I am so glad it is starting to warm up and snow is starting to disappear. This of course means I am getting busier and busier.
For the first time ever Miss Rodeo Canada attended the World Professional Chuck Wagon Association Canvas Auction. Vold Jones Vold provided auctioneer services and I escorted the drivers on stage. I had a great time getting to know everyone.
I was very lucky to meet some wonderful kids at the Calgary Stampede Aggie Days. Along with many visiting royalty, we got to enjoy the exhibits and teach some kids a thing or two about agriculture.
The Miss Rodeo Sundre Fashion show was a great hit! I got to show off my modeling and dancing skills along with the Sundre Rodeo Royalty. We were able to model some great apparel during the show: Roper, Stetson, Tin Haul, Deltaz Girlz and Ulla la Boutique. Thank you to Tim Edge for being our MC and to Jo Lawes for putting together a great show!
Today I flew back from my adventure in Beautiful British Columbia. The Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo is the second largest BCRA rodeo. Along with Mr. Dennis Halstead and Mr. Brett Gardiner, I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with an amazing committee. I also had the privilege of spending time with some BC Rodeo Royalty, including the Williams Lake Stampede Royalty. I had a great time in the Williams Lake community entertaining seniors, visiting schools, and meeting some awesome Rodeo fans. I would like to thank Sharon MacDonald for making this visit possible, The Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo Committee for their fantastic hospitality, and the Everett family for lending me their awesome horse Doc!
Along the way I had was able to witness where one of my sponsors makes some of my custom made outfits. Ann and Sherri Belcham live in Ashcroft, BC. They have sponsored many shirts and have also crafted all of my dresses. It was so great to visit and see where the magic happens.
Today I hopped off my plane and jumped into my RAM 1500, and made my way to Lethbridge, AB. I am now here for their Aggie Days. Kids are definitely a major source for my entertainment this year. I am excited to meet even more tomorrow and here what they have been learning about in the agricultural world!
Happy Trails!
Miss Rodeo Canada 2013
Gillian Shields
Things have yet to slow down for me this spring. I have had a great last couple weeks spending time in the mountains, playing music, and sharing my love of Rodeo!
My first event back home was visiting the Trochu Valley Elementary School. I had so much fun educating over 200 students on our western values and the sport of Rodeo. That same day I headed south for the GMC Rangeland Derby Tarp Auction. I had the chance to catch up with some familiar faces and finally got to meet the Calgary Stampede Royal Trio and Indian Princess.
Lake Louise was my next stop, for the first ever Twisted Tea Ski Louise Stampede. This was a very eventful day, watching some Cowboys and Cowgirls having their go at “Bucking the Mountain”. A big thanks to Lake Louise, Ted Stovin, and the CPRA for putting on an amazing day and awards banquet.
The following week also turned up being busy. I had the privilege of playing some music for some seniors in Unit 4 at the Didsbury Hospital. They are no doubt one of my favorite audiences to play for.
Next stop was to Northlands Park in Edmonton for the Canadian National College Finals Rodeo. I carried our beautiful flag to the anthem and carried other flags throughout the night. A special thanks to Nicole Briggs the CIRA president, and Northlands Park.
The Roper Stetson Warehouse held the first ever Miss Rodeo Canada Warehouse Sale. Opening it’s doors up for some lucky shoppers, the warehouse was packed with the proceeds going to the Miss Rodeo Canada program. I cannot thank Jim Nevada and his ladies enough for their support. I am still so lucky to have the community of Airdrie behind me. I am so blessed to know and have all these people in my life. I have to also give a shout out to my wonderful Miss Rodeo Canada Board, and all the royalty who came out and helped out for the evening.
Next week I am heading to Beautiful British Columbia for the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo!
Gillian Shields
Miss Rodeo Canada 2013
It is my last sunny day here in beautiful Florida. Lucky for me I am now heading to another sunny destination, the Grand Canyon state of Arizona! I have had a wonderful time here and cannot believe how fast it flew by!
