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When the Impromptu Isn't Impromptu

More often than not rodeo queen pageants include at least one impromptu question in which contestants are quizzed on a variety of topics.  This question may be related to rodeo, to information on their bio, or current events.  The object of this portion of the judging is to observe a contestant's ability to think on her feet and to showcase her knowledge.  As a reigning titleholder you will be put on the spot many times throughout your reign, especially if you are actively out and about promoting the rodeo you represent.  While you cannot be prepared for every question that is thrown at you there are certainly questions which will be common place and you should be prepared to answer them. Unfortunately I'm often disappointed at how unprepared many titleholders are to answer these types of questions.  Here are five questions that are commonly asked of titleholders and a suggestion on how you may answer them.

1.  What did you have to do to become Miss Rodeo Fantabulous? - The Miss Rodeo Fantabulous pageant is judged in the three main areas of Appearance, Horsemanship and Personality.  Our appearance and personality were judged during every portion of the pageant which included a personal interview with the judges, modeling during a fashion show, answering impromptu questions, photogenics and the presentation of a prepared speech on "Why I Want to be Miss Rodeo Fantabulous".  For horsemanship we demonstrated our riding skills with two set patterns, a queen's run and we had to show we could carry a flag on our horse.

2.  Tell us a little bit about yourself. - I am the 19-year old daughter of Jane and John Rodeofan from Mayberry and I attend Wonderful University where I'm studying Astrophysiology. I've been riding for many years and this is the third title I've held.  When I'm not riding or competing in rodeos I enjoy reading, gymnastics and gardening.

3.  What all have you done during your reign as Miss Rodeo Superfantastic? - This year has been so much fun for me.  I've attended many area events including the Snickerdoodle parade, the grand opening of Wally's Wonderful Tack Store and rode in the grand entry of several nearby rodeos, plus I've visited with residents of nursing homes, patients in hospitals and read to many school children in their classrooms.

4.  When I come out to the rodeo tonight, what all will I see?  When you come out to the 42nd Annual Incredible Rodeo tonight you'll see some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the region competing in a variety of events.  The roughstock riders will be showing off their skills in the bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding and the timed event cowboys will be pitting their skills against quick calves and steers in the tie-down roping, team roping and steer wrestling.  The ladies will be competing in the fast and exciting barrel racing.  Plus there's the rodeo clowns and our specialty act is Out-of-this-World Bob and his Out-of-this-World Water Buffaloes.  Come out early to grab dinner at the cook shack and if you like to dance stay after for a concert by Cow Patty. If you can't make tonight's performance or if you just can't get enough rodeo action there will be three other performances, Thursday starting at 7:00 pm and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm.  Plus don't forget to attend the rodeo parade downtown starting at 9 am on Saturday morning.

5.  You've traveled alot this year as Miss Awesome Rodeo, what was your favorite event to attend?  I went to so many places this year that it's hard to pick just one.  At the Wild West Fest in Anytown we were treated to airplane rides and I really enjoyed visiting with the children at the Children's Hospital in Startown.  Of course, every rodeo I've attended has been packed with memorable moments that I will always treasure.

In addition to the above questions you can count on being asked specific questions about the rodeo you are attending/representing.  Before going to the rodeo visit their website and learn all you can about the rodeo - How many years has it been put on?  Who are the organizers?  When are the performance times? What specialty acts will visitors see?  Who is the announcer/barrel man/rodeo clown? When are the performances?  What time are the performances?  How much are tickets and where can they be purchased?  Any special facts about the stock contractor/stock/cowboys (ie - World Champions, awards won, etc.)? While you may not know everything, the basics are a must.

Once the pageant is over and you've eared the title your studying and preparation for your reign has really just begun.  Take a page from the Boy Scouts and always be prepared.  Best of luck to you as your pursue your rodeo queen dreams!

Above: Amy Wilson, Miss Rodeo Kansas 2007 and Miss Rodeo America 2008, talks with Miss Rodeo Kansas Board member Theresa Reynolds during the 2009 Miss Rodeo Kansas/Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas pageants held in Dodge City, Kansas.  During her reigns Amy travled over 150,000 miles promoting rodeo and her sponsors.  Thanks to Barbara Rupp for providing the photo for our article.

Excuse me...who are you?

The role of most modern day rodeo queens is that of promotion of the rodeo they represent and the education of the general public about the sport of rodeo.  The more you are out and about and seen by the general public in your crown and banner the more people become aware of the rodeo you represent.  Oh, wait, what banner?

