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Miss Rodeo Canada
MISS RODEO CANADA DIARIES
Jaden Holle - Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
 
 

MRC in VegasThere is nothing quite like Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo. The glam and glitz of Vegas mixed with country flare leaves an ambiance that could never be duplicated.

There are bright lights, blue jeans, country music, and cowboy hats peppering every hotel lobby and restaurant in town. There are sequins, there are fringe, and there are 120 contestants vying for that coveted World Champion Gold Buckle.

I arrived into the City of Lights on December 3rd just in time for the WNFR back number ceremony. I was gleaming with pride as each of our Canadian contestants had their names called.

In the bareback: Orin Larsen (5x WNFR qualifier), and Clint Laye (2X qualifier).

In the saddle bronc,: Zeke Thurston (5x), Jake Watson (2X) and WNFR rookie, Dawson Hay.

In the steer wrestling: Scott Guenthner (3X WNFR qualifier).

And in the bull riding Jordan Hansen was back for his second WNFR.

While the contestants geared up for a gruelling ten days, I was busy taking in a different type of competition: the search for Miss Rodeo America 2020.

Rodeo Royalty27 women from across the country represented their states in the pageant. I was able to take in the public speaking, chap luncheon, fashion show and coronation. As I had met so many of these women through my travels in the United States, it was a special time for me as I watched them compete for the most coveted title of all. Congratulations to Jordan Tierney, representing South Dakota, your new Miss Rodeo America!

The rest of the week was jam packed with sponsor visits, autograph signings, and interviews surrounding the rodeo. The whole experience felt like a big family reunion. I was especially excited to see sponsors like CFCW and Dan Post so far away from home!

Every evening, I had the privilege of attending the Gold Card Room and having dinner with many of the legends of our sport. I ate dinner with people like Clyde and Nancy Frost (parents of Lane), joked around with Bob Tallman, and shared a table with several cowboys who competed at the very first NFR. Thank you to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame for hosting me each night.

Next, I headed to the MGM Grand where I helped Miss Rodeo Australia and Miss Indian National Finals Rodeo at the WNFR Viewing Party along with out host, Randy Taylor. We held dance and singing contests and had a great time watching the rodeo each night from the hotel, which generously sponsored my stay here in Vegas. Thank you, MGM Grand!
Finally, my evenings capped off with Gold Buckle presentations to the round winners. I had so much fun getting to know the Montana Silversmiths crew a little bit better as they presented the Montana’s buckles to our round winners each night. Our Canadian athletes and stock did us proud, with a consistent presence on the stage!

10 rounds flew by. I sang with Corb Lund at Live with Lucia, met Amberleigh Snyder at a charity for Wade Sundell, shook hands with countless World Champions, and had my picture displayed every night during opening ceremonies at the Thomas and Mack.

WNFR Buckle PresentationThe most special moment, of course, was watching Zeke Thurston take his second World Championship Title, making him both the reigning Canadian and World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider.

Canada’s presence was definitely felt in Vegas. A huge congratulations to each of the contestants and to the Canadian stock contractors for elevating the game over the past ten rounds. We are so proud!

With the end of the National Finals Rodeo also comes the end of my reign as Miss Rodeo Canada. Thank you to each and everyone for the love and support you have shown me throughout the year. To my sponsors, my family, and the dedicated volunteers that make this experience possible-thank you. It is time for new adventures. While this adventure will surely include a lot less hairspray, I know that my role as an ambassador for this sport will never end. So, I will sign off on this blog post the same as any other. See you at another rodeo. Come say hi, introduce yourself, and let’s continue enjoying and supporting the sport we love.

Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

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MRC & Daines family Legends of Rodeo MRC & Don Gay
 
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Maple Leaf Circuit FinalsNovember was an emotional month with the end of the Canadian Finals Rodeo and the beginning of my good byes!

Halfway through the month, it was time for me to say good-bye to my travelling partner, my 2019 Dodge Ram Truck. She and I spent many hours together, spanning three provinces and travelling to dozens of rodeos.

While I struggled to drive a big truck through the streets of downtown Calgary at the beginning, I soon felt there was no road we couldn’t conquer. I became quite fond of the huge touchscreen, crisp back up camera, and spacious crew cab. She truly made me feel like a “Queen of the Road.” Thank you so much to Innisfail Chrysler for your generous sponsorship of my vehicle this year.

Next, I headed to Stavely for a very special fundraiser. Don Mills is an old family friend and very avid rodeo supporter. “Donny Dodge” gained his nickname for his work as a salesman at High River Chrysler where his office is wallpapered with rodeo athletes past and present. He is never too busy for a chat and is always eager to offer support in whatever way he can.

Innisfail ChryslerWhen Don Mills contracted a severe case of the West Nile Virus, it was our turn to return the support he has shown us. On November 22, a silent auction and dance was held at the Stavely Hall. I was pleased to participate in a fashion show put on by Cowboy Country in Nanton along with several other young members of the rodeo community that Don has supported. Each of us wore an item to be auctioned off and all proceeds from the evening went to Don’s recovery efforts. Don himself was able to take a night off from rehab at Foothills Hospital to join us for the evening. It was great to see Don in such great spirits and the rodeo community band together.

My next stop was to the Alberta Children’s Hospital where I spent the afternoon in the art studio. It is always inspiring to see kids just be kids, no matter what they are facing. I helped the children make Christmas cards and ornaments and we all agreed that you could never have too much glitter! My afternoon was an important reminder that just showing up can make someone’s day.

Don Mills FundraiserWhere else should a queen go for her last Canadian rodeo than the Queen City itself! On November 27th, I hopped on a plane to Regina for the first ever Maple Leaf Circuit Finals Rodeo. This was the inaugural year for the Maple Leaf Circuit, a partnership between the CPRA, PRCA and the WPRA, which included rodeos with $7999 or less in added money.

Over four performances, the circuit’s top ten competitors from each event vied to be the first Maple Leaf Circuit Finals Champion and the chance to attend the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Florida.

Of all the rodeos I go to, I always enjoy those with multiple go-rounds where I get to know committees a little better and see the contestants ease into their week. As I walked through the Brandt centre, my heart was warmed with the sights of so many familiar faces. I was reminiscent of the beginning of my reign, where each room I walked in was a room filled with strangers. I have said it multiple times, yet it still rings true: I am so grateful for the people that have become like family over this past year.

As the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals Rodeo is held alongside Agribition, which attracts visitors from across the globe, I was pleased to greet many new faces as well. Throughout the week I was able to practice my Spanish with some Mexican visitors, complete an interview in French for Radio Canada, and even made the morning news with CTV Regina.

Another highlight? Reconnecting with Amber Marshall after meeting her at the LaDue Ladies luncheon earlier this year. As a High River girl, any chance to meet with a star of Heartland is a memorable one.

