Everyone loves a great "feel-good" story, especially when that story just keeps getting better and better! This is proof positive that when you combine hard work, dedication to, and a passion for, your profession, when presented with the opportunity of a lifetime, not only are you prepared, but you embrace that opportunity and when all is said and done, you have been part of something magical and you have now become a part of history.
The year 2012 marked the 60 year anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's ascension to the throne. Three years of planning would produce a multi-national celebration of epic proportion, marking this historic event with royal opulence and grandeur - This was to be Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee Celebration.
Part of this celebration would be a Pageant for Her Majesty called "Around the World in 60 Years and 90 Minutes". With the Royal Family in attendance each night, this event would be filled with horses, dancers, and music, from many cultures and it would also include cowboys and cowgirls portraying early 1900's Western Ranching Life in the United States. It would also include 4 special ladies who are members of the distinguished PRCA Specialty Act, The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls from Exeter, CA. Specializing in trick roping and riding, these ladies were invited to perform at this, Her Majesty's Diamond Jubile Pageant at Windsor Castle.
On May 2, 2012, after many hours of planning and preparation, the 4 members of the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls - Jennifer Nicholson (director), Brandi Phillips, Ashley Phillips (no relation), and Kansas Carradine arrived in England. They spent the next six days rehearsing their part of the show.
To represent North America and the United States, Nicholson, Phillips, Phillips, and Carradine trick roped to "Dueling Strings" - They had a full 3 1/2 minutes to perform for the Royal Family and the Queen herself. Brandi Phillips said of the performance, "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to portray real American Cowboys".
Jennifer Nicholson, Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, performing at Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee (photo by Geoff Caddick/EPA)
Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee (Photo by Geoff Caddick/EPA)
Jennifer said, "Everything was so big, you could not fathom it. But, the biggest thrill of all was the opportunity to meet the Queen for tea at Windsor Castle." She, along with the other 120 participants, was invited to tea with the Queen. "I presented her with a gift from the United States - a "wild rag" (cowboy scarf). It was truly an honor to meet her and have a conversation with the Queen about our Western American Lifestyle - I will treasure that moment forever."
This in itself is an incredible story, but last week, it got even better. Jennifer received a beautiful hard bound book titled "Diamond Jubilee Pageant - The World Came To Windsor". She also received a note from the Queen thanking her for the gift of the "wild rag" scarf.
Diamond Jubilee Pageant - The World Came To Windsor
Wait - There is more! Jennifer opened the book to the section about "The Americas" and what did she find - Her photo was on the opening page! Her smile says it all !
Jennifer Welch Nicholson holding her personal copy of "Diamond Jubilee Pageant - The world Came to Windsor"
Congratulations to Jennifer, Brandi, Ashley, and Kansas! We, along with your friends and families are very proud of you and your accomplishments.
To learn more about the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, please visit website . You can also follow them on Facebook (link).