[ad_1]
Chancey J. Gatlin-Anderson
Specially for Colorado Public Media
The 2023 Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Royal was held on September 10 at Casey Jones Park. It was a stormy, rainy Saturday for the four girls competing for rodeo queen and chaperone.
Even in the rain, Casey Jones Park was buzzing with exciting energy on race day as the girls, their parents, judges and fee committee were engaged in the day’s events. Three outside judges were brought in to judge the competition to remove any bias towards one or the other competitor. Scott Candeleria, Kelly Sweigart and Karen Carter were judges for the day.
This year there were four enthusiastic girls trying out for queen or assistant. Competitors included Kyra Doud of Parker, Isabelle Piche of Castle Pines, Madeline Williams of Elizabeth and Madison Montoya of Elizabeth.
The competition is extremely rigorous, covering a wide range of skills and abilities. The competition is divided into several judging categories. Half of the points awarded to each rider come from riding. The remaining points are awarded for Personal Interviews, History Test, Speech Competition, Modeling and Group Improvised Questions.
The competition began with a riding lift, where the judges toured the wet lot to assess the competitors, observing how they interacted with their horses, their grooming practice and how they handled the overall lifting process. The girls shared information about their relationship with their horses, including how long they had been riding.
Next came the horse riding competition. Competitors must ride a prescribed course, answer impromptu questions from the judges, ride with a flag and show their lady wave. As each rider waved like a queen and made her way around the stadium on horseback, parents marveled.
“They certainly didn’t miss a beat competing in the horse riding in the cold and rain,” said Jill Steubner, chairman of the Elizabeth Stampede Royalty committee. “Beautiful smiles and attitude all around.”
After the equestrian competition, each girl was ushered one by one into the Casey Jones Pavilion room while they were interviewed by the judges. Each was decked out in western clothing, illustrating their love for the western way of life. The girls then took a history quiz on knowledge of the Elizabeth Stampede and rodeo culture.
“To prepare for this competition, I competed in the Douglas County Rodeo in July to practice. I made notes with everything from current PRCA events to Elizabeth Stampede knowledge to equine biosecurity,” Doud said. “I rode my horse every time I had a day off to practice catching the lead, reversing and getting on and off. I would also ask my friends and family about horse parts and western saddle parts.’
After a tough day of competition, Doud was named the 2023 Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Queen, and Piche was named her runner-up. This day begins the exciting journey for Dud and Peche as they serve as Court Queen and Attendant until the current Thomas sisters, Josie and Hannah, serve out the remainder of their terms in 2022. Dud and Peche will officially begin their reigns on January 1.
“To be honest, I was shocked when my name was called for the title of queen for 2023,” Doud said. “I am extremely excited and honored to be selected to represent the Elizabeth Stampede next year.”
“Winning the assistant position was a very overwhelming moment for me. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. That was really the moment I knew that all the time, tears and hard work had finally paid off,” Pichet said. “I don’t think people really understand the work and what they have to give up to go far in this sport or even compete. For me, the race wasn’t about winning, it was about experiencing something new and getting out of my comfort zone and proving to myself that hard work really does pay off.”
“It was a success! All four ladies did a great job in the competition. I wish we could have them all join our rodeo family,” Steubner said. “Kira and Isabel will be outstanding ambassadors for our rodeo.”
You can find the new Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo queen-in-waiting and chaperone at the Health Fair 365 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds on Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to noon. You can also find them at several fall festivals around Elizabeth and Kiowa, as well as The Patch’s special events.
“I’m looking forward to everything in 2023. I’m especially looking forward to the National Western Stock Show, Cheyenne Frontier Days and of course the Elizabeth Stampede itself,” said Doud. “I look forward to introducing the Elizabeth Stampede, the sport of rodeo and the world of agriculture in 2023.”
“The girls are true ambassadors for the rodeo world,” Steubner said. “They travel over 1,000 miles promoting the Western way of life.”
fbq('init', '955970681584445');
fbq('track', "PageView");
[ad_2]
Source link