what is a rodeo queen?

A rodeo queen is a modest ambassador to the sport of rodeo and her community.  She spends her time professionally representing her title at various rodeos, parades, public events, television interviews, radio interviews, school events, and charity events. She is a leader setting an example for younger generations.  she educates spectators about the sport of rodeo and the western lifestyle turning them into lifelong fans. She dedicates countless hours to her title or specific rodeo helping them promote the sponsors, committee members, volunteers and the community that supports these athletes both in and out of the arena! 

Holding a queen title requires dedication and sacrifice.  Rodeo queens spend their time professionally representing their title at various rodeos, parades, public events, television interviews, radio interviews, school events, and charity events. Promoting their rodeo title and its sponsors is their main job!

While their trophy belt buckle, hat crown and title sash are the staple to their wardrobe, rodeo queens are mostly known for their sparkles, big hair and warm and welcoming smile.  

Did you know they draw attention to themselves on purpose? Their wardrobe helps them stand out in a crowd. Their buckle crown and title sash of that specific rodeo is a dead give away that they are the person with more knowledge about the rodeo making them approachable. Thus giving them the opportunity to answer questions and promote the sport of rodeo. 

While rodeo queens are out to draw attention to themselves they will NEVER compromise their modesty to do so. 

NO! Rodeo queens do not get paid. Most ambassadors have to fund their entire year or create and organize a fundraiser to help them raise money for gas, hotels, food, clothing, etc. 

They win trophy belt buckles, buckle hat crowns, title sashes and many other awards sponsored or donated by local businesses. 

Rodeo queens use multidimensional platforms to raise awareness, collect donations, and provide service to a specific cause. Some examples are:

-Miss Rodeo America 2023 Kennadee Riggs "Kicking Up Kindness" her platform encourages others to be kind and perform kind deeds to those around them in way of service. 

-Miss Rodeo Idaho 2023 Lydia Miller “Ride With Me” her multidimensional platform serves as a way to let others know that they are never alone– through social media and following her wholesome and optimistic lifestyle. As an addition to this platform, Miller has partnered with the campaign, “No More Empty Saddles,” a suicide prevention program aimed at improving mental health in rural communities and within the sport of rodeo.

-Miss Wilderness Circuit 2024 Morgan Perkins "Operation Pay It Forward" To show our appreciation for our fighting veterans by connecting them with others that share the same passions and are willing to get them into the outdoors and enjoying life again.

-Miss Rodeo Wyoming 2018 Morgan Wallace-used her platform "Domestic Violence Prevention" touring schools and rodeo events to promote the sport and raise domestic violence awareness.

Rodeo Queens have to compete in a series of events which usually consist of horsemanship, modeling, speech, interview and a written test. 

Horsemanship- is when a horse and rider perform a specific pattern in the arena demonstrating that the rider can control the animal's direction, gait, and speed with maximum effectiveness and minimum efforts. 

Modeling- is when contestants put together modest western outfits representing today's western trends making several passes up and down the runway. It is the job of wearing clothes, jewelry, etc. in order to promote them.

Speech- is when the contestant performs a memorized speech on the topic given and delivers it within a specific time frame with high energetic qualities, eye contact and personality while delivery the correct content.

Interview- is when the contestant sits with three or four qualified judges in the equine and rodeo industry and answers a series of questions regarding the contestants application, career, equine and rodeo knowledge, their future and why they want to promote the sport of rodeo. 

Written Test- is when the contestant gets a specific amount of time to take an test seeing how strong their equine and rodeo knowledge is? Especially questions regarding the specific rodeo queen title they are competing for.  

Reach out to your local rodeo and ask for the queen coordinator or call your state organization Miss Rodeo ________ (State you live in) and ask for an application. 

-Study.

1. Rodeo knowledge-  Study and understand the events, learn who the past and current champions are, and become familiar with who is currently competing. If you have never yourself competed in a rodeo, put yourself in rodeo environments, especially behind the scenes so you can familiarize yourself with rodeo.  You can also volunteer at local rodeos to give you a better understanding.
2. Equine knowledge- Know the anatomy of a horse, equine health, etc.
3. Horse Tack- Know the parts of your saddle, bridle, etc.  
4. Rodeo Queen Wardrobe- Study photos of state rodeo queens and Miss Rodeo America to learn what western styles are appropriate for rodeo queens.   If you like a good bargain join Facebook groups there are lots of rodeo queens reselling clothing.

-Horsemanship. Improve your horsemanship skills by taking lessons, or spend as much time on horseback as you can working on the skills needed for the reigning patterns in the competitions.  Google horsemanship patterns and practice as many different patterns as you can. Have someone record you so you can watch it back to improve your skills.

-Modeling. Model in front of your friends and family members so it becomes natural. Attending a local pageant is a great way to see how your personality can stand out when your modeling.

-Current Events. Watch the news and widen your awareness of what is happening in the US and your state currently. Practice by having friends and family members ask you impromptu questions about rodeo AND current events.

-Set a Goal. Take a moment to think about why you started this journey and be able to answer why you want to be a rodeo queen. Set a goal and start working towards it. 

Your Ready-Enter a local rodeo royalty competition by contacting a local rodeo, ask for their royalty director. Then request a packet and pageant details from that individual. 

Now you have what it takes just DECIDE to do it. COMMIT to the work it takes to become an ambassador of rodeo and you will SUCCEED in your next competition.