Children's HospitalAt the rodeo itself, I helped our “Wild Wool Riders” each night, which was a highlight to see our up and coming rodeo stars do their thing and try not to shed any tears in the process! The final night of the rodeo, I thought I would carry on the tradition from Pile O’ Bones where I helped untie calves in the tie-down roping.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t get emotional on the last day of the rodeo, as I realized I would not be seeing many of the contestants until I attend a rodeo as a “regular” fan in the spring. I realized I would not ride into another Canadian arena as Miss Rodeo Canada and that although I will always have a place in the rodeo family, that role is imminently changing.

I tried to freeze time as I rode into that arena on the last day, scanning the crowd, hearing the music, and feeling the gentle gait of the palomino beneath me. It has been one of the greatest honours to carry our Canadian flag, and it is not one that I take lightly. Those are moments I will never forget.

Thank you to Wade Rempel for lending me Dexter for my final rides. (He even let me put glitter on him, even though he used him during the bull riding each night!)

My other great honour, of course, is helping present awards to the contestants after all their hard work.


Congratulations to these winners:

Aggregate Champions of the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals:
Brooke Wills (Barrel Racing )
Cole Goodine (Bareback)
Kolby Wanchuk (Saddle Bronc)
Cody Cassidy (Steer Wrestling)
Jesse Popescul (Tie-down)
Jacob Gardner (Bull Riding)
Riley Warren (Team Roping)
Clay Ullery (Team Roping)

Overall Maple Leaf Circuit Winners:
Ky Marshall (Bareback)
Ben Anderson (Saddle Bronc)
Kyle Brown (Bull Riding)
Layne Delemont (Steer Wrestling)
Keely Bonnett (Team Roping)
Logan Bonnett (Team Roping)
Blair Smith (Tie-down)
Brooke Wills (Barrel Racing)

Canada, it has been one heck of a ride. Next stop… VEGAS!

Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

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From holding a koala, to co-hosting a radio show, to carrying our nation's flag at the 46th edition of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, this past month has been full of excitement and heart-stopping moments.

As a media lover, any time I get to go into the radio station it is a real treat. This month, I went twice! Not only did I record a voice commercial (you may have heard me talking about the CFR), I also had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with A.J. Keller from 840 CFCW. I reported on the weather, gave away some rodeo tickets, and let people know some interesting facts about the season leaders going into the finals. Thank you to CFCW, Miss Rodeo Canada’s longest running sponsor, for giving me this opportunity.

Also this month, I was able to participate in the grand re-opening of the Medicine Hat Hudson’s Bay after their store underwent renovations for several months. I felt like “Where’s Waldo” in my gorgeous Hudson’s Bay jacket designed and created by Carol Mason amongst all of the other beautiful HBC striped products. It was a fun afternoon visiting with shoppers and taking pictures in the photo booth set up for the afternoon.

Koalas and MRCNext, I headed to the land down under where I kissed kangaroos and cuddled koalas for one week straight! I landed in Brisbane, where Miss Rodeo America, Taylor McNair, and Miss Rodeo Australia, Kate Taylor soon met me. While it was both my and Taylor’s first time meeting Kate, the three of us shared an instant bond. We quickly realized all three of us have “Taylor” somewhere in our name (my middle name), and we are the first trio in years to all be brunette. However, we had far more in common than simply our names and hair colour. The love we each shared for rodeo was enough to make us feel like we had known one another for years. We enjoyed finding out the differences between our associations (in Australia, tie-down roping is called rope and tie), saddles don’t have horns, and even though we all speak English, words like “poddy, buck jumpers, and muster” had to be translated. (And this was just rodeo terminology!) In just one week I was able to see the Sunshine Coast, Killarney, and Warwick, home of the Warwick Rodeo National Championship and Gold Cup Campdraft. Campdrafting was different than anything I had ever witnessed. I laughed as we compared it to barrel racing while chasing a cow! I was very impressed with the horsemanship of the athletes as they manoeuvred the cattle around pegs and through a gate in an event that combines elements of cutting, working cow horse and penning. If you have never witnessed campdrafting, make sure to look it up online.

Even though I was across the globe in Australia, I felt right at home as I found Calgary Stampede posters, a picture of Brock Radford in a local store, and heard stories of Australian bareback rider Doug Flanigan, Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of famer and Calgary Stampede Champion who now lives in Calgary. Doug, your country is proud of you and I hope our paths cross some day.

MRC - AustraliaParrots, waterfalls and an abundance of afternoon teas will forever pepper my memories of Australia. However, my proudest moment will always be carrying our beautiful red and white flag next to my new sisters and their flags in honour of our three countries, associations, and the sport that extends far beyond borders, accents, and terminology. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this trip possible, especially the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society, the Miss Rodeo Australia organization, Roslyn, Allan and Zack Flood, Robynne Yarwood, Tamara Evans and Natalie Flecker. And of course, my dearest Miss Rodeo Australia. This is a trip I will never forget.

Back in Canada, I was reunited with Taylor McNair, Miss Rodeo America. We spent the weekend in Banff and celebrated her birthday in the mountains before heading to Red Deer for the Canadian Finals Rodeo.

It was so exciting for me to watch the top 12 contestants in each event compete for a Canadian title after having travelled alongside them all season.

Equally exciting, was the Miss Rodeo Canada competition.

This year, we had five contestants vying for Miss Rodeo Canada 2020. Haley Schlenker-Medicine Hat Stampede Queen, Jessica Craig-Miss Rodeo Hanna, Brittany Doyle-Moose Mountain Pro Rodeo Queen, Alicia Erickson-Ponoka Stampede Queen, and Alisa Brace-Miss Rodeo Sundre.

Jaden and AliciaThe ladies were judged on horsemanship, public speaking, a written test, personal interviews and modelling. After a close competition, Alicia Erickson was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2020. Congratulations to Alicia and all of the contestants. It takes so much courage to put your name in the hat, let alone the hours of preparation and dedication that goes into preparing for the competition. I am so proud of each of you.

Alicia Erickson will take over the title after the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December and I know she will do a wonderful job representing this association.

In rodeo news, it was a dramatic week.

Saddle Bronc
World Champion Zeke Thurston was finally able to add a Canadian championship to his repertoire, also breaking the record in season earnings with a total of $110 785.

Tie-Down
Shane Hanchey shyly defeated Haven Meged as the 2019 Canadian tie-down roping champion.

Team Roping
Two time world champion Matt Sherwood (50) and his 22 year old partner Hunter Koch smoked their opponents as the 2019 Team Roping Champions. With three go-round wins and a $27 000 lead over their nearest rivals, this pair proved that age is no obstacle.

Bareback
The race was close between Orin Larsen and 2018 champ, Richmond Champion. With a determining 89.5 ride on Championship Sunday, Orin Larsen was named your 2019 Canadian Bareback Champion.

Steer Wrestling
Brand new father (less than a week!) Scott Guenthner managed to narrowly defeat his opponents and defend his title. 2X Canadian Champion doesn’t have a bad ring to it!

Barrel Racing
First time CFR qualifier Brooke Wills and her mare, Famey took home two round-wins and the championship title, after a difficult start to the week.

Bull Riding
Both Edgar Durazo and Jordan Hansen rode 6/6 bulls. It was a close fight, but in the end Edgar came out as the first ever Mexican to not only qualify for the CFR, but win a Canadian Bull Riding Champion.

