Hinton native crowned Miss Rodeo Jasper

Lessons that Courtney Beverly learned working with horses proved useful as she nervously awaited the results of the Miss Rodeo Jasper competition Sunday evening at Sawridge Hotel.

“A horse will teach you life lessons, most importantly, patience and trust,”  Beverly said in a formal speech to the judges.

Later that night, Beverly, 18, was crowned Miss Rodeo Jasper 2008.

The Hinton native said she’s honoured to follow in the footsteps of so many wonderful women who have carried the title before her.

Jessica Merrill, 22, who will partner with Beverly as the Miss Rodeo Jasper Princess, emphasized her family history with the rodeo in her formal speech.

“I am so very proud to be associated with a rodeo that my grandpa participated in and ran for so many years,” Merrill said.

The rodeo queen and princess work together to promote the community as well as the sport of rodeo, and attend rodeos and functions on behalf of the town.

The queen receives a $1,000 scholarship and a trophy saddle and the princess is awarded $500 scholarship, in addition to a number of other prizes for both girls.

This year was unique because only two contestants entered, which director Pattie Pavlov attributes to the age groups of the contestants in the area. Entrants must be between 18 and 22 years old.

“We have found over the years it’s been very cyclical,” Pavlov said. “There must be more productive baby years than others.”

The girls attended a three-day “boot camp” at the end of April where they learned everything they need to know to be a rodeo queen.

“We did everything – modelling, hair care, public speaking, which fork to use, how to walk a stair, how to take a coat off,” Pavlov said. “All those little things that are considered queenly.”

The judges, Caroline Berreth, Betty-lynn Tattersall and Greg Van Tighem, marked Beverly and Merrill on horsemanship, personal interviews, modelling and public speaking.

Last year’s Miss Rodeo Jasper, Jenna Berreth, who went on to win the title of Miss Rodeo Canada, presented a heartfelt speech in front of family, friends and sponsors at the Sawridge.

Pavlov said the queen and princess become like daughters to her.

“Over they years I’ve probably had 20 daughters now,” she said. “They’re both awesome young ladies and I’m really looking forward to working with them."