I am still busy as ever as your Miss Rodeo Canada 2013! The summer has yet to slow down and I am still loving every minute.
A couple weeks ago I was brought back to where my Rodeo Royalty adventure began. The Carstairs Rodeo. It was very special for me to be there and catch up with all those who have supported me.
Miss Katy Lucas, a fellow Carstairs alumni, was able to be there and crown the new royalty with myself. Hoping to see these girls in the near future running for more titles.
The ‘Daddy of em all’ was my next stop. The Cheyenne Frontier days was an unforgettable experience. 
I had the pleasure of being hosted by Arlene Kensinger, an inspiration to all women in the western way of life. She is in six different hall of fames, and has been involved with the Cheyenne Frontier Days since 1931! After losing her leg in a water skiing accident, I was amazed at her strong will to continue to be involved in the Rodeo community. Her entire basement was it’s own museum itself. Pictures, outfits, saddles, you name it she had everything there. She gave me some of the best advice, “ You need to remember three things to be successful in life: 1) You need discipline 2) You must love what you do 3) You need to have fun too. And you must do it in that order.” I was very honoured to spend the time I did with Arlene, she is truly a living legend.
After flying in from Cheyenne, I repacked and headed to the Medicine Hat Stampede and Exhibition. I had a fabulous time with a fantastic committee and had the chance to spend some time with the new royalty. This committee treated me so well and were a blast to be around. Always in good humor.
The next day I was very honoured to be apart of the centennial celebration of the Bruce Stampede. I got to lead the parade that morning, and be apart of the longest one day Pro Rodeo in Canada. Congratulations to the Bruce Stampede on 100 years.
The way I would describe the Strathmore Stampede would be a Rodeo Family Reunion.
I loved spending time with everyone there and had a ton of fun. A year ago I had the opportunity to work with this committee so it was very cool to be back as MRC. Running with the Bulls is always great entertainment, and I even played on stage with TC & Company. Can’t wait to go back next year!
I then headed south across the border to Omak, Washington for the Omak Stampede. They had a royalty record at hosting 48 girls. There was one little girl who was also there, and I will never forget her. Her name is Maddie, she is a cancer survivor, just reaching remission and has battled cancer since she was ten months old. Today Maddie is five, and having cancer basically her entire life has made her have to grow up a whole lot. I was lucky enough to have her grabbing my hand and taking me where she pleased. Her Grandma told me that Maddie doesn’t let just anybody get in her personal space. 
Until that day Maddie had refused to be near any horse. Maddie got on her very first horse with me! My heart sank every time that little girl came running to me and seeing her smile. That is a moment I will treasure my entire lifetime. Maddie is one of those little girls that will teach you so much about yourself and life. So glad I met her. I also enjoyed the world famous suicide race. I can say I checked another bucket list Rodeo off my list! It was well worth the trip.
Happy Trails
Miss Rodeo Canada 2013
Gillian Shields
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