The World of Rodeo Royalty

In these unprecedented times, Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to take a deeper look at what makes the western industry the special thing that it is. Today’s deeper look is focusing on the world of rodeo royalty. The tried and true ambassadors of rodeo and our western heritage, today we will learn the in’s and out’s of what makes up a rodeo queen and what their role is in the big picture.

So you want to be a rodeo queen…

Before you start your journey to becoming part of a royalty court, here are some things you should know before you get started! It’s a lot more than perfectly curled hair and hot laps in the arena. The job of a rodeo queen has many different aspects, check them out in more detail below!

Horsemanship Skills

This one is one of the most important because you are constantly in a position where you need to know what is best for you and best for your horse. Choosing the right partner is also a big part of this. Having a horse that is okay with loud noises, parades, flags, people, other horses, you pretty much need to have a unicorn but understanding what goes into that takes a lot of skill. Sometimes the queens and princesses aren’t able to use their regular horse, so they must have enough skill to ride someone else’s during a performance or important event. Being a well-rounded horsewoman is HUGE part of being rodeo royalty.

Public Speaking

Public speaking is also a skill that is highly sought after in rodeo royalty because you are constantly around the public and fans of rodeo. One must not only know the in’s and out’s of rodeo itself but must also know current news, laws, and information on their home rodeo as well. It’s not uncommon for rodeo royalty to do brief shout outs on news channels and radio stations, so it is imperative that you are prepared to deliver a clear and concise message.

Ready for Anything

This skill might normally go unspoken, but a rodeo queen must be up for anything. Sometimes the royalty might be asked to be part of the rodeo entertainment, entertain kids, multitask and work with the rodeo committee to ensure a GREAT show. Being able to roll with the punches while maintaining your composure is something that other’s might not think as an “essential” skill, but being a rodeo queen is no easy task.

Be an Ambassador

We saved the best for last because at the end of the day, you need to have a passion for the western industry as a whole. In your journey, you will come across people who are new to rodeo or have never attended one and it is the job of a rodeo queen to educate them and show them what our industry is all about.

That responsibility doesn’t just fall on the rodeo royalty though, it is our job as western industry fans to get out there and share the message of our western heritage in order to keep it alive and well for years to come. Our hats are off to those who ride for the brand and dedicate their livelihoods to keep rodeos and small makers going. Let us remind you that now more than ever, we need to come together and support each other to come out stronger on the other side.