Proper Preparation Prevents Panic and Lost Points

There is no way in which you can predict every question that will ever be asked of you at a rodeo queen pageant.  However, with proper preparation you can prevent panic and anxiety. 

Study sessions do not need to be marathon sessions.  You can do anything for 15-minutes a day, this includes:
  • Reading the rulebook of the association sanctioning the rodeo you are hoping to represent.
  • Listening to the news on the radio instead of music.
  • Reading articles in a horse related magazine (Our favorites are Equus, Western Horseman and Horse and Rider.)
  • Reading a chapter in an equine science book.
  • Watching a video on rodeo, horsemanship or a related topic
  • Taking an online equine science or horsemanship course.
  • Looking at the current standings of the association sanctioning the rodeo.
If you are a contestant in your state High School Rodeo Pageant you MUST know your national rulebook inside and out.  We often see qualified contestants dropping five, ten, fifteen or more points on the written test.  The irony of this is they are often missing questions about the events in which they are regular competitors (barrel racing, breakaway roping, etc.).  There is no excuse for this!  The rulebook is easily accessed on the NHSRA website.

Contestants who are entering a rodeo pageant sanctioned by the IPRA should study the IPRA rulebook and "Rodeo News" magazine.  Those entering a pageant which represents a PRCA rodeo, or a Miss Rodeo America state qualifying pageant, should study the PRCA and WPRA rulebooks along with the "Rodeo News" magazine.  Both associations have Media Guides covering current and past World Champions and other information pertaining to their organizations.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to questions about rodeo and equine science.  Just like eating an elephant, the best way to become knowledgeable about rodeo and equine science is one bite at a time.

Study Guides   

The following study guides are hosted by Google Docs and are in PDF form.  These documents are for personal use only and may not be sold as part of any study materials.  If you are hosting a clinic and would like to include this information in your clinic materials please contact us for permission.

Beginner Study Guide