By Jeremy Sollars
Entries for the 2017 Rodeo Queen Quest open this Monday 14 May.
Reigning 2016 Queen Ashleigh Grant has spent a busy and exciting 12 months as the ambassador for ‘Australia’s Most Famous’ Warwick Rodeo and in July will set off for the United States to represent us at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in Wyoming.
Ashleigh is encouraging all those keen to wear the crown in 2017 to step forward and nominate – for the chance to make “life-long friends and develop life skills”, as much as for the chance of winning the quest.
The Warwick Rodeo Queen Quest caters for girls from ages five to 30 and boys five to seven.
“The Warwick Rodeo Queen is the official ambassador of Australia’s Most Famous Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft,” Ashleigh told the Free Times.
“Entrants in this year’ s quest will be judged on their horsemanship skills, personality, public speaking and appearance.
“There is over $10,000 worth of prizes to be won, including a trip to Canada and/or Cheyenne, as well as the possibility of a trip to the Mt Isa Rodeo.
“Girls do not need to be rodeo competitors to enter – if they are passionate about Warwick, the sport of rodeo and our event, they have all they need.”
Ashleigh said entrants were advised to enter early so they can use all of the time given prior to entries closing in September “to fund-raise, get out into the community and prepare themselves for the judging weekend in October”.
“Some of my favourite memories are from my fund-raising events as an entrant,” she said.
“I met some really lovely people, who I have stayed in contact with.”
Ashleigh will meet up with Miss Rodeo Australia Emma Deike in Cheyenne in July, where they will spend five days participating in rodeo festivities representing Australia and meeting State Rodeo Queens from across the United States.
Ashleigh also headed to Canada last November to represent the Warwick Rodeo at the Canadian Rodeo Finals in Edmonton.
At home she’s attended many functions as Warwick Rodeo Queen including visits by out of town groups to the Rodeo Heritage Centre.
For a taste of life as a Rodeo Queen – and tips and inspiration for the quest – check out the ‘Warwick Rodeo Queen’ page on Facebook.
For details on how to enter the quest visit www.warwickshowandrodeo.com.au or call the show society office on 4661 9060.
