To kick off the month of October, we were in the middle of the MISS RODEO CANADA 2025 competition! We continued with a modeling session with Leslie Dawn Photography, and while the girls had dinner with committee members, Miss Rodeo America Emma Cameron and myself had the most incredible experience thanks to Joan Wanchuk! We had the opportunity to watch an Edmonton Oilers Preseason game at Rogers Place! Our team won the game and I had a blast teaching Emma hockey slang and rules. After the game we were in awe that the transformation from hockey arena to rodeo arena would be in just 24 hours!
The following morning our contestants had their personal interviews, one on one with the judges. After some community visits at the elderly care centers, we then got all dressed up for the Night of Champions!
It was an incredible night celebrating our CFR50 qualifying contestants and awards for personnel and stock. It was so fulfilling to watch the contestants that I have been following all year, walk the stage!
The next morning our contestants had public speaking, where they delivered amazing prepared speeches, impromptus and an extemporaneous speech! Emma and I had an amazing time alongside our MC and chaperone Dom St. Amand! Answering questions and giving Emma a hockey exam, we loved being involved in the event!
Following public speaking, our contestants had the opportunity to do a presentation ride in the CFR50 arena during the performance! It was so fun watching all the girls have big smiles to be back in the saddle and represent their respective titles so well!
Horsemanship was the next morning to test their knowledge and skills with our equine partner. Our contestants had two patterns, rail work, a presentation ride, a flag lap in addition to impromptu questions. Horsemanship is always a very important category for Miss Rodeo Canada because you ride so many different horses all across the world, but the stakes were especially high this year as Anchor D Simmentals brought into the competition a gorgeous Montana Silversmith buckle!
Crowning day begins with the Ladies of Professional Rodeo Fashion Show! Our contestants have their final opportunity to impress the judges on the stage, rock amazing fashions, and show off their design challenge scenario outfit as well as their auction baskets. I had so much fun during this event and I was extremely moved during my final walk to receive a standing ovation. I wore my custom red leathers from Janine’s Custom Creations as this was the outfit I had designed for my competition year. It felt very full circle to wear it for my final walk.
My farewell ride at the CFR50 friday took place on Canada night, I had the privilege of sharing my story, thanking everyone that has made it so special and wishing the next Miss Rodeo Canada the best of luck. Holding our breath in anticipation, we crowned our new Miss Rodeo Canada 2025, Codi Wilson! I am so excited for her to embark on her journey and I hope she embraces every moment this year!
Our crowning reception was so emotional as I was so proud of all the girls during the competition. I have become very close to all of them through the years and it was so powerful to watch them strive to be the best versions of themselves. I am so excited to see where their `journeys take them and I truly wish them every happiness.
Codi and I hit the ground running the next day for two performances! I had the esteemed privilege of singing our national anthem at the matinee performance for family day. I had chills to be able to share my pride in our nation in such a special way.
After crowning our Canadian champions and saying goodbye to our home away from home, The Chateau Lacombe, CFR50 came and went so incredibly fast.
Following our Canadian finals, I had the absolute pleasure of flying halfway across the world to Australia thanks to G&T Custom Farming! I am so grateful to them for making this trip and dream a reality! I had the most amazing time feeding kangaroos, walking the golden coast, riding in the Warwick Rodeo arena, visiting schools and elderly care centers. I had the most amazing time with the incredible individuals in Australia, and I sincerely hope to see my new Aussie friends in Canada for rodeo season next year!
With my whole heart,
Miss Rodeo Canada 2024
Kaylee Shantz
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