Miss Rodeo America 2009

As part of my research for Seeds of Summer, the second book of the Seasons of the Tallgrass series, I have been keeping tabs on Miss Rodeo America. Amy Wilson, Miss Rodeo America 2008, (Kansas native) helped me with several questions I had for my main character, who is also a rodeo queen. But like all good things, this too must pass, and Amy Wilson's reign came to an end. Here is information on Miss Rodeo America 2009. Best wishes to you, Amy, and also to you, Maegan!

The results are in, the points tallied, and the next Miss Rodeo America has been crowned. The 2009 leading lady of professional rodeo is Maegan Ridley, of Alta Loma, Calif.
Ridley served as Miss Rodeo California 2008, and during the next year, she will travel over 100,000 miles representing Miss Rodeo America, Inc. and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. She will begin making appearances at rodeo across the country in January.

“As Miss Rodeo America I will show everyone why my heroes have always been cowboys,” Ridley said. “ What an honor it will be to prove the American cowboy is alive and well.”
Aside from her rodeo interests, Ridley is pursuing an Associate of Science Degree in Anatomy and Physiology with focus on Speech Language Pathology. Her further educational goals are to obtain a Master of Speech Language Pathology with concentration on rehabilitation. Ridley will be able to put to good use, the $10,000 educational scholarship she will receive at the completion of her reign.

Ridley was also awarded a wardrobe of Wrangler Jeans, Justin Boots, Bailey Hats , fully tooled Court’s Saddle with custom Miss Rodeo America conchos and an official Miss Rodeo America trophy buckle from Montana Silversmiths. Accompanying the perpetual Miss Rodeo America tiara made by Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations she was given a wardrobe of matching jewelry. These items, along with a multitude of other valuable and exquisite prizes will be presented to her throughout the year.

Contestants were judged in the major categories of horsemanship, personality, and appearance, competing in the areas of public speaking, personal interviews, modeling, photogenic and rodeo/equine knowledge. Contestants were eligible for $38,500 in scholarships at the 2009 Miss Rodeo America Pageant. In addition to the $10,000 Miss Rodeo America scholarship, Ridley was also awarded the Appearance category, including $1,500 scholarship and a Montana Silversmiths Buckle Purse.

Ridley is looking forward to seeing all aspects or rodeo while traveling across the country as Miss Rodeo America 2009. “Life doesn’t always stand tied at the hitching post, sometimes you have to get a lope after it,” Ridley said in reference to her hard work and preparation for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.