The Mississippi Horse Park and Starkville Rotary Club again have been honored with the Justin Boots Best Footing Award for the exceptional ground during the 2024 Rotary Rodeo. It was selected by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association for having the best footing in 2024 out of 57 rodeos held in the Southeastern Circuit which includes Mississippi and eight other states—Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The Southeastern Circuit is the largest in the area and the second largest membership in the U.S.
The award was presented in early December during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bricklee Miller, who retired in June, accepted the award on behalf of the Horse Park and Starkville Rotary Club. Under her 20-year leadership, the Horse Park won this award seven times. Contestants vote on the recipient, making this honor even more prestigious, and the Horse Park has become known for its safe and fast ground.
“It was an honor to step on a national stage on behalf of the Horse Park and Starkville Rotary Club one last time to receive this award,” said Miller. “It speaks volumes that the facility and rodeo has won this so often, especially since it is voted on by contestants.”
The Rotary Rodeo is the Starkville Rotary Club’s largest fundraiser each year and proceeds are used to support humanitarian, educational and other community activities. The 2025 Rotary Rodeo will be Feb. 7-8, starting at 7 p.m. nightly. More information can be found at www.mshorsepark.com.
The Mississippi Horse Park is a partnership of the City of Starkville, Oktibbeha County and Mississippi State University.