Horse Illustrated Magazine

The 2008 Miss Rodeo America pageant is hosting 27 cowgirls, ages 19-25, from across the country in Las Vegas Dec. 1 through Dec. 8. A prelude to the Pro Rodeo Cowboy’s Association’s (PRCA) Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 6-15, the pageant crowns one young woman who will represent and promote America’s rodeo sport and serve as the official spokeswoman for the PRCA. Pageant activities are being held at The Orleans Hotel & Casino. The horsemanship portion of the Pageant competition is Dec. 3 at The South Point Equestrian and Event Center.

In addition to horsemanship skills, contestants are judged in the major categories of personality and appearance. Each contestant will demonstrate her skills in public speaking, personal interviewing and horsemanship; her knowledge of rodeo and general equine science and current event awareness; and visual poise and overall professionalism.

A highlight of the pageant is the midweek fashion show, Dec. 4. The contestants model the latest fashions from Wrangler and a western elegance dress from their personal collection. This year’s theme for the fashion show is a celebration for Wrangler’s 60th birthday.

Over the 53-year history of the pageant, thousands of dollars have been awarded in educational scholarships to young women for their contributions to the sport of Pro Rodeo through the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation. Today, more than $30,000 in educational scholarships are dispersed to the overall and category winners of the pageant annually. Additionally, Miss Rodeo America and her court win many prizes, made possible by the generous sponsors of the pageant.

A complete pageant schedule of events and pageant ticket information can be found online at www.missrodeoamerica.com.