"County Fair and Rodeo Queen.""Pro Rodeo Queen." "High School Rodeo Queen."
From your banner to your buckle and your crown at the top, every title you earn is sure to include these words: Rodeo Queen
But what do those words really mean?
Rodeo queen titles vary widely in both type and scope. Rodeos range from local to national and from professionally sanctioned to independently produced.
However; each rodeo and the title of the queen representing share one profound and defining characteristic: the western lifestyle.
The western way of life is considered sacred among rodeo and rancher alike. It is a standard based on principles of hard work, loyalty and tradition that is fiercely lived by and promoted by the athletes of the arena and the farmers of the field.
As a rodeo queen, promoting this western lifestyle is as much a charge of your title as speaking on behalf of rodeo and as such it is important for you to consider what this duty entails.
Know Who and What you Represent
As a rodeo queen, it is obvious that you represent the cowboys and cowgirls who compete as well as the committees and contractors who work to produce the performances, but there is an entire group of individuals not directly tied to rodeo that your actions speak for as well.
A rodeo queen represents the many hard working farmers, rancher and agriculturalists alike whose connection to the western lifestyle is deeper than the hat on their head or the boots on their feet.
With this in mind it is vital for you to be not only informed, but well versed in current topics affecting these individuals.
Matters of policy and political campaigns can and are constantly impacting the western way of life. Understanding this and being prepared to speak on the subject in a professional matter is very much something that a rodeo queen should be able to do to represent the western lifestyle.
Be Genuine By Living It
Whether you grew up surrounded by cows or surrounded by cars, living the western lifestyle and making it a genuine part of who you are is something you can and should do as a rodeo queen.
If you grew up with an agriculture background chances are that you already feel a deep connection to the western lifestyle but if you didn't then consider this question: what drew you to rodeo and rodeo queening?
Sure the flashy shirts hold some appeal, but chances are something else drew you to the sport: a past experience or connection, a love of animals or simply the people and atmosphere or the event.
Consider why it is that you chose to immerse yourself into the world of rodeo and western living and be true to the values that it has taught you.
Share the Lifestyle at Every Opportunity
Crown on or crown off you should always be prepared to share your experience and love of the western lifestyle every chance you get.
The western lifestyle appeals to a variety of people because of the experiences and values that individuals can find within it and the only way to show others how great rodeo and western living is is by sharing it with them.
As a rodeo queen and representative of the lifestyle never shy away from answering a question or showcasing the characteristics that the western way of life entails.
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