Hey, l competed in my local Rodeo Queens competition last year, and it was my first year. l did not get a very good score...lol. Honestly, l did not know that the Queens was so political, l just did it to see if l could. l competed on my colt that l had only been riding on for about 4 months, and he did not do quite as well as most of the other horses, but l did not expect us to win or anything. It was just an experiment. Now, he has alot more training under his girth, and we've been practicing last years pattern, and he does it no problem. I am wanting some advice on my horsemanship part. I've heard that judges really like ''jump mounts'' where you use both hands on the horn, and jump into you stirrup. And I've also heard that they like you to ride one-handed with split reins, and the reins looped around your index finger. Now, the girl who told me this is sorta...catty...and l do not know to believe her or not. She strikes me as the type to give bad advice to help her chances of winning. So, if anybody is experienced in rodeo queens, and has any tips for me then PLEASE let me know.

Thank you so much!!

and tips for interview would be great too.
l normally ride with splint rein anyways, the only time l do not is when i'm running barrels. l knew that l would not win, because l was on a green broke colt AND it was my first year. l just wanted to see how well we would do. Plus, my firend said that l could not do it, and l wanted to prove her worong. :] There is nothing wrong with going into a competition and trying, even when you know that you're probably not going to win. At least l gave it a shot. And the advice is great!! Thanks about the hat falling off part, l did not know that!!

Ha l thought your cat was giving birth.

l do not know much about that. Sorry good luck though l hope someone here give you some good advice.

Just about every year, the judges will be different & so will the patterns. It would help u greatly if u would attend (watch & help with a few) before u compete yourself. Ignore the advice that u have received, seriously. There will probably be more than one judge to ride to, but again, they all appreciate seeing good horsemanship.yes, they will expect u to ride split reins with one hand, if that is a big deal to you, u definitely r not ready to compete. Lots of things literally turn a judge off.one is a poor quality hat or one with a bad or incomplete crease. Another, boots, also the length of ur pants.should cover or almost cover the heel of ur boots when u r mounted. Inappropriate tack or dirty tack is another turn off. Not being able to look the judge/judges in the eye when answering questions & not being sincere & serious with ur is another big turn off for the judges. You have to be able to listen to directions, as they may ask one contestant to do one thing & another contestant something else.be prepared & have ur horse prepared. l do not know about you, but l never entered any kind of contest that l did not expect to win, or know that if l did my best, l had a chance. l do not know why anyone would do any different. l wish u luck. Do ur own homework & do not listen to the other competitors.most Rodeo Queens usually have a sponsor or a coach to help them, l suggest u find a knowledgible person to help you.

One hand with split reins is right. l do not think the finger thing is important. Mounting ur horse properly, one hand on the horn - one hand on the horses neck & reins. Your a not allowed to lose ur hat while riding. Proper queens attire. Slip on western smooth soled boots. Check all of ur equipment before mounting. Do not forget to smile, that is very important. They will probably have different judges every year & trends change all the time.
Getting a former rodeo queen to give u some tips could help u the most.
This is a great website to visit;
http://rodeoroyalty.com/

Good luck.

my cousin was utah is rodeo queen a few years back, & l have been doing queen contests since l was 7, so hopefully l will be of some help :o)
well first off, if the queen contest ur doing is the kind were u can were anything then i'd suggest match ur colors with ur horse, it does not have to be ''bling bling'' or expensive, just whatever color of shirt u r wearing- try to get a matching saddle pad/ or blanket to match ur horse ( u do not have to- just if u want to) also do not forget to groom ur horse really good so it looks nice :) if u want to u can put hoof polish on, sparkly stuff but l usually don't, l just use some shine on spray (all over the coat & maine n tail) & brush it after l spray it, then it is double shiny- l sometimes put sparkly but not all the time, its up to u though to make ur horse all 'fancy' ok anyway, u did hear right on the jumping thing- judges LOve jump mount ( yes it is were u grab the horn with both hands & also have the reigns in ur hands too & u jump in to the saddle) l have never heard of the finger thing so l would not worry about that ::) but on the reigns do use split reigns, they work better & r preferred more. also when u r dismounting & mounting make sure ur horse is standing still, & that when u r taking ur leg over the saddle that it is straight. ok. the judges do like u to ride with one hand but not always use both hands during lead changes, & stuff like that ;-) losing ur hat will cost u many many points so do not lose it!! make sure that it fits nicely or if it is too big find a way to make it stay on ( one year l had to duck tape mine on, it was a night mare getting it off- lol, & another time l used bobby pins to keep it on,) just buy a hat that fits so its no trouble. also the whole time u r riding (-: smile :-) that is one of the most important things, even if u r having a hard time, or ur horse is being bad, smile-ing is really important. try to have the best balance with ur horse they really like it when u r really 'in motion' with ur horse, also when u sismount & the judges ask u questions relax, & when u r exiting the arena, befor u r to the gate stop- smile- & look back at the judges- even if they dont look at u or see u looking u should always smile :-)
ok on the interveiw part- be confident, once again attitude is everything, speak clearly, & smile the whole time, when they ask u questions, answer it as best as u can & then back up ur reasons/ answer, they really like u to be opinionated & give u more points. & once the interveiw is over then stand up & thank them & walk out with a smile on ur face.
good luck & best of wishes in all that u do & the contest im sure u will kick butt!!! ;-)