Cochrane’s newest rodeo queen may wear the sash and the crown – but she’s no princess when it comes to Cochrane’s newest rodeo queen may wear the sash and the crown – but she’s no princess when it comes to chasing the cans.
“I barrel race and I just love the sport of rodeo. I personally love speed, so going fast is definitely thrilling,” said 17-year-old Jesse Miller. “The feeling you get, especially when I’m riding my horse and I do my three turns on my barrels and I’m running home … it’s such an amazing thing.”
The teenager from Rimbey was honoured last weekend with a custom buckle and the title of Cochrane Lions Rodeo Royalty Queen. She was introduced to the crowd of cowboys and cowgirls in the dirt during the Cochrane Lions Labour Day Rodeo finals on Monday afternoon.
“I was excited … definitely one of my favourite moments,” said Miller. “Being queen is an experience … growing into more of an adult and the experience of getting to grow as a person. It’s going to be a great year.”
Organizer Susan Black said Miller encapsulates everything it means to be the queen.
“What’s going to make her superb and successful is, she’s very humble, she’s very gracious, she’s very outgoing. She’s also very, very community minded … from little kids to seniors, she (is) fabulous,” said Black. “We’re very excited.”
In the days leading up to the crowning, Miller and co-contestant Kamryn Brown were put through their paces with public speaking events, a knowledge exam, a personal interview and a riding showcase.
Miller said the process itself was an adventure for both teens.
“Even if you’re not the lucky one, you still do so much and you learn so much along the way,” she said. “I got to compete against a really cool girl that did teach me a lot as well … we definitely bonded.”
The new queen also made fast friends with outgoing royal Leah Jackson, whom Miller said has been a mentor to her as she moved into her new role.
“I think I used all of her lipstick,” Miller said with a laugh. “She’s just an amazing role model … she’s helped me out so much, she gave me so many tips. She’s someone that I’ll be talking to for a while.”
After meeting with sponsors like Rhinestone Cowgirl, Janine’s Custom Creations and Tony’s Work and Western Wear, Miller’s first royal event will be the upcoming Helping Hands Fall Food Drive on Sept. 16.
Then, she’ll go on to appear at as many as 60 rodeos, holiday outings, town gatherings and more throughout her yearlong reign – all of which coincides with her senior year at Rimbey Junior/Senior High School.
In keeping with her cowgirl roots, Miller hopes to attend auctioneering college in Edmonton, followed by animal health technology classes at Lakeland College, possibly some ferrier and massage for horses workshops – along with continuing to barrel race, of course – once her busy year as Rodeo Queen is over.
“I talk very fast, I ride very fast, I eat very fast – I do everything really fast,” Miller said. “You’re constantly growing … Growing and learning when you’re having fun.”