For me, it was a huge privilege to carry the Canadian flag each night among the very best in our sport.

I will never forget coming into the arena on the opening night of the CFR, looking out on the 2019 CFR qualifiers standing in the dirt, the shadow of the flag the only movement in the arena. It is one of those surreal moments that will stick with me for a lifetime.

So there it is, another Canadian Finals Rodeo in the books! It has been an absolute honour. While it is not quite time for me to say good-bye, I did want to take a moment to thank the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association for the allowing me to carry the flag as your representative this past week and this past year. I am forever grateful.

See you at the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals!

Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

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Miss Rodeo Canada - Anderson PhotographyJust like that October is here, snow has fallen, and the sun has set on the 2019 regular season.

I began the month in Armstrong, British Columbia for the Armstrong IPE & Stampede and home of the Finning Pro Tour Finals. Evening performances under a setting sun with the midway in the background…it was a perfect way to spend a summer night. When the tally was complete, these athletes came out on top as your 2019 Finning Pro Tour Champions:

BB: Caleb Bennett
SW: Scott Guenthner
TR: Clay Ullery and Riley Warren
SB: Ben Anderson
TDR: Haven Meged
LBR: Justine Elliott
BR: Edgar Durazo

Next I headed to Red Deer for the Media Conference in anticipation of the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Can you believe CFR 46 is just a few short weeks away? I met some of the Miss Rodeo Canada contestants and heard about some exciting changes to this year’s finals. There will be so many exciting things happening on Westerner Park including the Rising Stars Junior Canadian Finals and Queen competition, free cabarets, Canadian Finals Breakaway and more. Make sure you check out www.cfrreddeer.ca/events-page for a comprehensive list of everything going on. But most importantly, make sure you get those rodeo tickets.

I continued to be spoiled with the beauty of our country on my drive to the Medicine Lodge Fall Roundup. It was a small but mighty rodeo complete with Duffy stock and a passionate rodeo committee. If you have never been to Medicine Lodge make sure you add it to your calendar for next year. Thank you for having me.

Oldstoberfest took place September 13th and 14th in Olds, Alberta. The World’s Only Bavarian Rodeo produced by C5 Rodeo. The CPRA handed me the reins for their social media channels for the whole weekend. If you missed it, make sure to head to @prorodeocanada on Instagram and click on “Jaden” under highlights to see my full takeover. Once again, thanks to my good friends and sponsor C5 Rodeo for an experience I won’t forget.

Miss Rodeo Canada - 2020 Competition ScheduleNext I found myself in Brooks for the Dallas Sunstrum Memorial Rodeo. It was great to be in Brooks once again, this time at an indoor rodeo. I was honoured to be a part of one of the last rodeos of the season, and it was so special to do so in the memory of Dallas, son of Bruce Sunstrum of Big Stone Rodeo Company.

My last event of the month (and the last rodeo of the regular season) was the Hanna Indoor Pro Rodeo. It was all down to this rodeo as contestants on the “bubble” tried a last ditch effort to solidify their spot in Red Deer. Steer Wrestler Ty Miller was sitting thirteenth after his win in Brooks. With a 3.7 second run, Ty took home not only the Hanna championship, but also his first trip to the Canadian Finals Rodeo since 2010.

Thank you to Hanna Indoor Pro Rodeo committee and Queen Allivia Sauer for showing me around town and treating us visiting royalty to Tim Horton’s as we rode through the drive-thru on horseback!

As the season comes to an end, I would once again like to thank each and every rodeo committee that has included me in their event this year. I have made so many memories and cherish each rodeo I have been privileged to attend.

Results are in, season leaders will soon be declared and the top 12 contestants in each event will be heading to Red Deer for the 46th Canadian Finals Rodeo. Congratulations to all of the qualifiers, and to the seven Canadians who will be headed to the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas this December. Orin Larsen, Clint Laye, Scott Guenthner, Zeke Thurston, Jake Watson, Dawson Hay and Jordan Hansen.

Once again, make sure you get your tickets to CFR. And keep an eye out for Miss Rodeo Canada contest events that will be happening all week in Red Deer as well.

In just one month, Miss Rodeo Canada 2020 will be announced. However, this is not good-bye yet. You are all stuck with me until after the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Vegas!

Until next time, stay warm and I will see you at the CFR.

Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

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Miss Rodeo Canada-Queen City ExAugust started off with a beautiful drive from High Prairie to Regina, SK for the inauguration of the Pile O’ Bones rodeo held at Queen City EX.

It was great to spend time with C5 Rodeo Company, who is a generous supporter of the Miss Rodeo Canada program. I was glad to get some face time with some of the best four-legged athletes in the business, and yes, I took a shameless selfie with everyone’s favourite bareback horse, Virgil, in the stock pens!

One highlight included working with Bob Tallman and Dave Poulsen, both of whose voices I have grown up hearing. The atmosphere of it all made me shiver with nervous excitement. If you blinked, you may have missed Trent Tunke and Steele DePaoli rope and dally in 4.3 seconds or Diane Skocdopole finish the barrel pattern in 13.477 seconds. Also, at this rodeo, I untied calves during the slack performance. It was one for the memories!

Next I drove to Strathmore for the last day of the Strathmore Stampede. It was great to catch the RCMP musical ride, chuckwagon races, and the last day of competition for our rodeo athletes. Congrats to a couple of the champions, Dawson Hay on a 90.75-point saddle bronc ride on Northcott-Macza’s “Get Smart” and Evan Spady on a speedy 3.9 second steer wrestling run.

Miss Rodeo Canada Jaden HolleThere was no time to slow down as the next day I hopped on a plane to beautiful Dawson Creek, BC. I was stunned at the beauty of the area. The week started with a little bit of rain but the sun pulled through in time for the rodeo. It was fun taking in the ranch rodeo, the Battle of the North Chuckwagon races, and to be reunited with Grande Prairie Stompede Queen and Princess, Emily Roessler and Emily Henschel, Teepee Creek Stampede Queen, Megan Pettyjohn and meet the B.C High School Rodeo Queen, Gracie Chapple. There were some high scoring rides in the roughstock events where Dusty Hausauer (SB 89 points) Jacob Stemo (BB 89 points) and Edgar Durazo (BR 88 points) took home the win. Thank you to Dawson Creek for having me and to, “almost” 4-year-old, Pecos Moore for letting me ride your awesome gelding at the rodeo.

Next I found myself in Star Trek country at the Sid Hartung Memorial Rodeo in Vulcan. A favourite part for me is watching our aspiring up and comers ride the mini-buckers. My heart was also warmed when I saw a future bareback rider proudly sporting chaps and a protective vest, diligently practicing his riding form in the grass as the rodeo ensued behind him. As I got closer, I could see that this young cowboy was sporting Layton Green’s NFR back number. At this moment, I could see that the spirit of the sport is alive and well. Cowboys are leaving their mark on the next generation and it was evident in my 4-year-old friend. Young Jasper proudly told me about his hero Layton, and when I asked if he knew any other cowboys he began to list names like Zeke Thurston, Orin Larsen and Richie Champion. I left inspired and knew that this was an encounter I would not soon forget! Congratulations to our cowboys for leaving a positive mark on the next generation.

