To start the month off of May I signed off for the final time as Miss Ponoka Stampede 2023 at the Ponoka Tarp Auction. It was a very bitter sweet moment to say goodbye to my time as their ambassador and hand off the reigns to the very capable hands of Olivia Maclennan!
I then made my way down to Drayton Valley for their Pro Rodeo, where I received my beautiful pair of Chaps from CK Leather! I am so beyond grateful for the sponsorship of All Pro Energy Services to help make these chaps a reality. Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo was so much fun with my fellow rodeo queens! We offered our congratulations to the outgoing Miss Rodeo Drayton Valley, and welcomed their new queen during the rodeo!
I then had an incredible time with the 840 CFCW team talking about my journey so far. I then made my way to Wetaskiwin where I was welcomed into the retirement home to chat about my journey as Miss Rodeo Canada and listen to their stories!
The Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Banquet is always one for the books. It was such a wonderful evening to celebrate the successes of people that are so involved in the sport we all love. It was an evening of memorable stories, great successes and pride in our western way of life.
I hung my hat in Sundre once again for their Mother’s Day Fly in pancake breakfast where Miss Rodeo Sundre 2022/23, Miss Rodeo Sundre Lady In Waiting and myself served breakfast and had the opportunity to take a helicopter ride around town!
Crossfield was my next stop as I had the privilege of judging the public speaking portion of the Pete Knight Rodeo Royalty competition. I was so thrilled to watch these ladies take the stage and really give it their all with their speaking abilities. I was so impressed by the talent and practice that each girl showcased. I know they will all have an exceptional future ahead of them.
My amazing Ram 1500 from Innisfail Chrysler named “Goose” took me up north for the first SMS Pro Equipment tour rodeo at Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement. I had so much fun with the C5 Rodeo team, getting a closer look at the behind the scenes of rodeo production. I was also so thrilled to take a trip to the C5 Rodeo Ranch where I rounded up bucking stock with the team! It was a very powerful rodeo with many indigenous qualities, that made it extra special to be a part of.
To finish up the month of May, I continued my journey north to the Grande Prairie Stompede! It was a week of action packed rodeo, chuckwagon performances as well as community events! I said hello to the team at Keddies, who so graciously sponsored my beautiful luggage that has certainly come in handy this year with all my travels. I had the privilege of catching up with Longhorn Oilfield Services, where we cheered on DJ DeSutter who is also an ambassador for them. I also cheered on my cousin Troy Dorchester who is also sponsored by G&T Custom Farming, which is pretty special to have family within the business of chuckwagon racing.
I am so thrilled that rodeo season is in full swing and my summer is now firing up for many Canadian Professional Rodeos.
With my whole heart,
Miss Rodeo Canada 2024
Kaylee Shantz
