Decked out in dark purple and red slip dresses over nude-colored clothes, then-freshman Merryn Rupp and her friend, Alice Larson, donned tiaras and “Miss New Jersey” and “Miss Rhode Island” sashes for a Halloween horse show in Topeka.  Rupp’s pony, Kiera, and Larson’s horse, Encore, were painted in glitter with bright pink tinsel in their hair to match their movie theme, “Miss Congeniality.” As “Miss United States” began playing in the background, Rupp followed behind Larson to jump. Grasping her reins with shaky hands, she used her calves to gently squeeze her pony to a trot, reminding herself to breathe. To read more, click the link in bio. #designbyjuliacampbell #photobygracepei #socialmediabyjuliacampbell #photosbyvivienglenski