"Rodeo Barbie" is POKEY'S owner/rider, Denise Dabinett.
Denise is a MOM and an avid horsewoman She is a Multi-Grand Champion Gymkhana winner in both Sussex and Warren Counties (NJ). She has been a guest speaker in classrooms and 4-H groups, discussing "Being one with your horse" and Barrel Racing. She designs and makes her own outfits, which have helped her earn the name... "RODEO BARBIE".
She goes to the Elementary Schools and reads the childrens books she wrote. The first book, "POKEY, A Dream Come True" is due to be published and available SOON.
MEET "RODEO BARBIE" in person!
Denise will be at the Warren County Farmer's Fair 2011 and she will be reading the stories she wrote to the children and giving out autographed photos!
Stop by POKEY'S PLACE located on the fairgrounds.
Denise AKA "Rodeo Barbie" poses with a horse at the 4th of July parade in Washington NJ. 2010
DON'T FORGET: Open auditions for the 2011 Lil Miss Rodeo Barbie contest are held at Pokeys Place at the fairgrounds!!! (email Denise for times and dates!)
(winner must be avail. to sing at 6:30 pm on thursday night before the costume class horse show at the fair.)
Prizes to include a trophy, a sash, a goodie bag AND $50. cash!
must be 17 yrs old or under... dress in red, white and/or blue and can sing the national anthem without the music.
You are judged on your voice and stage presence.
Good Luck!!!
And the 2010 Lil Miss Rodeo Barbie is.....
Denise "Rodeo Barbie" with the NEW 2010 Lil Miss Rodeo Barbie... 4 year old Kaycee Clanton
Denise Dabinett, "Rodeo Barbie" stands next to The 2010 Lil Miss Rodeo Barbie, 4 year old Kaycee Clanton as Kaycee sings the National Anthem in front of a sold-out crowd in the main arena.
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Check out our NEW POKEY'S PLACE Located near the Horse Barn on the fairgrounds! We are not in the small animal exhibit building anymore! Stop by and say HI, free giveaways, autographed pictures and more!
POKEY'S PALS: We will have Pokey's Pal on display to meet and greet you!! Come meet Pokey's Pal (a miniature horse) and hear a story at STORY TIME.
Warren County Farmer's Fair (*PLEASE click the link on links page to check out whats going on all week at the fair)
NEWS:
At the Warren Country Farmers Fair 2010
Friday August 6th
DON'T MISS THE SHOW!!!
Denise Dabinett is also known as “Rodeo Barbie” and is considered a Cowgirl Extraordinaire.
Denise will be riding “BOOMER” a registered Mountain Pleasure horse, owned by Monique Grimme. It is the first time riding a horse here at the fair, since her beloved horse, “POKEY” passed away a few years ago. Denise is a MOM and an avid horsewoman.
She has had horses all her life, riding since the age of 2 and has been showing since the age of 3.
Denise is a Multi-Grand Champion winner in both Sussex and Warren Counties (NJ). She has been a guest speaker in classrooms and 4-H groups, discussing "Being one with your horse", Native American Horsemanship and Barrel Racing.
She designs and makes her own outfits, which have helped her earn the name... "RODEO BARBIE".
For the past 13 years Denise has had a booth here at the fair called “Pokey’s Place”, where she reads stories to children, signs autographs and explains to parents the importance of horses in a young child’s life.
Feel free to stop by POKEY’S PLACE after the show and meet her.
You can see Denise in the Hackettstown Memorial Day parade and the the 4th of July parade in Washington.
Denise’s father, Rowland "Curly" Dabinett was an Army MP and served in Korea in the 1950’s.
She is proud to be AN AMERICAN and is proud to be a part of the Warren County Farmers Fair.
Denise and “Boomer” will be performing to the song “Rocket” as a tribute to our troops.
2011 Denise is riding in this show again! Come see Denise and her rescue horse, "Curly" perform to the song "ROCKET" ... check back later for more info!
"Rodeo Barbie"willbe at the WARREN COUNTY FARMER'S FAIR 2011 ...stop by Pokey's Place and say HOWDY!
Heres how the Lil Miss Rodeo Barbie contest started:
The Warren County Farmer's Fair 2007
Our first annual "Lil' Miss Rodeo Barbie" Contest
Hosted by Denise Dabinett AKA "Rodeo Barbie"
Denise commented: Over 30 girls tried out and sadly, I had to pick only one to sing. Allison had the most powerful delivery and range I have ever heard and she's only 14! I really felt she was the best. The comments after the Opening Ceremonies confirmed my choice. Thank you Allison, you did a wonderful job!
