden said, explaining that being a queen isn’t all about looking pretty and carrying a flag through the arena. “We can never be negative about anything and we always keep a smile.”

Harden did not always aspire to be the AYJBR Rodeo Queen, but once she fell in love with the local association she knew she wanted to find a way to help and give back.

“The people treated me like I was their family and made sure I was comfortable and had someone to talk to,” Harden said of AYJBR and its organizer Jimmy Boswell.

Boswell and his wife Pam run the faith-based bull-riding program in Dallas County and hope to inspire youth such as Harden.

According to Bowsell, the March 14-17 rodeo, at the Dallas County Horse Arena, will be the largest winter outdoor bucking bulls final event in the world.

For more information on how to get involved with the association or learn more about the upcoming event contact Boswell at 874-6640.