COURT | NWYRA

This is where the foundation of Rodeo Royalty and

Future Queens begin............

The Northwest Youth Rodeo Association Court program is designed to provide an opportunity for our young horsewomen to serve as ambassadors for NWYRA, the NWYRA Court program, NWYRA Sponsors, the sport of Rodeo and Oregon’s Agricultural and Ranching communities.

Our Queen and Princess(s) will spend their year of reign traveling across the Pacific Northwest participating in Coronation Dinners, Parades, Rodeos and other events that are important to the Rodeo and Queening community.

One of the highlights of the year is attending the Miss Rodeo Oregon Queen Clinic!

2024 NWYRA Court

Queen Dani Velasco

Dani Velasco is 17 years old and calls Silverton, Oregon home.

She is the daughter of Debbie and Tad Dennis and Sal Velasco.

Dani is a senior at Silvies River Charter School. She is an active member of OHSET and 4-H with both her horses.

During the summer, Dani participates in Northwest Youth Rodeo Association, enjoys volunteering at horse camp for kids and shows horses at the county fair.

When Dani is not spending time with her horse at the barn, she enjoys drawing and spending time with family.

Horses: Stella & Hunter

Rodeo Events: Barrels, Poles & Breakaway

Alyssa Droesch is 16 years old and calls Gold Hill, Oregon home. She is the daughter of Brian and Megan Droesch.

Alyssa is a Junior at Crater High School. She is an active member of 4-H, OHSET and participates in her local FFA Chapter raising market goats and steer.

Alyssa has had a passion for horses for as long as she can remember. But, due to her dad’s military career, she was not able to have one of her own so she found ways to get involved at local horse rescues, drill teams, even volunteering to exercise her neighbor’s horse. Finally, when she was 11 years, her parents surprised her with her very own horse.

When Alyssa is not spending time with her horses, she enjoys riding dirt bikes with friends and family.

Alyssa is very excited at the opportunity to be the 2024 NWYRA Princess!

Horse: Sadie

Rodeo Events: Barrels, Poles & Goat Tying

Princess Alyssa Droesch

Kaley Vanderzanden is 9 years old and calls Forest Grove Oregon home. She is the daughter of Josh and Julie Vanderzanden.

Kaley is a 4th grader at Visitation Catholic School and attends Visitation Catholic Church. Kaley is actively involved throughout the year in many fundraisers to help support her school and church.

Kaley’s been around horses her whole life. She has been participating in NWYRA since she 3 years old on her pony Little Bit.

When Kaley is not riding her horse, she participates on a competitive softball team, plays soccer, basketball and does gymnastics. She is always the first to help others and gives words of kindness to her friends and teammates. She loves camping where she gets to ride bikes, swim and paddle board with her family and friends.

Horse: Jazzy

Rodeo Events: Barrels, Poles & Goat Tying.