January Reflections: The Beginning of My Year as Miss Rodeo Canada

January marked the official beginning of my year as Miss Rodeo Canada, and as the month comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible start it has been.

Serving in this role is truly such an honour. While it was not a lifelong dream, it soon became something I poured every ounce of effort and passion into—and now, stepping into this year, I am beyond excited to continue serving with that same dedication and heart.

My year began with sponsorship visits in Calgary, where I had the pleasure of spending time with some of our gracious sponsors, including Lammle’s, Smithbilt, and Janine’s Custom Creations. It is a joy to work alongside sponsors who are so deeply rooted in western tradition, craftsmanship, and community, and I look forward to building meaningful relationships with them throughout the year.

Soon after, my first trip was quickly underway. I enjoyed a lovely stay at the Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton before taking part in my first radio interview with 840 CFCW, followed by a visit to the West Edmonton Mall Lammle’s location. These early opportunities were a wonderful way to begin connecting with western communities and sharing the Miss Rodeo Canada program.

My first official rodeo stop of the year was the San Diego Rodeo, where I had the opportunity to work alongside the incredible C5 Rodeo team. Their dedication over the past three years has helped create a truly remarkable, sold-out event. While in San Diego, I also had the pleasure of touring the city with Miss Rodeo California, and experiencing the electric energy that Petco Park brings to the city during rodeo weekend.

From there, my journey continued to Denver for the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. Touring the historic stockyards and visiting the new “Legacy” building was incredibly special—the architecture alone carried so much history and pride. One of the most memorable moments of the month was riding in the iconic Coliseum aboard the Cervi Bros. grand entry horses. I was deeply honoured to be invited to take part in grand entry and to carry the National Western Stock Show flag—an experience I will cherish forever.

As my time in Denver came to a close, I left with immense pride in representing Canadian rodeo athletes and livestock south of the border. My journey then continued to Texas for WESA and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Walking into the World Trade Center at WESA was a truly humbling experience, as I had the opportunity to meet with incredible sponsors I look forward to working with this year, including Dan Post Boot Company, Wrangler, Bex Sunglasses, and Montana Silversmith.

One of the most meaningful moments of the month came when I was surprised with my official Montana Silversmith buckle, beautifully engraved with my name. It was in that moment where everything started to feel very real and a moment I will forever cherish. 

My Texas travels took an unexpected turn when some unprecedented “Canadian weather” rolled in, leading me back to Denver to finish out the National Western Stock Show. What a privilege it was to cheer on Canadian athletes during championship weekend and once again swing a leg over the incredible Cervi horses.

Denver will forever hold a special place in my heart, as it was the first rodeo arena where I was announced as Miss Rodeo Canada 2026.

January was filled with unforgettable moments, and I will always look back on this first month with such fondness. I’m so excited to see what the months ahead will bring as this incredible year continues to unfold.