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Shelby Moody’s list of accomplishments are even bigger than the belt buckle she carries gracefully as the spokesperson for the Coos County Fair.

The 17-year-old North Bend resident went through rigorous training and tryouts to become the 2009 Coos County Fair and Rodeo Queen.

Aside from being a busy senior honor student preparing for college at North Bend High School, Shelby devotes much of her time to her 5-year-old horse, Hyler, and the aspiration of being a mentor for the young people of Coos County.

“Being a role model to all the youth is what really makes it worthwhile,” Shelby said.

Shelby has been taking riding lessons since age 7, with training including basic western and English riding. She’s had Hyler since he was 4 months old, and has been training the American quarterhorse ever since. Getting into equestrian activities came natural to Shelby, as her family has always had a horse or two around.

Grateful to her sponsors, Shelby still has had to raise most of the money to attend  engagements and buy most of the clothing fit for a queen. She will be attending many county fairs, parades and doing all that she can to represent and promote Coos County.

Trying out to become a fair and rodeo queen includes riding and speaking requirements, as well as modeling, and the process isn’t easy.

“It’s who wants to do it, work hard and put out that effort,” Shelby said.

The judges require participants do more than just saddle up and ride.

“What the judges want to see is if the girls are rodeo-capable,” explained Queens Committee member Kathy Mortensen. “They also want to see a queen that communicates and speaks well in public. Her job is to be the spokesperson.”

Besides preparing for her new role as fair and rodeo queen, Shelby has been actively involved in theater, drama club, the high school equestrian team, serves as the vice president of the Burton Prairie Wranglers 4-H Club and secretary for the Burton Prairie Pigs 4-H Club. After graduating, Shelby’s dream is to pursue a degree in equine health from Oregon State University.

Shelby’s reign will begin soon and she has a busy season to look forward to.

“She has worked so hard for this and she deserves it,” Mortensen said.