As December and 2023 end, it is incredible to look back on the year I have had as Miss Rodeo Canada. I was privileged to have the opportunity to participate in this year's Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas as my final event. During my 16 days in Las Vegas, I was invited as a special guest to attend and participate in all the Miss Rodeo America Pageant events. Congratulations to the new Miss Rodeo America 2024, Emma Cameron from New Mexico. In addition, I attended the Breakaway Finals, congratulations to Shelby Boisjoil-Meged for winning the World Championship. Each evening prior to the WNFR performance it was my honor to co-host Gold Card Room at Thomas and Mack Arena, thank you Kent Sturman for your hospitality. I was excited to not only watch in person all 10 Wrangler National Finals performances but was invited to carry the Canadian flag on Canada Night - carrying our flag for my final time as Miss Rodeo Canada. Following each performance Judy Wagner with Montana Silversmiths invited me to be on stage at South Point Casino for the Montana Silversmiths Buckle Presentations. During the day you would find me at Cowboy Christmas to sign autographs for Wrangler and Montana Silversmiths. Not to mention being on Anthony Lucia's show 'Live with Lucia'.
Congratulations to Zeke Thurston for winning his 4th World Title, and all the other Canadian Athletes (equine and contestants) for representing our country so proudly. What an honor to be part of such an amazing year.
My time as Miss Rodeo Canada has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has allowed me to travel across Canada, throughout the United States and even Australia, representing the original sport I love and agriculture as a whole. I was privileged to participate in over 100 performances and travel over 130,000 kilometers on this incredible journey. I am so thankful for all the places I have seen and the wonderful people I have met. The rodeo world is truly a family, and it was an honor to be welcomed into this family even more throughout this year.
I know the future of this sport is bright, as rodeo is only getting bigger and better every year. I believe educating others about rodeo and bringing people back to their roots is important. I plan to continue bridging the gap between urban and rural by educating others on the importance of our Western heritage.
As the dust settles, I am so thankful for all of the incredible opportunities that Miss Rodeo Canada has given me, as this experience will help propel me into my future endeavors. Thank you to my sponsors, the CPRA, my committee, family, friends and everyone who made this journey unforgettable. I wish the new Miss Rodeo Canada Kaylee Shantz the best of luck for 2024. As this chapter of my life comes to a close, this is not a goodbye but more of an until next time.
With Gratitude,
Mackenzie Skeels
Miss Rodeo Canada 2023