This past week I had the opportunity to make life long friends with 23 amazing ladies. This year once again broke the record for the most visiting state queens hosted at the Silver Spurs Rodeo. We were busy visiting schools, signing autographs, riding at the Rodeo, and having a little fun as well! We all got to experience air boating, zip lining, hog hunting, and discover the various wild life Florida has to offer. I even ate a few delicacies: frog legs, alligator, and cat fish. Let’s just say, I think I will stick to my Alberta Beef. My favorite day was the day we went to Cocoa Beach. I sat there looking at the ocean thinking to myself, who would have thought I’d end up on a beach in Florida, all because of Miss Rodeo Canada! I am loving every minute of this adventure and am so glad this is my job for the rest of the year. Once again a huge thank you to the Kessler Family for putting on such a wonderful program, and giving girls the trip of a lifetime!
Today I am catching my flight to Pheonix, Arizona! I am for excited to be attending three different Rodeo’s. La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tuscon, Parada del Sol, and Roots and Boots in Queen Creek! The wonderful Jayme Smith, Miss Rodeo Arizona will be hosting me and traveling with me to all of these Rodeos. I am very excited to be there and represent Canada and the CPRA, especially since Arizona is full of Canadians. I am sure I will run into some of you!
Happy Trails!
Miss Rodeo Canada 2013
Gillian Shields
My first busy weekend at home was absolutely spectacular! I started off with the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies Convention held at Northlands park. With the Airdrie Rodeo Royalty joining me, we were able to meet some amazing individuals including the Minister of Agriculture, Verlyn Olson. I said grace, we had a wonderful meal, and then we were headed south again!
We were up bright and early for Groundhog day. Bluegrass Nurseries host a Groundhog day celebration every year, where we got to see Balzac Billy wake up and possibly see his shadow! He did not see his shadow this year, so hopefully we will have an early spring.
Red Deer was my next stop for the With This Ring Bridal Gala. On my way I was able to stop by Ocean Front Saddlery in Bowden and pick up my chaps Kenton Hubschmid made for me! The chaps are absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to sport them on my next stop, Florida! I had an absolute blast at the bridal gala and hit the run-way in a few different wedding gowns. It was so much fun and I will hopefully be at the next gala in September.
I also have a few more exciting things to let you all know. The wonderful people at Alberta Dodge have set me up with a truck for the year! I want the thank them immensely for their support and faith in the Miss Rodeo Canada program! If all of you were able to see the Ram Truck commercial for the NFL Super Bowl XLVII then you would completely understand how we are all so lucky to have Dodge support our wonderful sport of Rodeo and our agricultural foundations. Telus has also stepped up to the plate this year and has supplied me with my very own Samsung Galaxy lll and covers all billing expenses. Thank you so much to Telus and Dodge for being so great to work with and helping me get down the road!
Stay tuned to hear about my adventure to Kissimmee, Florida for the Silver Spurs Rodeo!
Happy Trails
Gillian Shields
January was an amazing month for me. Bringing in the New Year with the Ultimate Cowboy Challenge in Ponoka was great to be a part of. It was quite entertaining to watch 15 cowboys compete in every rodeo event and really show their skills. In the end, it was Jeremy Harden of Big Valley, AB, claiming the Ultimate Cowboy title. A big thank you to Scott and Julie Wyzykoski for putting on such a great event and treating me so well!
Denver, Colorado was my next stop. There I took part in The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo and the Western and English Sales Association Market. I had the opportunity to meet Paul Andrews, President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show, who was extremely welcoming. I attended the Colorado versus the World Rodeo Performance and saw two Canadians compete, Straws Milan and Curtis Cassidy. The Calgary Stampede also had their stock there. I assisted in presenting the champions awards with a few other State Queens.
