Today this piece comes to us from the new Miss Rodeo Canada, Gillian Shields. We will have a few updates each month from Gillian in 2013. Enjoy!
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My name is Gillian Shields, and I have been crowned the new Miss Rodeo Canada 2013. After a week long pageant, consisting of: horsemanship, personal interview, public speaking, and written exam, it still has not completely sunk in. I remember standing there in the dirt and hearing Les McIntyre call my name. I was excited, nervous, and in shock mostly. I remember repeatedly looking back at Arleta for the instruction on what to do next. Definitely a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life. I would not have gotten this far without the amazing people who have been behind me throughout this journey. I would like to thank my family, friends, sponsors, the Airdrie Rodeo Ranch Association, and the City of Airdrie. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity to represent a sport and family I am so proud to be apart of. 
So what is next? The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada! I have already been preparing myself for the eleven day trip, and have been visiting quite a few of my sponsors. Thank-you to Wrangler, Stetson, Tin Haul, Roper, and Smithbilt Hats for keeping me looking the part! I will have quite the schedule while I am down in Vegas. I will be able to experience the Miss Rodeo America pageant, Bob Tallman’s WNFR Charity Bowling Tournament, WNFR Buckle presentations, WNFR Grand Entry at the Thomas and Mack arena, various autograph sessions, and meeting rodeo fans from all over the world! I have never been to the Las Vegas, let alone WNFR, so I am so excited that I am able to be there representing Canada.
I also wanted to send a huge thank-you to Ted Stovin at Everything Cowboy for allowing me to share my experiences with all of you.
Happy Trails!
Miss Rodeo Canada 2013
Gillian Shields
Comments
Best of luck to you Gillian! Hope you have a great trip at the WNFR! Happy Trails 🙂