This past weekend I picked up a copy of my favorite magazine "Cowboys and Indians".  I began to flip through it quickly like I always do to get an idea of what's inside.  As the pages were running through my fingers and my eyes were getting a taste of the gorgeous furniture, incredible artwork and gotta-have-in-my-closet boots that I would later savor, a rainbow of colors and the glint of rhinestones captured my attention.  I just had to stop to check this visual stimulant out a bit more.  What a treat it was to see Miss Rodeo Texas Teen, Miss Rodeo Austin and Miss Rodeo Austin Princess out doing their jobs of promoting rodeo. I knew this before I even read the photo caption because they were proudly wearing their banners to identify themselves. (Congratulations by the way to Courtney Elliott, Grace Crews and Kitsy Tuck, you all looked fabulous!)

That wasn't the case earlier this year when I was looking at a group of photos of queens at an event posted on Facebook.  Not a single one of them wore a banner and the photos did not have a caption to identify the titleholders.  Many of the photos were from a distance so if you did not know the girls or recognize their custom crowns you would not have known who they are.  They were not representing their title to their fullest ability.

I'm not sure when it came into vogue to not wear a banner but truth be told without it you're just some chick with a rhinestone tiara or hunk of metal on her hat.  Yes, custom crowns generally do have your title on them but in order to read them you must be up close and personal.  Banners are usually much easier to read from a distance and many people are too intimidated, shy or just not able to get up close to see "who" you are.

Rodeo queen banners traditionally are worn from the right shoulder to the left hip and do not wrap fully around the titleholder.  Banners can be attached at the shoulder in several ways including safety pins under the banner, brooches and custom pins on top of the banner and with heavy-duty magnets.  Magnet pins are often used to adhere banners to leather garments or double-sided carpet tape can also be used. Most queens place the hip end of the banner either inside their pants or they wrap the end around their belt.  One advantage to tucking the end into your pants while riding is that in the event your banner is caught on the saddle horn it is more likely to pull out and not tear your blouse. 

When wearing your banner with an open vest or jacket pin the top to the outside of the garment and then tuck-in or wrap the end of your banner around your belt under the open jacket.  If the jacket or vest are closed keep the end out of the jacket.  It may be possible to take the end of the banner and tuck it under the hem of the jacket and then pin it to the jacket lining.

Archer Monograms in Twin Falls, ID provides many of the banners for local, state and national titleholders.  When ordering a banner for your pageant take into account the length of the title's name and the height of the wearer.  For instance, a standard queen banner is about 30" in length.  Once when ordering banners for a pageant I used to coordinate the "Miss" done in small letters on the top of the banner followed by "United Rodeo Assoc." in the larger letters down the banner.  However, when the titleholder tucked the banner in the "oc." was cut off from "Assoc.".  Not really the title we wanted to promote!  For a princess or junior queen this size is over half their overall height so it's nearly impossible for this age of queen to properly wear the banner.  Archer can vary the size of their banners to meet your needs and they can make banners in a rainbow of background and thread colors to match your outfits.

Banners should always be clean and wrinkle free.  If your banner becomes stained during an appearance spot wash it or use a handy stain remover to take out the grime.  Once home have your banner dry-cleaned or hand wash in a mild detergent, hang the banner to dry and then press with a warm iron. 

When taking promotional shots for your title it is acceptable, and often preferred, to not wear a banner in head shots especially if your outfit has intricate detail.  However, this is not true if you do not have a custom crown that can be easily read in the photo (and it can be difficult to photograph crowns).  If this is the case a banner should be worn and the photographer should take the photo from a distance that allows the majority of your banner to be seen.

Your job as a reigning titleholder is to proudly represent your title.  Wearing a clean, pressed and properly placed banner is an integral part of doing your job.  Best of luck to you as you pursue your rodeo queen dreams.

The Queen's Run - Time to fly!

Fast horses and pretty ladies doesn't just describe rodeo's barrel racing, it also describes its royalty.  The queen's run is one of the most exciting aspects of being a titleholder.  You're behind the scenes interacting with the cowboys and cowgirls you represent, then you're the center of attention and doing your job - promoting rodeo.  Here are a few tips to help you make a successful queen's run.

• Ride a good, broke horse.  You are not a saddle bronc rider nor are you a trick rider.  If at all possible warm your horse up well before heading into the arena, especially if it's early in the season and it's cool out.  If your horse does act up reach down and get his head to get control of him and then carry on with your run.
• Check your cinch before making your run and stay in the center of your saddle to keep it where it belongs.
• Make eye contact with the crowd but also keep an eye on what's up ahead.  I've seen queens take out stock contractors and others who weren't paying attention and stepped into the arena.  You can do this by keeping your horse's ear in your vision while looking at the crowd.  This also prevents you from turning your head too far and becoming unbalanced.
• Keep your arm down and out in front of you while you wave.  Again, this helps keep your balance in the saddle if your horse moves out from under you unexpectedly.
• Lean a bit forward during your run.  This will depend upon the speed at which you are making the run.  The faster the run the more lean you'll have but always stay square in your saddle.
  
