The Road to Miss Rodeo Arizona

Say hello to the pride and joy of The Grand Canyon State, your 2019 Miss Rodeo Arizona, Jordan Ownby!

Born and raised in a state full of sunshine and teeming with desert life, Jordan Ownby is an Arizona Cowgirl through and through. A resident of Chino Valley, Miss Ownby is proud to represent her home state as the 2019 Miss Rodeo Arizona. Following in the footsteps of many former MRAZ’s, Jordan is actively preserving the past, present, and future of rodeo. As a spokeswoman for our beloved sport, she will travel the country representing the western heritage and rodeo history that makes the state of Arizona so special.

Jordan’s rodeo queen journey began in 2014 with her first title, the Prescott Frontier Days Senior Court. As her passion for rodeo queening grew she set her sights on more and more titles. In 2017 Jordan was honored to hold the prestigious title of Miss Turquoise Circuit. As a representative of both New Mexico and Arizona, Jordan traveled between states on behalf of the great sport of rodeo. As Jordan says, her title as Miss Turquoise Circuit provided her with the experience, confidence, and know-how that it takes to represent as a state queen. It didn’t take long for Jordan’s hard work to pay off. Before she knew it, the Miss Rodeo Arizona crown was placed proudly upon her head.

Preparing for any rodeo queen title takes a great deal of time, patience, and preparation. From hours studying to hours spent in the arena perfecting horsemanship skills, it is the extra drive and dedication that sets rodeo queens apart. The Miss Rodeo Arizona Pageant, held in conjunction with Payson Arizona’s August Doins Rodeo, attracts hopefuls from across the state as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo Arizona. Months of preparation cumulates in 3 days of tough competition as MRAZ hopefuls compete in areas of horsemanship, speeches, interviews, and modeling.

I was honored to speak with Jordan and get the behind-the-scenes scoop on how she prepared for the 2019 Miss Rodeo Arizona Pageant.

“To prepare for the Miss Rodeo Arizona pageant I studied a lot. I participated in numerous clinics to expand my knowledge on rodeo, equine science, interviews, public speaking, and more. If I was not studying, I was videoing myself giving speeches and figuring out what I could improve on. I also had a lot of friends and family ask me questions, whether it be about politics, rodeo knowledge, or even just something random so I could be prepared for anything I might be asked.”  

At the conclusion of the pageant, Jordan was crowned the Miss Rodeo Arizona Lady in Waiting. Her official coronation took place in January. Since then Jordan has already been busy making rodeo appearances across the state and beyond. As her travels continue throughout the year, Jordan is proud to share her platform with all those she meets along the trail.

“The platform that I use as Miss Rodeo Arizona is one that I have tried to live by my whole life. That platform is to always be your best self. I think it is important to not only stay true to yourself and your own goals, but to strive to reach your full potential every day.”

When asked what she is most looking forward to as the 2019 Miss Rodeo Arizona, Jordan shares,

“I am looking forward to meeting new people and sharing with them the sport I love! It is something truly special to be given a platform like this to spread what rodeo and the agriculture life truly mean and how important it is. I love getting to experience all the opportunities that come along with the title of Miss Rodeo Arizona!”

The opportunities that come along with holding a state title are experiences to be appreciated and cherished. One of the many opportunities being the once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo America. If competing for a state title is the Playoffs, then Miss Rodeo America is the Super Bowl of the rodeo queen world. State queens from across the country bring their A-Game to Las Vegas, Nevada during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo as they go head-to-head for the Landstorm’s Original Black Hills Crown during pageant week.

Near the end of her year as Miss Rodeo Arizona, Jordan will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada representing the Grand Canyon State as she competes in areas of horsemanship, interviews, modeling, speeches, and much more. When asked how she plans to prepare for this adventure of a lifetime, Jordan shares,

“Asking questions! There is always more to be learned and to practice. I plan to find a wardrobe that I feel my best in, study to the best of my ability, and find the positive in everything I can! I will be busy working with different coaches and plan to run through a few different practice pageants. I want to make sure I go in as prepared as I can be so I can try to present my best self.”

Whether a local rodeo queen, state queen, or Miss Rodeo America, the opportunity to represent the sport of rodeo and the western heritage that keeps it alive is an honor. From long hours traveling, early mornings, late nights, crowded gatherings, and more, it is our rodeo queens who make a lasting impact on our communities. As a representative and spokeswoman, rodeo queens hold their titles with pride. Jordan shares some of the most import aspects of being a rodeo queen she has gathered through her experience thus far.  

“I think it is very important for a rodeo queen to be passionate about their job and to understand what they are representing. We represent rodeo and agriculture yes, but also advocate for different things such as finding your passion, chasing your dreams, and getting involved. Also, I will always believe in being kind and compassionate over anything else.”

All of us here at Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to congratulate Jordan Ownby on her title as Miss Rodeo Arizona! We look forward to seeing the many wonderful things you do over the course of 2019 and as you head to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant!

Make sure to follow Jordan’s journey on the Miss Rodeo Arizona Facebook and Instagram page!