As a determined sixth-grader, Harley Doughten is proving that true strength knows no bounds, taking the rodeo pageant world by storm one crown at a time.
“When Harley was about 4 years old, she went to a local store and saw a girl selling rodeo tickets. They bought a ticket and watched the girl during the rodeo. She decided right then that she wanted to do the same. She looked at me and said, ‘I’m gonna be that one day,’ said Kristen Doughten, Harley’s mother.
Harley went on to participate in rodeo pageants and has spent the past three years competing. Through these pageants, she earned the title of Great Plains Stampede Rodeo Junior Sweetheart — a recognition of her confidence and deep connection to the rodeo community.
Because of this title, Harley has been able to participate in many events, including her favorite, riding in parades! She has also earned scholarship funds. To help the pageants and their related rodeos, she sells ads, rodeo tickets, and works to get sponsors who support her journey.
Harley described the rodeo community as “like one big family.”
Harley stays very active in her community. Whether she’s volunteering at local pet shelters or riding in the town parade, she’s always there. In addition to her rodeo pageants, she’s involved with softball, 4-H archery, jiu-jitsu, gymnastics, Girl Scouts, horseback riding lessons, and even 4-H rabbit club.
With such a packed schedule, Harley has learned that the best way to keep track of everything is with a calendar — and, she added: “a mom who can keep up.” Harley loves being in all these activities because they keep her active and allow her to see her friends more often.
She also believes that Epic has made a big difference in her life. With Epic, Harley can set up her schedule to make room for all her different interests and activities.
“It’s been a lot more flexible,” she said. “I’m not stuck on my computer. I can go out and do anything.”
Kristen explained that Epic has allowed her daughter to balance everything on her full plate.
“She’s been able to do the things she loves without having to worry about getting up for school the next morning or missing out on schoolwork,” she said.
Kristen beams when she thinks about all Harley has accomplished.
“I am beyond proud of her,” she said. “She sets her mind to things, and she does them.”
Harley’s future goals in her rodeo pageants are to become Miss Rodeo Oklahoma and Miss Rodeo America.
“And I truly believe — and not just because she’s my daughter — I truly believe she will achieve both of those,” Kristen said.
Harley’s best piece of advice for others is simple: “Never give up. Try hard, and if you don’t win, get up and do it again,” she said.