Little WranglerI headed back south of the border to Washington for the Kitsap Fair and Stampede. Not only did I find several Canadian contestants, I also ran into my neighbour Dennis Halstead, and Canadian stock contractor Big Stone Rodeo Company. It never ceases to amaze me how tightly knit the rodeo family is, and although I have never been to Washington, I was made to feel quite at home for the common love of the sport and with some rodeo queens that also love to dance in the arena! I followed in the footsteps of many other rodeo queens that have caught fish (check out the video on Facebook!) at the famous Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle and was proud to carry the gorgeous ten-foot Canadian flag on the opening night of the rodeo. Clint Laye split the win in the bareback with an 86-point ride and in the team roping Canadian Kasper Roy and roping partner Kal Fuller won it with a 3.4 second run.

I flew back to Canada in time for the Okotoks Pro Rodeo where I took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the ladies breakaway roping. I even tried my hand at announcing during this fast-growing event. I cannot wait to watch the ladies that qualify for the Canadian Finals Breakaway in Red Deer this year. It is an exciting time for women in rodeo!

I find myself back in beautiful British Columbia at the Armstrong IPE and Stampede to close off the month of August. I can hardly believe that this means the summer run has come to an end. Already this week, Ty Taypotat has broken the arena record in the bareback with an impressive 90-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Agent Lynx.

Come back next month to see how the rest of my week in Armstrong turns out.

Until then,

Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

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Jaden HolleJuly started on a high note with the Championship Round at Ponoka.

It was an incredible experience to award the champions their buckles just seconds after they made their winning rides and runs. The crowd was hooked when tie-down ropers Tyson Durfey and Reese Reimer both stopped the clock at 9.3 seconds in the championship round, requiring a tie-breaker to see who would go home with that coveted Ponoka Stampede buckle. Ultimately, Tyson Durfey came out victorious. Congratulations to all the Ponoka Stampede Champions and thank you to the Ponoka Stampede for putting on a rodeo that made me tear up (just a little!) when it was time to say good-bye.

Next it was off to Calgary where I was a guest at the Ladue Ladies Luncheon. This luncheon honours the legacy of Flores La Due, a tenacious cowgirl, talented trick rider, and wife to the legendary Guy Weadick by providing scholarships to young women who embody this same cowgirl spirit. I was surprised with a generous scholarship to help further my education and I would like to thank the committee for your incredible support.

It was so great to be in Calgary and at my old stomping grounds for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and it was an honour to ride in the Calgary Stampede Parade once again. I was finally able to meet Amber Marshall, star of Heartland who was this year’s Parade Marshall. Other highlights include being reunited with Miss Rodeo Kansas and Miss Rodeo Florida from my travels down south, chatting with the legendary Bob Tallman, and attending the First Nation’s Princess Tea at Elbow River Camp. Thank you to the 2019 Calgary Stampede Princess Astokomii Smith for sharing your culture with me and for being such a great role model for young indigenous women.

CPRA GM, Jeff Robson & Miss Rodeo CanadaMidway through the week I headed north to the Teepee Creek Stampede. This little hamlet puts on one incredible rodeo! The action was non-stop between the awesome Kesler stock, top rodeo athletes, wild horse races, wild cow milking, and more. I was also able to assist with the Queen competition. Congratulations to Megan Pettyjohn, the 2019 Miss Teepee Creep Stampede. While in Teepee Creek, I stopped in at Dominic Valine’s shop, my very talented spur sponsor. If you ever get a chance to see some of his craftsmanship, take a look.

Next stop? Home of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Red Deer, AB for Westerner Days. Jeff Robson, manager of the CPRA, and I took part in the parade. My only disappointment was that I wasn’t quite able to get Jeff to volunteer to sit in the dunk tank set up on the midway. Thank you to Westerner Park for including us in your festivities and we will see you at the CFR.

Parade DayMy next rodeo was the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede. The newly crowned Queen and Princess, Rayelle Smith and Dionne Freimark welcomed visiting royalty from across the province. I had the best few days with these ladies meeting Brett Kissel and the Hunter Brothers, dancing our way through pancake breakfasts, waving to our little fans in the parade, and chasing stock at the 132nd edition of this event. Thank you for having me.

After Medicine Hat, I headed back north for the High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo. The event kicked off with a parade, radio interviews, and town visits. After the first performance, the new High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo Queen was announced: Shelby Cook. Congratulations, Shelby! There is one more performance of the High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo, but already I know this: I will never stop being amazed at how these small towns can put together such incredible rodeos! Our rodeo family is incredible.

See you next month.

Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

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Jaden Holle & Brittney Chomistek Miss Rodeo Canada & young fan High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo
 
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Jaden Holle - Miss Rodeo CanadaJune was my busiest month yet!

I started the month in Grande Prairie, home of Keddie’s Western Wear and Tack, who generously sponsors luggage for Miss Rodeo Canada. I participated in the grand entry and was excited to be there for the crowning of the 2019 Queen, Emily Roessler and Princess, Emily Henschel, Congratulations. Grande Prairie put on an exciting rodeo with a 90-point bull ride from Jacob Gardner and a 3.7 second team roping run from Dawson and Dillon Graham. I will fondly remember this rodeo as the place where I participated in the wild pony race for the first time. I’ll let you decide if it was a qualified ride!

On my way home I stopped in at 840 CFCW to let all you listeners know where you can expect to see me during the summer rodeo run. Make sure to tune it to find out where I’ll be!

Next was Calgary for the ATB Spruce Meadows Cup. I had a fun night taking in the 1.55m class from the Canada House along with special guests of ATB. Beezie Madden took home the cup, which was special, as my own trainer had been working with her for the summer.

Along with the weekend came the Brooks Kinsmen rodeo. Miss Rodeo Sundre, Jayden Calvert, Medicine Hat Stampede Queen and Princess Haley Schlenker and Abby Perrett and the Dunmore Equestrian Centre Little Britches Rodeo Sweetheart Tenley Warburton all attended. Together we visited the local school, danced and sang at the nursing home and participated in the Little Britches Rodeo. I found out I am quite good at catching greased piglets!

Later that week I headed to Airdrie, Alberta, home of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. I spent the day with the CPRA staff taking entries for the Airdrie rodeo, learning about payouts, memberships, stock draws, and everything there is to know about sanctioning rodeos. After that day, I have a new appreciation for everything it takes to put on a rodeo and all the moving parts. Thank you to the staff for your willingness to teach me and to you, the rodeo community, for all of the work that you do to keep the show running.

Innisfail Chrysler is my generous truck sponsor, so it was an honour to head to the Daines Ranch for the Innisfail Pro Rodeo. I was officially presented with my truck in the arena and was proud to show it off as the barrel truck during each performance and in the local parade. The rodeo was a nail biter as steer wrestlers Matt Mailer, Clayton Moore, and local Landon Beardsworth all clocked in an impressive 3.9 seconds for a 1-2-3 split. My favourite moment was watching Stacey Ruzicka tear up after her 15.927 second barrel pattern, as she realized she took first place, beating Jackie Ganter’s 15.928 second run by only one one hundredths of a second!

