Absorbine® Sponsors 2008 Miss Rodeo America Amy Wilson

W.F. Young, Inc. Supports the Values Professional Rodeo Instills in Future Industry Leaders
March 03, 2008

East Longmeadow, MA (March 3, 2008) — An innate passion for rodeos, horses and people helped 21-year-old Amy Wilson become the 2008 Miss Rodeo America. W.F. Young, Inc., a family operated company for over a century and creators of the trusted Absorbine® products, is proud to support the Kansas native as she embarks on her year representing professional rodeo.

"I greatly appreciate Absorbine for being such a wonderful sponsor of Miss Rodeo America," said Amy Wilson, Miss Rodeo America 2008. "It is truly an honor that with their support, I can raise awareness and make a difference in a sport that means so much to me."

Horses, rodeos and even pageants are nothing new for Wilson. She and her five siblings grew up on a ranch in Colby, Kansas, where they raise cattle, horses and various other animals. At a young age, Wilson started competing in open horse shows and local events. Later, she participated in 4-H, the National Barrel Horse Association, junior rodeos, jackpots and High School Rodeo. Most recently, she rode as a member of the Colby Community College Rodeo Team while she worked on her Associate of Science degree in Agri-Business and Associate of Arts in Communications.

Prior to winning the Miss Rodeo America crown, Wilson had the opportunity to represent the rodeo sport on a local and state level. Growing up, she particularly enjoyed participating in the Thomas County Fair that hosted a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned rodeo in Colby, Kansas. Wilson served as both the Thomas County Rodeo Princess and Thomas County Rodeo Queen and held several other titles before becoming Miss Rodeo Kansas 2007.

"I feel very blessed that I had the opportunity to represent my state and the PRCA, and now fulfill my dream of becoming Miss Rodeo America," said Wilson.

"The Miss Rodeo America pageant portrays a positive message of leadership and sportsmanship for the equine industry and the sport of professional rodeo," said Tyler F. Young, President and CEO of W.F. Young, Inc. "This year’s Miss Rodeo America, Amy Wilson, exemplifies the spirit and passion that this sport represents and the inspirational qualities our company is so proud to support."

W.F. Young provided Wilson and all the contestants in the Miss Rodeo America pageant with their trusted products, from hoof care to grooming solutions, fly control and liniments to use at home on their own horses.

"Since the first time I used Absorbine’s ShowSheen®, I have been a huge fan," said Wilson. "I know my horses feel like they belong to a ‘queen’ as they are well groomed and cared for with all Absorbine products."

Since 2001, W.F. Young has supported the Miss Rodeo America pageant. The company provides grooming products for all the horses used in the horsemanship phase of the competition. In addition, they offer a cash award and plaque to the PRCA contractor whose horse is selected as the overall "Top Horse". Also, there is an opportunity to qualify for a $1,000 educational scholarship from Absorbine, through the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation.

Wilson captured the coveted crown after a weeklong competition featuring 27 contestants from across the country at the 53rd Annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant, held at the New Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas last December. During 2008, she will be the voice of the PRCA, traveling over 100,000 miles and appearing at over 100 rodeos, tradeshows, schools and events.

"In addition to all the great places I will get to travel, I am most looking forward to all the amazing people I will get to know this year as I serve as the 2008 Miss Rodeo America," said Wilson. "I love the sport of rodeo and I am so glad this is God’s plan for me!"

Marketed by W.F. Young, Inc., Absorbine products are available nationwide in tack shops, farm supply stores and catalogs. Founded in 1892, W.F. Young, Inc. has produced quality health care products for the equine industry for over a century. From their headquarters in East Longmeadow, MA, the company is committed to extending this heritage into the new century. For a dealer near you, or for more information, visit www.absorbine.com.

For more information on Miss Rodeo America and the pageant, visit www.missrodeo.com.