Profiles
Gillian Shields is 21 years old, and was born and raised on a grain and cattle farm west of Didsbury, Alberta. She started playing violin at the age of four and owned her own horse by the age of five. She is a past member of the Didsbury Outlaws 4-H Horse Club, and began competing in junior rodeos at the age of twelve. Since then she has competed as an avid barrel racer in CARA, FCA, and College Rodeo associations.
Gillian graduated in 2008 from Didsbury High School. In 2009 she took her Registered Massage Therapist Diploma in Red Deer and is currently practicing at the Didsbury Massage Clinic. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Red Deer College, in hopes of becoming an Elementary music and special education teacher.
In 2011, she was crowned Miss Rodeo Airdrie, and had the most fulfilling year of her life. She was truly honoured to represent the Airdrie Ranch Rodeo Association and the city of Airdrie.
Gillian believes our western way of life is based on faith, hard work, and family values. It is extremely important to keep the time honoured traditions alive in the sport of Rodeo, and it is a necessity to have ambassadors and role models such as Miss Rodeo Canada, to ensure the sport remains in the hearts of families and spectators in our nation.
Gillian is an active volunteer in her community with the Mountain View Arts Society, The Didsbury Agriculture Society, The Didsbury Outlaws 4-H club, and regularly performs for seniors and patients at the Didsbury hospital with her violin.
In her spare time, Gillian enjoys music, fishing, traveling, and being with family. She would like to thank her friends, family, and sponsors who have supported her on this amazing journey.