Rodeo RoyaltyIn preparation for Guy Weadick Days, I visited Black Diamond school and two senior homes in High River. I could feel the excitement from everyone as rodeo weekend approached. Several of the seniors remembered me as a young girl, and it was exciting for them to see me now as Miss Rodeo Canada.

The Wainwright Chamber of Commerce hosted me in their beautiful city. I had a busy day between breakfast at ATB, visiting the senior’s home, the local school and several businesses. I toured the military base, the local museum and of course I always feel at home when I attend the rodeo! I had the best view watching the rodeo from the back of the bucking chutes. Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for your generous hospitality.

It was a quick visit in Wainwright, as I had to take off to Sundre to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Sundre Pro Rodeo. It was a special rodeo for me as it was the hometown of my late great grandfather Roy Noble, who was part of the committee that originally brought the rodeo to town. It was his legacy that inspired me to pursue the western lifestyle and I was so grateful to hear stories about him and my Uncle Jim who were both well beloved in the rodeo community. On Sunday, in honour of the anniversary, dozens of Miss Rodeo Sundre alumna galloped into the arena to do a grand entry once again. As they all assembled into the arena, it was clear to see the rich history this town holds. The rodeo ended on a high note as Edgar Durazo rode Calgary Stampede’s 557 Master Splinter for an impressive 92 points.

Finally, I found myself back in my hometown for High River’s Guy Weadick Days. It was so special for me to carry the Canadian flag during a rodeo I had grown up attending. It was the perfect end to a busy weekend.

The very next day I was off to Ponoka for Canada’s largest pro rodeo. I’ve sat in the timed event box as a thundering herd of wild horses piled into the arena, I galloped my horse past a grandstand full of cheering fans and I’ve watched some of the world’s best athletes compete from inside the arena. Results will be in soon, and I am excited to see who takes home the championship buckle from the Ponoka Stampede. Stay tuned to see how it all turns out.

It has been a great and full month, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. See you soon!

Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

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Jaden visiting with seniors Rodeo pics
 
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And just like that, another month as Miss Rodeo Canada is in the books.

Miss Rodeo Canada - Maggies Diner - High River, ABMay started with the Guy Weadick Days media launch in High River’s “Maggie’s Diner.” This famous venue from Heartland was where the poster for the 2019 Guy Weadick Days was revealed. It was also announced that breakaway roping would be included in the rodeo performances! Guy Weadick Days will be happening on June 20-23 and I am looking forward to coming to my hometown rodeo for the Sunday performance.

After that, it was the Miss Rodeo Canada alumni clinic where various MRC alumni came to share their knowledge with some current and hopeful rodeo royalty. I enjoyed listening to their stories and seeing pictures from the past of different crowns, white gloves, and ten-gallon hats. Did you know that the first Miss Rodeo Canada was crowned in 1955? I feel so blessed to have a sisterhood of women that I can go to for guidance and advice.

On May 3, I was invited to “Wood’s and the City,” a fundraising event for Wood’s Homes. It was a wonderful evening of food and fashion in support of children, teen and family mental health services.

I visited my friends at SUN Country and AM 1140 in High River in anticipation of the Stavely rodeo. It was the 62nd Edition of Canada’s First Indoor Rodeo and it was a blast. It was my first time carrying the Canadian flag at a Canadian rodeo. I was able to spend some time with the newly crowned Miss Rodeo Stavely, Kira Schneider. We visited elementary schools in Nanton, Claresholm and Stavely where we chatted with the students about rodeo. When teaching them about the scoring system, I was asked if I had ever made a hundred point ride on a bull? Definitely not! But I did get a high score when I hit the golf course, for my very first time, at the Eddie Cochlan Memorial. I spent the day improving my swing in honour of a man who helped start and fund the annual rodeo back in 1956.

Another special event I attended this month was the Calgary White Hat Awards, which honours different individuals and businesses in the tourism industry. I was honoured to be a guest of Smithbilt, who provides the award recipients with their iconic white hats. I am proud to wear a Smithbilt!

After that, I jetted off to Europe! I started in Slovenia where I rode a famous Lipizzaner horse at the Lipica stud farm. Then, it was another plane ride to London, England. My Mom and I spent my birthday at Buckingham Palace where we attended Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Garden Party! We had a great time and I would love to tell you more about it if I see you on the road. I even left baby Sussex a gift…some tiny cowboy boots and a Wrangler denim onesie, of course! Now little Archie is ready for rodeo season.

Miss Rodeo Canada with CPRA contestantsI hit the ground running when I landed back in Canada with the Rainmaker Rodeo and Parade in St. Albert. It was my first Canadian parade and it was great to see some family in the crowd. I want to thank the rodeo committee for having me. I had a great time and even met Aaron Pritchett!

The last few days of May brought my first big weekend of the year. I drove to Leduc for the Leduc Black Gold Rodeo. The rodeo itself was great and the competitors meant business. In the bull riding, both Todd Chotowetz and Sage Kimzey rode Northcott Macza bulls for 91.5 points. Way to go, boys! As for me, I enjoyed the Rodeo of Smiles, an event for special needs children that featured wagon rides, face painting, a petting zoo, and even a bouncy castle! Thank you Leduc for putting on a great event with a Trade Fair, Family Fun Night, and a Dance in the Dirt. It was an honour to be a part of it.

After Leduc, I hit the road for the Grande Prairie Stompede. But you’ll have to tune into next months blog to hear about that!

See you soon,
Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

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Rodeo Royalty Jaden Holle with rodeo clows
 
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Jaden Holle - April Pro Rodeo blogAs a young girl, community theatre was a big part of my upbringing and I attribute a lot of my capabilities to those early years spent on stage.

I was so excited when the High River Performing Arts Foundation announced the creation of “The Venue”. A 12K square foot space of collaborative and performing arts right in town. I was honoured to be included in their reveal event where the architectural plans for the space were unveiled. I know first hand how confidence, creativity and courage can come from simply having somewhere to gather and grow. I am so excited to see what this space will be able to provide for the community. More western art, leatherwork or public speaking practice? The opportunities are endless.

On the weekend I headed down to the Calgary Stampede grounds for the Giddy Up Aggie Days Event. At this event, special needs children and their families had the opportunity to enjoy a pancake breakfast, learn about agriculture and even take a wagon ride!

I participated in a photoshoot with Shelby Simmonds, owner of Twisted Tree Photography, at my favourite hat shop, Smithbilt Hats. It was fun to also be able to showcase my new collection from Montana Silversmiths, Miss Macie, Wrangler, Dan Post and my gorgeous truck from Innisfail Chrysler. Aria Studios hooked me up with all of the makeup I needed to make me look photo ready; Liz’s lessons have made me feel confident enough to do my own makeup for a shoot. It was such a fun day, at the end of it; I picked out a brand new moss green hat to add to my collection. I love it, thank you Smithbilt.