• SMILE!  And the bigger the better.  It seems like such a simple tip but you'd be surprised at how many girls don't smile while doing a queen's run. 
  
• Keep your hat on.  There is no such thing as too many bobby pins.
• Use some common sense concerning arena conditions.  Fast is fun but it can also dangerous. 
  
• Use the entire arena.  YOU are in control of your horse, don't allow him to cut the corners. During a pageant you'll have points deducted for not musing the entire arena.
  

In the photo above Alyssa Morrison, Miss Rodeo Kansas 2011, is sitting squarely in her saddle with her waving arm in a good, solid position and her head and eyes are in a position where she is catching the crowd but is also able to see what's coming ahead.  Her riding hand is solidly around the reins and is in a position that will allow her to pull her horse up if the need arises. Alyssa's photo was taken during the MRK '11 Pageant last August in Dodge City, Kansas and is provided courtesy of Kara Hackney Photography.

Lately I've seen a few photos of girls doing queen runs that I, and many others, feel is dangerous and not appropriate for rodeo queens.  They are doing what I call the "Look Mom!  No hands" Queen's Run.  Ladies, where is your common sense?  Let's go back to horsemanship 101 and remember that you are on an animal that at any time can spook and run away from what it feels is about to eat it or who could step wrong and go to the ground or heaven forbid suffer a heart attack.  If you do not have a hand on your reins while doing a queen's run you are not only putting yourself and your horse in danger but others as well. If you want to ride without hands become a trick rider.  Until then keep one hand on the reins and the other greeting the crowd.

Making the queen's run is about the best part of being a rodeo queen.  But always remember that it is a privilege to be allowed into the arena to do so.  It is not your right and the tone you (and your supporters) take with a committee and arena personnel can have a lasting affect.  Be courteous, be safe and be gracious and your run will be fantastic!

~ Bobbie

The Queen's Run ~ You and The Horse Your Ride in On

The queen's run is one of the most thrilling aspects of holding a rodeo queen title.  It's fast, you're the center of attention and you're promoting your title.  As addressed in the previous article on arena appearances you must always make contact with the rodeo prior to attending, provide your information in a timely manner and be on time.  In this, the first of three articles focused on the queen's run, I'll talk about your horse.  In part two I'll address the finer points of the wave itself and then finish with what to wear in the arena in the final article.

For the most part local and regional queens will be expected to ride their own horses at rodeo performances.  It's unfortunate that many queens have an uphill battle to fight due to those who came before them who were not mounted on appropriate horses or who did not have any business being in the arena in the first place.  In order to make the best impression it's important that you be mounted on a seasoned horse.  This means the horse is accustomed to the sights and sounds of the rodeo arena, is able to be ridden with one hand, understands the meaning of and responds willingly to the word 'whoa', easily enters the arena, does not buck during the queen's run and stays on the fence.  An arena soured horse who does not go near the gate without whirling and rearing or enters the arena on its hind legs is not the best choice nor is one who is a habitual bucker.  It is not appropriate for any queen to bring a young horse to a rodeo to season it.  Leave that to riding at home and when you're not in crown and banner.

As you progress through the different levels of pageants you will need to become comfortable riding unknown horses.  Just because one is a "lifetime rider" does not mean one is an accomplished and capable horseman.  If you are not taking your own horse to a rodeo appearance make arrangements before you even leave the house to borrow a mount from a trusted cowboy or cowgirl, committee person or the stock contractor.  Avoid waiting until you arrive at the rodeo to make these arrangements as not every cowboy or cowgirl will be willing to let a queen ride their horse, especially if you have garnered a reputation for not being such a good rider, and stock contractors may not have enough saddle horses for the queens.  When you are at the mercy of others for mounts it is often like the lottery, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.  You may be given a nice easy going horse that does his job or you may get one that can't wait to get back to the gate and will try to keep going right on through it without the use of two hands and some real skill to get him to stop.  You must be confident in your ability to not panic and to handle each situation as it comes to you.  This type of confidence comes from riding a variety of horses before making the appearance.

