The time has come to reveal the 2024 EMDP Ambassador Team Members!
I appreciate EVERYONE who applied and thankfully I had the assistance of a review board to make some TOUGH decisions as we had some great applications. I'm excited that we grew our ambassador team a few people, while also having a couple returning ambassadors!
Help me congratulate the 2024 EMDP Ambassador Team Members, in no particular order:
1. Emilee Minnick - Omaha, NE
"My name is Emilee Minnick! I own Envision K9, where I train both pet dogs and working dogs. I have trained my own working dogs from start to finish, and actively work an explosives detection dog named Buzz. Together we’ve gotten to work some pretty awesome jobs across the country! I am married to one of the best people on the planet and currently have a little dude on the way."
What are three things you cannot live without? Why?
🐾 Dogs: best companions on the planet
😬 Blankets: I LOVE to cuddle up under a soft blanket every night, I’d rather be freezing with five blankets than hot with none!
🍦 Ice cream: no explanation needed
2. Leah Schwindt - Ainsworth, NE
"Hi, I'm Leah Schwindt. I live in north-central Nebraska with my husband, Ryan, and a herd of horses, cattle and dogs; we also just welcomed our first baby. I have a passion for being outdoors and enjoy ranching, riding horses, and especially competing in barrel racing. I also have a small business where I specialize in western themed t-shirts." -- Go check out Prairie Rose Co.!
What are three things you cannot live without? Why?
🐾 My dog, Penny- she is always there to keep me company
🐴 Horses - they keep me sane
🎶 Spotify subscription- I need to be listening to something while driving!
3. Cadence Magnuson - McCook, NE
"Hi my name is Cadence Magnuson, I am currently a senior in high school and plan to attend Fort Hays State University once I graduate to become a radiologic technologist. I compete in amateur rodeos in barrel racing throughout my summers. I look forward to representing the EMDukat Photography ambassador team this year!"
What are three things you cannot live without? Why?
💛 My loved ones, they are my biggest support system and my biggest cheerleaders.
🐴 My horses, they have brought me many memories I will cherish forever and the best companions I could ever ask for.
🎶 Music, it fits any mood I am in, and helps especially when I’m getting ready to compete.
4. Allison Kloxin - Fullerton, NE
"My name is Allison Kloxin. I come from a very diverse background but am happy to call myself a cowgirl. I work with my husband horseback at a feedyard. When I'm not on a horse at work or in the arena, I am playing in my garden or with my chickens."
What are three things you cannot live without? Why?
🐴 Horses - they've got the biggest hearts and are the closest I'll ever get to flying
🍿 Kettle corn - sweet and salty (like me lol)
🎶 Music - because there's something for every mood and the right song can change your whole day
5. Becce Fellman - Ashland, NE
"Becca Fellman owns & operates Becca's Barrel Horses. She has over 25 years of experience raising, training, competing, marketing and selling successful barrel racing horses. Becca is an American Rodeo Semi Finals qualifier, multiple Pro Rodeo placings, 3x IRA rodeo finals qualifier, as well as numerous Futurity, Derby and Jackpot wins on several horses. She trains a limited amount of horses for the public as well as a few of her own.
In addition to Becca's successful training program, she excels at coaching beginner to advanced barrel racers, making matches between rider and horse. Watching students and horses from Becca's program make their way to the winners circle is what keeps her inspired and motivated."
What are three things you cannot live without? Why?
🕶️ Sunglasses- my eyes are sensitive, the bigger they are the more they protect my skin
💧 Water- always thirsty
💊 Asthma/allergy meds- I'd be dead without them
6. Maddie Blair - Lincoln, NE
"Hi, I'm Maddie!! I am currently a sophomore at Lincoln Lutheran High School in Lincoln Ne. I am a member of the Kansas High School Rodeo Association for barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying. I also enjoy many of the jackpot series available across Nebraska. I typically spend most of my time at rodeos or with my horses, Wally and Miss Kenny. In my spare time, I work at Bar Star Ranch as an assistant in riding horses, lessons, clinics and youth rodeos. And if I'm not with horses, which is pretty rare, I like to spend my time around my amazing friends."
What are three things you cannot live without? Why?
🐴 My horses, they are a big part of my life and I enjoy spending my time with them as much of my time with them
💛 My family, my family has always been my biggest supporters even though not coming from a rodeo/horse background
🥤Cinnamon rolls and Dr Pepper; it's two-in-one but they both are too good to go without
7. Alyssa Malchow - Fairfield, NE
"Hi, I am Alyssa Malchow. I live in south-central Nebraska. I will be graduating from high school and attending Fort Hays State University in the fall and majoring in animal science. I will also be on the Fort Hays rodeo team. In my spare time, I love to read and on most weekends you will find me competing in rodeos across both Nebraska and Kansas. I compete in barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying. During the summer I also show cattle. I am so excited to be apart of the EMDukat Photography ambassador team this year!"
What are three things you cannot live without? Why?
🐴 My horses have made so many memories and accomplished lots of my goals.
💛 My family has always supported me through all my decisions and cheered me on at my rodeos.
🎶 Spotify premium because it helps control my nerves before my runs and what I feel like.
8. Kodi Dickeson - Bedford, IA
"My roots are here in Southwest, Iowa where I was born and raised. I have been riding since I was 5. I have known cattle and horses my entire life. I have two twin sisters and a brother. I graduated highschool and pursued a degree in Agribusiness. I am a ranch momma to two beautiful kids, Jaxxon and Kansas. Also a ranch wife to my amazing husband, TJ. We have a herd of 50 plus Angus Crossbred cows, a herd of horses, and raise Border Collies here in Southwest Iowa."
What are three things you cannot live without? Why?
🐴 Horses- my quiet place where I can escape and be myself in this world
💪🏼 The gym- a great way to work on myself, focus, and relieve stress
My kids- they’re the ones who keep me grounded
I'm excited to share more about our ambassador team throughout the year. If you see them out in public, say hi - tell them you heard they are an EMDP fan, and feel free to ask them what their favorite part of being an ambassador is!