On the Road with Miss Rodeo Canada Jaden HolleFrom there it was off to see the future of rodeo at the Rocky View High School Rodeo at the Nutrien Western Event Centre. There is some GRIT and DETERMINATION in these athletes…look out world! I was ecstatic to do my first grand entry on Canadian soil (thank you to Jason and Cooper Resch for letting me ride your beautiful gelding, Freckles). I had the chance to showcase my brand new chaps from Keena Hull, CK Leather. I integrated several special details that I am proud to share, so come check them out next time you see me.

During the High School rodeo, I tried my hand at being a timer, okay, I was a back-up timer! It’s harder than it looks. A shout out to the rodeo timers and all the volunteers. Your hard work and dedication make it possible to pursue the sport we all love.

Finally, I ended the month at the Rowan House Fundraiser for Hope & Healing. The Rowan House is an emergency shelter that provides crisis intervention, long-term support and education for those affected by family violence in rural communities. The evening included a wonderful dinner, local musicians and live and silent auctions all for a great cause. Thank you, Rowan House, for including me in your evening and for everything you do to create safer communities.

You can find out more about the Rowan House and their cause at the link below.

https://www.rowanhouse.ca/

With the capabilities of social media I have enjoyed cheering on our rodeo athletes that continue to make us proud south of the border and a special congratulations to the champions of the Broncs and Honky Tonks Rodeo in Medicine Hat, the CPRA’s first full rodeo of the spring.

Next stop, Stavely, Alberta, home of Canada’s first indoor rodeo. Hope to see you there.

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Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

 
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Miss Rodeo Canada with CFCWI started off March with a trip to Edmonton, AB, where I met with the oldest sponsor of the Miss Rodeo Canada program, 840 CFCW radio, who has been with us since day one!

I had the pleasure of doing a live interview with Stella and getting a tour of the station. I even found a picture of 2017 Miss Rodeo Canada, Miss Ali Mullin, as the team showed me around the office. Thanks to CFCW for your continued support.

Also while in Edmonton, I met with some of my friends at ATB Financial. In basically any city I go to, I know there are always smiling faces at the local ATB. I am so proud of all of the good work they are doing in the community and am so grateful to have them behind me as well. Go check out some of their work at the hashtag #ATBListens.

After Edmonton, I headed to Cayley, AB for the Area Public Speaking competition. As a (retired) 4-Her myself, it was awesome to be on the other side of the room, taking in the speeches instead of giving them. I was surrounded with an esteemed panel of judges, including Jennifer Rondeau, Miss Rodeo Canada 2004. I was really impressed with the quality of speeches (and speaking) of all of the competitors and I will forever preach the value of the 4H program and the skills that it imparts on young people.

My next event was also close to my heart: judging the High River Spring Ball competition. This year, High River Spring Ball celebrated their 75th Anniversary. This program is open to grade eleven students in the High River area. For eight weeks, young men and women take part in dance lessons, learn etiquette, networking, resumé building, and more. The culmination of their hard work happens at the Spring Ball, where the couples show off everything they have learned in a formal interview and dance. I had a blast at the ball, and watching the participants waltz, jive, and two-step made me quite nostalgic for when I participated in the program back in 2012.

Jaden Holle with S Guenthner & T MilanMarch was quite the month for rodeos, and I just couldn’t stay home while Rodeo Houston was underway. So I hopped on a plane and was greeted by Mr. Joel Cowley, CEO of Rodeo Houston. While there, I rode in the Grand Entry, signed some autographs, took in the rodeo, and even got to see a few concerts. The highlight for me was definitely running into Canadian steer wrestlers Scott Guenthner and Tanner Milan. I would like to thank Rodeo Houston for your incredible hospitality. If you have never been…go! I was thoroughly impressed with the immensity of the NRG stadium, the quality of the concerts, and the audacity of the mutton busters at the rodeo. Not to mention the rodeo itself, which hosted the highest calibre of both human and animal athletes.

From Houston I headed to Queen Creek, Arizona for the Roots N’ Boots Rodeo. For the second time this year, I got to help out with a Special Kids Rodeo. It is awesome to see these kids learn about the sport by being the cowboys and cowgirls themselves. Then, during the three great performances, I ran into Canadians Denver Roy, Logan and Lakota Bird, Riley Warren and Clay Ullery! One of my favourite parts of travelling this year has been running into familiar faces, and meeting fellow Canadians along the way. Queen Creek was extra special for me as my sweet Nanny, who lives nearby, was able to come share in the rodeo. I had such a fun three days with family, and representing with the other rodeo royalty. These are tough ladies that really embody the word “cowgirl.”

Jaden Holle - RNCFRAfter Phoenix, I headed to the Sunshine State. If it feels like I was just there, it’s because I was! Last month I got to come to Florida for the Silver Spurs Rodeo, so it was great to come back in time for the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo. This was an important event with last year’s announcement of the Maple Leaf Circuit as the 13th circuit in the PRCA. Starting this year (the 2019 rodeo season) competitors can collect Maple Leaf points at CPRA rodeos and, in April 2020, two champions from the Maple Leaf Circuit will compete at the Ram National Circuit Finals in Kissimmee. I felt it was important to bring Canadian presence to Florida in anticipation of the upcoming season. Even though the Maple Leaf Circuit Champions weren’t in Kissimmee yet, I was pleased to find Pascal Isabelle, fellow Canadian, competing in the bareback. He had quite the week and finished third overall in the finals. I thoroughly enjoyed myself in Florida, air boating, meeting some of the athletes, and shaking hands with Mr. George Taylor, CEO of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Everywhere I have gone, I have experienced the most amazing hospitality! Thank you to my host home, the Ketchum’s, in Florida, everyone who has lent me their horse, and the incredible rodeo committees for including me in your events. I am so humbled by the amazing people putting on these world-class productions, and it is an amazing feeling to be a small part of that.

Jaden Holle - Miss Rodeo Canada blogI would also like to thank a few of my sponsors because the month of March has been like Christmas. I received beautiful boots from Dan Post and Miss Macie, several new shirts from Wrangler, and an incredible shipment of jewellery from Montana Silversmiths. Be sure to watch my social media over the next few weeks as I show off some of the latest styles from each of these amazing brands. I am so lucky for all of the incredible support I receive from them, truly setting me up for success as I make my way down the road.

Here’s to another great month! Please connect with me on social media; send me a message, ask me a question, or just introduce yourself. I look forward to meeting more of you, continuing to cheer on our athletes, and creating many more adventures along the way. Can you believe that the Canadian rodeo season will be officially kicking off with it’s first full rodeo of the spring this week?

* click images to enlarge


Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

 
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Jaden Holle - MRC RAM TruckI started off the month of February with a bang when I headed to the hometown of Balzac Billy! That iconic groundhog came out of his burrow and his shadow was nowhere to be seen, meaning an early spring and hugs all around!

It was a fun morning at the Blue Grass Garden Centre, where they served pancakes, hot chocolate and coffee, and we all listened to live music while we waited for Billy’s prediction.