The Western and English Sales Association Market gave me a chance to catch up with a few of my sponsors. Montana Silversmiths had my new buckle ready, and I can truly say it brought back the feeling of being crowned again. I also caught up with Wrangler and Roper-Stetson. Jim Nevada from Roper-Stetson has not only given me a huge amount of support but also gave the Sundre and Airdrie Rodeo Royalty the chance to experience Denver. I want to send a huge thank you to Jim and his crew for always taking care of us.
Hope all of you are keeping warm!
Happy Trails,
Gillian Shields
Miss Rodeo Canada 2013
I cannot believe 2012 has come to an end. Definitely an unforgettable year in my life. I finished my year as Miss Rodeo Airdrie 2011, and began a new journey: Miss Rodeo Canada 2013!
Wrapping up the year with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was an incredible experience. It was a busy 10 days but I enjoyed every minute. Watching the Miss Rodeo America 2013 pageant in person has been something I always wanted to do since I have been watching the videos over the years. Getting to know Miss Rodeo America 2012 Mackenzie Carr was also a blast. Since we were both in the grand entry at the Rodeo and helped with the Montana Silversmiths buckle presentations at the South Point, we got to share quite a few memories. Hearing ‘How bout them Cowgirls’ made famous by George Strait (Who I also got to meet!) was a surreal feeling because that was our cue to take off into the Thomas and Mack. It is an indescribable feeling, to hear that crowd roar after they called my name, and every time I finished my lap I came out with a big grin on my face. I am truly living my dream.
During the WFNR I also had the opportunity to do some autograph signings for my amazing sponsors: Roper, Tin Haul, Stetson, Wrangler and Montana Silversmiths. This allowed me to meet Rodeo fans from around the world. After signing so many autographs I think I am almost a professional name speller.
A few charity events I attended were Bob Tallman’s Charity Bowling Tournament and the PRCA Exceptional Rodeo. Both were quite memorable days. George Strait’s guitar player, Joel Manuel taught me how to ten pin bowl which really improved my game. As soon as he told me which bowling balls to use I immediately got a strike. That was a huge improvement for hitting the gutter almost every time. At the Exceptional Rodeo I got to spend a day with an amazing kid, Azure. Once he sat in the saddle for a real horse ride, a smile immediately appeared on his face. It is so overwhelming to realize the obstacles some individuals have day to day. Making Azure’s day reminded me that I will have the opportunity to do that quite frequently this year with many kids. That is something I am most looking forward to doing.
I am so blessed and honoured to have had this experience. I would like to thank everyone for their supporting words along the way and also Jack Daines for presenting MRC with $1000.00 Cheque! What a great way to end 2012.
This also means that 2013 is about to begin! I am so excited to be heading to the Denver National Stock Show and Rodeo in January next and looking forward to what looks like a fantastic year!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
Happy Trails!
Gillian Shields
Miss Rodeo Canada 2013
My name is Gillian Shields, and I have been crowned the new Miss Rodeo Canada 2013. After a week long pageant, consisting of: horsemanship, personal interview, public speaking, and written exam, it still has not completely sunk in. I remember standing there in the dirt and hearing Les call my name. I was excited, nervous, and in shock mostly. I remember repeatedly looking back at Arleta for the instruction on what to do next. Definitely a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life. I would not have gotten this far without the amazing people who have been behind me throughout this journey. I would like to thank my family, friends, sponsors, the Airdrie Rodeo Ranch Association, and the City of Airdrie. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity to represent a sport and family I am so proud to be apart of.
So what is next? The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada! I have already been preparing myself for the eleven day trip, and have been visiting quite a few of my sponsors. Thank-you to Wrangler, Stetson, Tin Haul, Roper, and Smithbilt Hats for keeping me looking the part! I will have quite the schedule while I am down in Vegas. I will be able to experience the Miss Rodeo America pageant, Bob Tallman’s WNFR Charity Bowling Tournament, WNFR Buckle presentations, WNFR Grand Entry at the Thomas and Mack arena, various autograph sessions, and meeting rodeo fans from all over the world! I have never been to the Las Vegas, let alone WNFR, so I am so excited that I am able to be there representing Canada.