Before mounting ask the owner or the saddle horse boss how the horse rides - easy to go and easy to stop or some combination of the two.  Ask about adjusting the stirrups to your length.  For those of you who are short don't be surprised when you get a horse with a saddle that does not have stirrups short enough for you.  This is where hours in the saddle come into play as to your ability to safely ride with stirrups that are too long.  However, if the stirrups are dangerously long don't be afraid to ask for another horse (again, not with 5-minutes until the introduction is left).  Check the cinch but don't adjust it without asking first.  Some horses can be cinchy and need to be ridden with a looser cinch than others.  Also ask about spurs, not all horses need them.  It may be possible to warm up the horse or it may not be possible.  No matter the circumstances do your best and always keep a smile on your face.

After using someone's horse for a queen's run ask if you can help walk the horse out or unsaddle it (especially if you've used the horse throughout the performance to remove cattle from the arena or for flag runs).  Tying up a horse or throwing the reins to someone and walking off is unacceptable. It is imperitive you verbally thank the person from whom you've borrwed the horse from and, if possible, a written thank you sent.  If you are making many appearances and working with one or more stock contractors on a regular basis and using their horses send a sincere, hand written thank you at the end of your reign.  Do the same for their saddle horse boss, too.  Never criticize someone else's horse.  If asked about a challenging horse say it was challenging to ride but don't say it needs to be shot.  Tact goes a long way in building positive relationships.

 Having a safe, dependable horse to rely on when making a queen's run and having the skill and confidence to ride a variety of horses when you are unable to use your own at a rodeo will help make your reign all the more memorable for all of the right reasons.  Look for future articles to cover the queen's wave itself and what to wear in the arena.  Best of luck to you as you pursue your rodeo queen dreams!

Making the Rodeo Appearance

One of the most exciting aspects of holding a rodeo queen title is being introduced on horseback, especially at your hometown rodeo.  The energy of being behind the scenes, the anticipation, the speed, the pride.  It all equals 20 seconds or so of pure rodeo queen adrenaline rush.  This article will address some basic dos and don'ts for titleholders when making appearances at rodeo performances.

First, a titleholder should never just show up at a rodeo and assume she'll be allowed in the arena to make a queen's run.  It's imperative to make contact prior to an event, preferably seven or more days in advance, with the rodeo committee.  If a rodeo has a rodeo queen pageant you should contact the pageant coordinator.  No queen coordinator wants to be surprised by an unannounced visiting queen, it's in bad form to do so and will not make a very good impression.  If there is no queen program then the rodeo committee president would be your starting point, or make contact with the stock contractor.  

If you get the go ahead to attend then you'll want to make sure you have all of the details for the event.  These details can include, but are not limited to: 

• Will you need to arrange for your own mount or will the committee be able to supply a horse for you?
• Are there other activities you'll be involved with?  Autograph signings, visits to schools, etc.
• Is a special parking pass needed?  Where is the parking located?  If you're bringing your own horse and staying overnight, is stalling available?
• If this is more than a one performance rodeo and you need lodging, are there hotels nearby?  Host families?  Trailer plug-ins?  
• Will you be expected to carry sponsor flags or clear the arena of cattle?
• If a queen pageant is being held are there associated events such as a fashion show in which you can participate in?  If so, how are you expected to dress - dress or arena outfit?
• What time does the performance begin?  Are there pre-rodeo activities that you'll need to be at? For instance, the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison, Iowa introduces visiting royalty other than Miss Rodeo Iowa, Miss Rodeo Illinois and Miss Rodeo Missouri during a pre-rodeo show, not during the grand entry.

Upon arriving at the rodeo grounds check in with your contact to let them know you've arrived.  Ask where you can locate the announcer and give the announcer your intro sheet (no smaller than a half sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper).   The intro card should be typed and not scrawled on a napkin in crayon.  It should be formatted with an easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman in a 12 - 16 point size.  Keep your intro short, name, title and hometown are all that are really needed, but you may add your school and grade (college major if attending college), your parents names and a short invite to attend the rodeo you are representing (Suzy invites you to attend the Hot Springs rodeo July 29 - 30).  Don't expect a rodeo announcer to read a 600 word bio about you, save that for your autograph sheets.  It is also acceptable to have a small photo of yourself in crown and banner on your intro sheet so the announcer can recognize you.  There are some rodeos which will require ths information before you appear so they can ready the introductions for the announcer.

Arriving early for an event will eliminate stress to you and those in charge.  If you are to be saddled and ready to go at 6:30 then be saddled and ready to go at 6:20.  Few rodeo announcers will wait for a queen to arrive and it's not unheard of for queens to be passed over because they were late.

In future articles I'll discuss in more detail making the queens run and appropriate appearance for you and your mount at rodeos and parades.  Until then, may all your rodeo queen dreams come true.

~ Bobbie