The very next week I got to cross off a bucket list item as I headed to Quebec City for the Quebec Winter Carnival, or the “Carnaval de Quebec!”

As Calgary and Quebec are sister cities, I was able to join forces with the city of Calgary to bring the spirit of the west and be a rodeo presence at the carnival.

I was able to tour old Quebec, host Quebec city councillors at a City of Calgary Carnival kick-off reception, help serve pancakes with a good old fashioned flapjack breakfast and attend the iconic parade. However, the best part of it all was sharing my love of rodeo with the citizens of Quebec, who were all very excited to see a cowboy hat in the middle of the city!

I spoke lots of French and drank lots of hot cocoa, and before I knew it was time to get on another flight, this time to somewhere a lot sunnier; the Sunshine State itself!

I arrived in Kissimmee, Florida just in time for the 75th Anniversary of the Silver Spurs Rodeo, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi!

It was great to be reunited with Miss Rodeo America, many of the State Queens and meet the local royalty. Together, we went to many schools in the county, educating them about the sport of rodeo and demonstrating how widespread this sport really is!

Miss Rodeo Canada - Florida 2019I got to see gators of all shapes and sizes courtesy of Gatorland, ride on an airboat, take in the Florida sun, and ride in the back of a convertible for the Silver Spurs Parade! Pretty good for February if you ask me!

Some of the most memorable experiences in Florida were those spent with the kids. It was a pleasure to spend an evening at the Give Kids the World Village, where kids from the Make A Wish Foundation can stay and live their wildest dreams! (Ice cream for breakfast, anyone?) We participated in their Halloween party, because Halloween comes every week in a place where dreams come true! I was so inspired by the resilience of these kids and their families. We had a wonderful time giving out candy and line dancing with tiny little Spidermans, princesses, and mummies.

You can see more about this organization at their website: https://www.gktw.org/

The Silver Spurs Exceptional Rodeo was another special youth event. At this rodeo, the kids are the athletes! It was inspiring to see these cowboys and cowgirls try their hand at different adapted rodeo events.

The rodeo itself was a wonderful experience, and it was a pleasure to represent Canada in the arena. I even ran into local cowboy Spur Lacasse, and my very own boot sponsor, Terry Duffy from Dan Post! Thank you so much, Dan Post, for keeping me outfitted in the most beautiful boots!

It was cold when I landed back in Alberta after a week in Florida, but I didn’t mind because I got to go to Innisfail, Alberta to pick up my brand new, 2019 Dodge Ram Truck! Thank you so much to Innisfail Chrysler, CVS, and Smithbilt, for sponsoring me such a gorgeous, reliable ride as I travel this year. I have come to love this vehicle so much already and am earnestly brainstorming names for my shiny white baby.

On February 23, I got to test out my new ride as I headed to the Calgary Polo Club for the 3rd Annual Skijordue! Skijor is one of the fastest growing winter sports in Canada, and it involves horses, skis, and a whole lot of fun! I felt truly proud to be Canadian as I carried the flag in the grand entry amidst those brave souls not afraid of a little winter weather! Although a chilly day, I had so much fun watching the races, making new friends, and of course, eating fondue! If you ever get the chance to see or take part in this event, do it! It was my first time in attendance, and I don’t intend on missing it ever again!

I left Skijordue and headed south to Claresholm, the hosting place of the Chad Besplug Invitational Bull Riding! As some of you know, I carried the title of the first CBI Queen to the Miss Rodeo Canada pageant in October. It was such a neat experience to be at my namesake event, now with the Montana’s Silversmith Miss Rodeo Canada crown on my hat. It was a high-energy night made extra special when hometown boy, Logan Biever, took the win! I would like to thank Chad Besplug and his team for believing in me from the beginning and having me back in Claresholm for such a wonderful event.

Miss Rodeo Canada - Pink Shirt DayThe month ended just as strongly as it started. On Feb. 27th, I joined my friends at ATB Financial in support of Pink Shirt Day to take a stand against bullying. I celebrated this day by donning my pink shirt as I judged the All Saints High School “Poetry in Voice” school finals. I thought it was very fitting to be listening to students as they took the stage, one by one, all eyes on them, letting their voices be heard. I was moved and inspired by their performances. I was happy to see many students at the school wearing pink shirts, and I made sure to grab a photo with a few of them.

It’s my hope to see a world with more kindness, compassion, and support for one another. Days like Pink Shirt Day move people to think about how we can push for positive change. I am to have an amazing sponsor like ATB Financial that helps inspire that kind of action.

Cheers to another amazing month. I can’t wait to see what adventures March brings!

Until next time,

Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

 
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Miss Rodeo Canada - Cowboy DownhillDecember and January were incredible. I spent Christmas in High River with my family and even got to meet Santa Claus one evening at the High River library. I got to read Polar Express to the kids and help them out with some Christmas crafts.

I spent New Year’s Eve at the Rise Up Conference in Calgary, a conference for University aged students to motivate and inspire leaders for the renewal of the world. I was lucky enough to be asked to share the story of how I became Miss Rodeo Canada. I discussed how the fear of failure almost kept me from trying at all, and how I learned that even if my dream had not been fulfilled it still would have been worth it. Through this journey I have learned that our worth comes not from what we do but from who we are. It takes courage to follow our dreams and courage to trust that when we don’t achieve them, there is something better suited to us.

Early January was filled with excitement as I met with Elizabeth from Aria Studios who set me up with skin-care and make up products and training to use it all! I have loved having a routine and trying out all of my new products.

I also paid a visit to Smithbilt hats! Not only did Brian from Smithbilt set me up with a perfectly shaped hat, he even made me a coffee for the visit! Thank you, Smithbilt!

Everything felt real to me when I packed for my very first trip as Miss Rodeo Canada. On Jan. 11, I headed to the airport bright and early to go to WESA (the Western and English Apparel and Equipment Market). The rodeo world seemed to get smaller and smaller as I ran into Michael Solberg’s (Bareback rider) wife, Tayler, in the airport (twice in a week!) AND Clay Elliott (Saddle bronc rider) on my flight.

My highlight of the trip happened when we first got to Denver. We headed to the Montana Silversmith showroom where I was presented with my brand-new custom belt buckle! Thank you so much for this beautiful piece-I could not be more proud to wear it. Also at Montana Silversmith I got to work on a little project, which I am very excited to be revealing to you very soon!! Stay tuned!

The rest of the market was incredible. I got to meet several more of my sponsors, including Dan Post, Wrangler, and Miss Macie Boots. They have some incredible styles and I cannot wait to be working with you all this year.

The following week I found myself back in Denver where I got to meet with several of the American State Queens and I was reunited with Miss Rodeo America 2019, Taylor McNair at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. This was my first rodeo as Miss Rodeo Canada and it was an honour to carry the Canadian flag and represent our Canadian athletes for the first time in the arena.

I was also fortunate enough to participate in the 2019 Steamboat Cowboy Downhill Race, where several Queens and cowboys put our skills to the test on skis and snowboards!