The winner is:
Allison Dabour,age 14, of Stewartsville,NJ sang the National Anthem Thursday night before the Costume Class horse Show, while Denise Dabinett held our American Flag.
Allison Dabour, age 14 from Stewartsville, NJ singing the National Anthem (Photo by Mr. Dabour)
Denise Dabinett AKA "RodeoBarbie" and the winner of the "Lil' Miss RodeoBarbie" contest, Allison Dabour before the crowd at the horse show at The Warren County Farmer's Fair 2007
Some comments:
"The little girl who sang tonight was so beautiful, what a voice! She had me in tears."
"Who was that girl who sang tonight? She was fantastic...she sang the National Anthem with such emotion, it was heartfelt...beautiful!"
Check back for more info and rules or write to Denise at WeLovePokey@msn.com and ask about this years contest.
Open to girls 17 years old and under, MUST sing the Nationial Anthem, winner MUST BE able to attend and sing the National Anthem at the opening ceremonies, dressed in patriotic attire, on Thursday July 31st at from 5:30 till about 8 pm. Auditions held at the Warren County Farmer's Fair at "POKEY'S PLACE . Stop by and audition!
(Winner to recieve a sash,trophy, AND $100.00 CASH!)
This years winner of the Lil Miss Rodeo Barbie contest will also be invited to join Denise AKA "Rodeo Barbie" at the awards dinner (held later in the year) and the Memorial Day and 4th of July parades (held in Warren County).
THIS YEAR'S WINNER
Lil Miss RodeoBarbie 2008, 2009 :
MAGGIE WEAGLEY
10 year old from Great Meadows, NJ
Maggie at the opening ceromonies in the main arena thursday night.
Here are some comments after the opening ceromonies: :
"WOW! WHAT A VOICE! She had me in tears. Powerful.... great job singing our National Anthem! I am still in awe!
OMG! That little girl has a great voice! It gave me goosebumps.
I was just taking my seat when all of a sudden this voice came over the loud speaker, I had to see who was singing....Its a little girl...but WOW, WHAT A VOICE! She was wonderful!
And now by popular demand: Denise Dabinett dressed as "Rodeo Barbie" is available for children's parties! (email: RodeoBarbie@welovepokey.com
Denise grew up on a 100 acre farm in Hunterdon County,NJ.
She started riding at age 2 and started showing at age 3. Denise rode up until age 17, and then work took too much time. She vowed someday to return to riding......
....After an accident in 1989 left her with temporary paralysis from 2 herniated discs in her lower back, Denise was told she'd never ride a horse again. With drive and determination and her love of horses, she bought a horse. He's an Arabian, named "Hye Society"....
"Hye Society" running in the snow winter of 2005
(You can read the un-edited version of the story about Hye Society and Denise... go to STORIES & Links page)
"With his thundering hooves under me, I learned how to fly... And today I continue to soar." written by Denise Dabinett
"In the steady gaze of the horse shines a silent eloquence that speaks of love and loyalty, strength and courage. It is the window that reveals to us how willing is his spirit, how generous his heart."
"Just A Horse"
If you're not a "horse person", maybe this will help you understand me...If you are a "horse person" pass this on.From time to time, people tell me,"lighten up, it's just a horse", or "that's a lot of money for "just a horse".
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a horse". Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse".
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse", but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a horse",and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a horse" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a horse" then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend", "just a sunrise" or "just a promise".
"Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a horse" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.
Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly into the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a horse" but and embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a horse" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand thats it's not "just a horse",but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman".
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a horse", just smile, because they "just" don't understand.
Denise AKA "Rodeo Barbie" poses with a horse at the 4th of July parade in Washington NJ. 2010
Denise Dabinett, "Rodeo Barbie" stands next to The 2010 Lil Miss Rodeo Barbie, 4 year old Kaycee Clanton as Kaycee sings the National Anthem in front of a sold-out crowd in the main arena.
"Rodeo Barbie" will be at the WARREN COUNTY FARMER'S FAIR 2011 ...stop by Pokey's Place and say HOWDY!
Allison Dabour, age 14 from Stewartsville, NJ singing the National Anthem (Photo by Mr. Dabour) 
Denise Dabinett AKA "RodeoBarbie" and the winner of the "Lil' Miss RodeoBarbie" contest, Allison Dabour before the crowd at the horse show at The Warren County Farmer's Fair 2007
"In the steady gaze of the horse shines a silent eloquence that speaks of love and loyalty, strength and courage. It is the window that reveals to us how willing is his spirit, how generous his heart." 
