I’ve walked a lot of roads in my life, but none feel quite as natural as the ones lined with dust, fence posts, and the quiet strength of the Rockies rising in the distance.
I was born in Fort Collins, but my heart will always belong to Berthoud—that tiny, sun-kissed town where I was raised, where everyone waves from their porch, and where the mountains feel like part of the family.
So much of who I am was shaped on my Memaw and Papa’s farm, just west of town. I learned to ride horses before I could reach the stirrups, collect eggs with dirt under my nails, and climb hay bales like they were mountains. I still remember the scent of warm alfalfa and the sound of Papa’s deep laugh echoing through the barn.
That’s the soul of this photo series.
It’s not just about posing at a rodeo.
It’s about belonging there.
Not just the boots—but what they’ve carried me through.
Not just denim—but legacy, land, and lifestyle.
Growing up where grit and grace hold hands taught me the strength of softness, the fire behind femininity, and the power of stillness in wide open space.
So here’s to the girls who can saddle a horse and still slay in lashes.
Who grew up on wide open land but now command wide open platforms.
I see you. I am you.
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Thank you for letting me bring a little of my homegrown soul into your scroll today. Whether you’re riding horses or chasing dreams, may you never forget where your strength first took root.
Love, Rissa 🥰
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