After Denver I drove to Park City, Kansas for their rodeo. I was pleased to see much of my family in the crowd and also meet with 1983 Miss Rodeo Canada, Kate Cornelsen (Rumford).

Thank you so much to the National Western and Park City Rodeo committees for including me in your events. They were a fabulous start to my year!

Congratulations to bareback rider Clint Laye from Cadogan, AB for capturing the aggregate title at this year’s National Western!

See how more of our Canadian athletes did here:

http://www.rodeocanada.com/south-of-49.htm

My sincere condolences and prayers go out to the friends and family of Mason Lowe, who tragically passed away after injuries sustained at a PBR event at the National Western in Denver.

Until next time,
Jaden

Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca

 
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Jaden Holle - Miss Rodeo Canada 2019Hello everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jaden Holle. I was born and raised in High River, Alberta as a 4-H kid. I love swing dancing, coffee, and my horse, Monte, and I am so excited to be representing the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association for the next year as your 2019 Miss Rodeo Canada!

The Miss Rodeo Canada pageant happened during the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer, Alberta. I represented the Claresholm, AB Chad Besplug Invitational Bull Riding as their first Queen. It was such an honour not only to be the first CBI Queen, but the first Miss Rodeo Canada to be crowned in Red Deer, after an amazing 44 years in Edmonton.

I had the privilege of learning alongside Alicia Erickson (Miss Ponoka Stampede), Ashley Hygaard (Airdrie Pro Rodeo Princess), Kaylee Billyboy (Williams Lake Stampede Queen), Sage Nelson (Hanna Pro Rodeo Queen) and Brittany Doyle (Moose Mountain Pro Rodeo Queen). It was so special to spend the Canadian Finals with these ladies, representing rodeos from three different provinces! Thank you girls for being such a fun group of ladies to hang out with. My memories of CFR45 are filled with lots of laughs and LOTS of car jam sessions.

I am so excited about the adventures to come, but I want to take a moment, firstly, to tip my hat to the lady handing me the reins. Brittney, congratulations on an amazing year and on a job well done. You have left big boots to fill. You have the stamina of a marathon runner and a heart of gold. I will be looking to your example as I strive to be a good ambassador for the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.

Secondly, huge congratulations to our 2018 Canadian Champions: Clay Elliott (Saddle bronc), Richmond Champion (Bareback), Wacey Finkbeiner (Bull riding), Callahan Crossley (Ladies Barrel Racing), Scott Guenthner (Steer Wrestling), Shane Hanchey (Tie-Down Roping), Levi Simpson (Team Roping Header) and Jeremy Buhler (Team Roping Heeler). Congrats also to our 2018 High Point Champion Riley Warren and All-Around Champion Jacob Gardner as well as our novice champs: Mason Helmeczi (Novice Bareback), Cooper Thatcher (Novice Saddlebronc) and Tristen Manning (Steer Riding).

As many of you know, this year has been a year of changes for both the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and the Miss Rodeo Canada program. While the Canadian Finals Rodeo made their move to Red Deer, the Miss Rodeo Canada Program made some shifts as well. This year, Brittney was able to complete the 2018 rodeo season with our Canadian qualified athletes who made it to the National Finals Rodeo. (Although the new rodeo season begins in October, there is a bit of an overlap with the end of the prior one which wraps up at the NFR in Las Vegas.) So, while Brittney travelled to Vegas to complete her end-of-season duties, I was given the title of the (first!) Miss Rodeo Canada Lady-In-Waiting.

While in the past, the newly crowned Miss Rodeo Canada headed straight to Vegas to kick off her year with one of the largest rodeo events she would experience, I was grateful to have this waiting period to soak it all in and prepare myself for the adventure ahead.

The waiting period wasn’t all waiting though! I was busy getting photos taken for my autograph sheets and I got to do a few events as a lady-in-waiting as well.

Firstly, I got to participate in a photo shoot for the January/February issue of Western Horse Review! We modelled several beautiful outfits, but my personal favourite was this gorgeous Hudson Point Blanket jacket by Carol Mason. Very “Canadian” and an honour to wear as I am Métis and several of my ancestors were voyageurs for the Hudson’s Bay Company!

The second time I got to put on that gorgeous (brand-new!) Montana Silversmith crown was for the High River Santa Claus parade. I was fortunate enough to co-host the live broadcast of the parade alongside Jody Seeley, fellow High River resident and also CPRA social media specialist! It was my first time M.C.ing, and it was really neat to be on the other side of a parade that I have grown up going to for years!

Miss Rodeo Canada Jaden HolleAfter that, I headed to Vegas! While Brittney was busy doing her royal duties, I got to explore and see what I will be in for next year. I arrived to Vegas on Saturday, just in time for the coronation ceremony of the 2019 Miss Rodeo America. As Keri, Brittney and Ashleigh, the American, Canadian and Australian ambassadors for professional rodeo, stood side by side on that stage, I was reminded at the opportunity at hand to build not just relationships, but lasting friendships that transcend borders (and accents!) Congratulations to Taylor McNair, who I am already referring to as “my new best friend”- the 2019 Miss Rodeo America. I am so excited to be working with you this year and I can’t wait to find out who our Queen from down under will be.

Though the weather was a lot warmer than in High River, I felt at home in Las Vegas Vegas whenever I saw those Canadian flags waving in the Thomas and Mack, heard the name of one of our Canadian stock, or watched one of our own athletes riding in the arena. My Canadian pride was running strong when all six of our competitors won money on Canada night. (And you better bet I was wearing my ‘Larsen, Guenthner, Cassidy, Elliot, Thurston, Pozzobon’ shirt to cheer them on). And how about Carman Pozzobon winning the average with her clean, consistent runs!? Just thinking about it makes me want to blast some Béyonce ‘girl power’ songs. Who runs the world? Girls. And Carman’s mare, Ripp.

While I was in Vegas, I got to meet with the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys who presented me with a gorgeous tooled Bible. It is so touching to know that I have people supporting me and praying for me as I head into the unknown. I will be looking to this Bible for comfort and guidance as I head into a crazy (and exciting!) year.

Before I knew it, the National Finals Rodeo and 2018 rodeo season was over and I was given full reins as your Miss Rodeo Canada. I want to take this time to thank everyone who supported me both through the pageant and in this new title.

To the families of Canadian professional rodeo: thank you so much already for welcoming me with open arms. It is my goal to represent each of you well, share your stories and be a platform for our fans to get to know you better and the values you represent.

So here’s to the next year! I am so excited. Please come introduce yourself to me, even if I look “busy.” I am here for you.

There are so many national anthems to sing, rodeos to watch, people to meet. Maybe this time next year, I’ll handle a rope a little better, maybe we’ll have seen each other at a few rodeos, maybe I’ll actually recognize Riley Warren when he sits behind me at the NFR. (Hey, maybe he’ll recognize me back!)

Canada, let’s make this rodeo season a good one. I feel so blessed to be riding along with you.

Please check back soon to find out what I’ve been up to since Vegas!

Sincerely,

Jaden Holle
Miss Rodeo Canada 2019
www.missrodeocanada.ca




 
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