Life Lately: April Edition

April was truly a month of movement, growth, and full circle moments. From sponsorship meetings to rodeo performances, and from northern school visits to time spent in the United States, this month reminded me just how special this journey really is.

I began April in Regina, Saskatchewan, working alongside one of our incredible partners, Canadian Western Agribition, coordinating sponsorship opportunities for the year ahead. It was a great way to kick off the month and continue strengthening relationships that support the Miss Rodeo Canada program.

From there, I travelled to Calgary, Alberta to attend the Calgary Stampede Tarp Auction. While in Calgary, I also had the opportunity to do a photoshoot with Courtney from CD Snapshots. Capturing updated headshots was such a fun and exciting experience, and I’m so grateful to have images that reflect this chapter of my journey.

Next stop was Grande Prairie, Alberta for the WPCA Grande Prairie Tarp Auction. This quickly became one of my favorite events of the month. I had the chance to meet the contestants vying for Miss Grande Prairie Stampede and connect with so many passionate individuals in the rodeo community. I’m already looking forward to returning for the Grande Prairie Stampede at the end of May.

Following Grande Prairie, I travelled to Dawson Creek, British Columbia, where I spent several days with Longhorn Oilfield Services. This was truly one of the most meaningful weeks I’ve had so far as Miss Rodeo Canada. Visiting northern schools and sharing the story of rodeo, along with my own journey, was incredibly special. The warmth and hospitality I experienced there is something I will never forget.

From Dawson Creek, I made my way back to High River, Alberta for the Miss Rodeo Canada Alumni Clinic. This stop held a special place in my heart. Just one year ago, I attended this clinic unsure if I would pursue the title. Returning this year as Miss Rodeo Canada and sharing my journey with the next group of young women was a true full circle moment.

It was also incredibly special to see five Saskatchewan rodeo queens in attendance this year. Watching that number grow fills me with so much pride and excitement for the future of rodeo in our province.

From there, I travelled south to Montana, and what a beautiful state it is. My first stop was Great Falls, where I visited Bison Ford and took part in a scholarship event hosted at their dealership. It was inspiring to see their commitment to supporting youth and education.  Bison Ford is under the Cam Clark Automotive Group who provides me with my new Ford F150 during my year.

I then continued to Columbus, Montana to visit anothe sponsor, Montana Silversmiths. Getting a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and detail that goes into each piece of jewelry we wear was incredible. It gave me an even deeper appreciation for the brand and what it represents in the western industry. My wonderful day spent with Miss Rodeo Montana, Bentley McCullough.

While in Montana, I also had the opportunity to visit Montana State Capitol in Helena. The architecture and history were absolutely stunning and made for a memorable stop along the way.

Back in Canada, I headed to Taber, Alberta for the Taber Spring Classic Pro Rodeo. It was such a fun performance, and I had the opportunity to witness the crowning of the new Miss Rodeo Taber 2026. I also got to spend time with outgoing queen Shay Amen, who I had the privilege of competing alongside, which made that moment even more special.

From Taber, I headed to Coleman for the Kananaskis Pro Rodeo, which has easily become one of my favorite stops so far this year. I gathered some content and spent time learning about the community. Taking that time to connect with the people and history before the rodeo made the experience even more meaningful. The atmosphere, the people, and the celebration of cowgirl tradition made it incredibly meaningful. I was especially honored to ride a young horse in its very first grand entry and flag carry, an experience built on trust that I won’t soon forget.

A special thank you to the Resch family for trusting me on such incredible horses, and to the rodeo committee for truly celebrating the roots and traditions of the cowgirl. Moments like these are what make this role so special.

Following Coleman, I travelled to Edmonton, Alberta where I completed radio interviews with 840/CFCW Radio, promoting upcoming rodeos across the province. I also had the opportunity to create content with Chateau Lacombe Hotel, whose continued support of the Miss Rodeo Canada program means so much, especially during the Canadian Finals Rodeo.

To wrap up the month, I spent an incredible week in Drayton Valley, Alberta for the Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo. From school visits and sponsor appearances to three rodeo performances, it was a busy and rewarding week.

This stop was another full circle moment for me. Drayton Valley was the very first professional rodeo I attended as a rodeo queen last year. Returning this year as Miss Rodeo Canada and carrying the Canadian flag was something I will never forget.

I was also grateful to ride Poncho throughout the week, provided by the Skeels family of Anchor D Simmentals. Having a trusted mount makes all the difference, and I’m so thankful for their continued support and as a sponsor.

As April comes to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude. This month was a beautiful reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to take in every moment.

With rodeo season now fully underway across Canada, I am so excited for what lies ahead. I can’t believe we are already a quarter of the way through this year, but if April is any indication, the best is yet to come.

Truly Blessed,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Abbey Harty                                                                                                                                                    Miss Rodeo Canada 2026