Matina Durfeld
Miss Minton Creek Ranch
As I am sure any girl might say, becoming a “Queen” would be a dream come true. For me, becoming the 2014 Williams Lake Stampede Queen would not only be a dream come true, it would also be an honour.
Representing the sport of rodeo and our city of Williams Lake is something I feel I already do, and something I strive to do more of with my family history, my own passions, and my goals for the future.
My grandparents came to Canada from Austria in 1949. Upon arrival, they moved to Alkali Lake Ranch where they lived with and worked for the von Riedemann family for two years. While they were living at the Alkali Lake Ranch, my grandparents met and worked with members of the Twan family, the Maurice family, and the Isnardy family. Although not in my life, I am aware that my father’s side of the family has a strong rodeo background.
I have always loved animals, and for as long as I can remember, horses have been my favourite. It took me 12 long years to finally convince my mom that no, I would not get “bored” of having a horse after a week or two. Come my 12th birthday, I got my first horse, “Dandy.” After that day there was no turning back, and as the saying goes: “Horses are like potato chips, you can’t have just one.”
I am currently attending school in Vernon (part time) at the B.C. College of Equine Therapy. Upon graduating from this school, I will become a certified Equine Sport Therapist. After graduating I hope to possibly run for Miss Rodeo Canada.
My other plans include traveling to Africa to work with children and elephants, and possibly attending “The Assisi International Animal Institute.”
As an individual from the youth population in Williams Lake, a statement I hear a lot is: “I can’t wait to leave this place.” This statement makes me sad, because I often find myself saying “I can’t wait to come home.” That is what Williams Lake is to me, home.
I believe Williams Lake is a place to come home to.
With my family history and personal history, my passion of rodeo and horses, and my knowledge base and future goals, I would be honoured to represent my home, Williams Lake, as the 2014 Williams Lake Stampede Queen.