I also wanted to send a huge thank-you to Ted Stovin at Everything Cowboy for allowing me to share my experiences with all of you.
Happy Trails!
Miss Rodeo Canada 2013
Gillian Shields
My name is Gillian Shields and I am extremely honoured to be the newly crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2013. I am not only privileged to be an ambassador for the sport of Rodeo in Canada, but also to represent the supportive Rodeo family and association we are all blessed to be a part of.
The Miss Rodeo Canada 2013 contestants moved into The Sutton Place Hotel on November 3rd. Our week long pageant consisted of: a horsemanship competition, personal interview, public speaking, rodeo knowledge written exam, and a fashion show. I spent the week with two other amazing women with whom I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to share laughs, tears, and the passion for representing the western way of life we came from. Another thing added to the pageant this year was the involvement of the MRC alumni and Miss Rodeo Australia, Bobbie-Jo Geisler.
I would like to thank the Miss Rodeo Canada Committee, The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, and the sponsors who have made all of this possible: River City Round Up, Northlands, Minuteman Press, JLT, Wrangler, Global Edmonton, Roper, Stetson, 790 CFCW, The Sutton Place Hotel, Tin Haul, Montana Silversmiths, Maureen McHugh, and Linda Finstad.
It was a surreal feeling hearing Les McIntyre announce my name as the new Miss Rodeo Canada. I have had a tremendous amount of support from my community, committee, friends, and family and I would not be here without each and every one of them. Thank you to all of you for being behind me every step of the way.
I am very excited to represent Canada and the CPRA at my next official appearance, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
Happy Trails!
Gillian Shields
Miss Rodeo Canada 2013
Well my year is coming to an end and it has been amazing. Over these last couple months, I have been able to attend a few different fundraisers, trail rides, and community events. I was at my last rodeo of the year in Hanna, Alberta and had a great time!
Now I am gearing up for the 2012 Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, where I will be carrying the Canadian flag during the performances as well as taking part in many other events during the week. During the CFR, the 2013 Miss Rodeo Canada pageant will also be taking place, where three lucky ladies will be competing for the title. I will be passing off my crown during the November 10 afternoon performance of the CFR.
I would like to thank everyone that has helped me throughout my year. To all my sponsors that have treated me so well and have helped me with anything I needed along the way, I express my deepest gratitude. Thank you to our rodeo sports medicine team that helped me get back in the saddle again. And to the CPRA, thank you so much for letting me represent our great sport of rodeo this past year. It is a year I will not soon forget!
God Bless,
Arleta Bowhay
Miss Rodeo Canada 2012
Well August has been a busy month for me; I am finally feeling better and am able to get back to my duties. I travelled down to Darwin, Australia for the Darwin Championship Rodeo. This was a trip that I will remember forever. Thank you to Kim and Andrew Wright for having me and the MRC Vice President, Anne Lamers, stay at your wonderful house and for all the adventures you took us on. We went swimming and feeding the Crocs, saw Wallabies, and fed wild fish! Also, a big thank you to the Darwin Rotary Club for sending me to Australia and for making me a part of their rodeo.
When I flew home, it was straight off to the Lethbridge Whoop-Up Days where I spent 5 days with an awesome committee and a community that just welcomed me right in. I had a couple of days off to quickly do my laundry and repack then I headed off to the Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong, BC. I have visited this rodeo once before, but it has grown so much that I was just blown away. Not only is this a great rodeo with an outstanding crowd, but their fair is amazing. The committee was super friendly and happy that I could make an appearance, which makes my job so much better! I was honored to attend and hope I can go back and take it in again sometime.
Next up will be a few gala events and the Hanna Pro Rodeo, and then my term as Miss Rodeo Canada will come to an end. I am excited to give another girl this amazing opportunity and look forward to what life has in store for me.
God Bless,
Arleta Bowhay
Miss Rodeo Canada 2012