Miss Vancouver Rodeo Queen

A woman who grew up riding horses on her family’s five-acre property and swimming with friends in the Washougal River is representing the Vancouver Rodeo this year.Amanda Knapp, 20, is the Miss Vancouver Rodeo Queen for 2014. The rodeo will be held July 2-5, at the Clark County Saddle Club.

The queen serves as a goodwill ambassador for the sport of professional rodeo, the Vancouver Rodeo and the Clark County Saddle Club.

Knapp is the daughter of Brian and Janis. She has an older brother, William.

Residents of the Knapp property include two peacocks and an Alaskan malamute named Kodi.

Knapp has four horses, all geldings — Carter, Willy, Cowboy and Manny.

“They are all my baby boys,” she said.

Serving as a rodeo queen involves participating in a lot of parades.

Carter, 11, has a breast collar with rhinestones, similar to a belt worn by Knapp.

“There is a lot of [horse] equipment to put on and take off,” she said.

Saturday morning, Knapp and Carter were in a St. Patrick’s Day parade, in Hillsboro, Ore. She and two pooper scoopers won the spirit trophy for the “Most Irish Rodeo Court.”

That evening, Knapp attended the coronation of the Miss Fort Dalles rodeo queen, Katie Surritt, of Brush Prairie.

Knapp is friends with several rodeo queens.

“We spend a lot of time together, at different events and functions,” she said.

Knapp’s daily activities include providing food and water for the horses and cleaning their stalls.

“It’s never ending, but it’s worth it,” she said.

Four generations of the Knapp family have lived in the Washougal area, starting in 1927.

After graduating from Washougal High School in 2011, Knapp finished a dental assisting program at the National School of Dental Assisting, in Camas. She plans to eventually earn a degree in dental hygiene.

Knapp has competed in various rodeos and open shows, as well as in 4-H and on the WHS equestrian and drill teams.

She is seeking additional sponsors, to help pay for parade entry fees, as well as travel and attire expenses. Knapp’s coronation will be held Saturday, March 29, at the Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 N.E 117th Ave., Vancouver. The doors will open at 5 p.m.

The event will feature silent and live auctions, entertainment and dinner featuring ribs and chicken. It is open to the public. The cost, $18 pre-paid or $20 per person at the door, will help pay for Knapp’s expenses.

To RSVP for the coronation, contact Knapp at amhorsecrzy1@aol.com. For more information, visit www.vancouverrodeo.com.