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 Total Germophobe
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Location: Montana | I would like to run for Miss Rodeo Montana. I'm sure every state is somewhat different and yet still similar. I have a budget I have to stick to (including application/pageant fees). Can it be done on a budget? ANY and all tips to do with clothes/wardrobe, to horsemanship, to any part of these kinds of things would be most appreciated. I'm inquiring locally about it and getting information, but I want to be prepared too. Thanks! |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 440
Location: The Frozen North | Have you ran at any local/regional pageants? Where are you located? Once upon a time I was the North West Montana Pro Rodeo Queen. I helped friends run at state and know a couple of past Miss Rodeo Montana's. There is a consignment store in Lolo MT that had quit a few VERY nice queen dresses for sale
Edited by HurleyGirl 2014-09-10 11:47 PM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 440
Location: The Frozen North | http://www.crazyhorseconsignment.com |
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Location: In my own little world | Having a family heavily involved in "queening" in the past it is very expensive. You have to think past the state contest. Could you afford to run for Miss Rodeo America if you were a state pageant winner? Those are the expectations and it is not a walk in the park because of the wardrobe requirements that it takes at that level. Is it a great learning experience? Very much so but is it worth the money it takes to compete at that level? My niece had $50,000 tied up in her wardrobe alone not including travel, etc. Even as a state winner not all expenses are paid for, but of course each state is different. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer just giving you things to look at outside the box. If I had a daughter I would encourage them to take the money that you would spend on your queen budget and put it towards a barrel racing budget but that's just me.
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2937
 
Location: North Dakota | Have you held any titles before, or ran for a pageant before?
I would highly recommend that you run for a lower-level title first. How do you know you will like it?
I ran for Miss Rodeo North Dakota a while back, and on a budget. I kept costs down by making my own clothing and outfits. The only things I purchased for the pageant where 2 dresses that I needed, and one of them I found used. Got lucky and it was leather and fit me to a tee.
I also already had a title when I ran so I had sponsors. That also helps with expenses.
I would highly advise you to get a coach. Find out who the previous Miss Rodeo Montana ladies were. Approach them and ask if they would coach, or know of someone who would coach. There's a right and wrong way to model ... answer improptu questions ... give a speech ... mouth and dismount your horse for horsemanship, etc etc.
Check out rodeoroyalty.com
Used clothes can be found on Facebook, or there are other websites like http://www.kyascorner.com/index.php
Being a rodeo queen is a blast and a lot of fun, but it is SO much work behind the scenes, and expensive.
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | mtcanchazer - 2014-09-10 9:56 PM I would like to run for Miss Rodeo Montana. I'm sure every state is somewhat different and yet still similar. I have a budget I have to stick to (including application/pageant fees). Can it be done on a budget? ANY and all tips to do with clothes/wardrobe, to horsemanship, to any part of these kinds of things would be most appreciated. I'm inquiring locally about it and getting information, but I want to be prepared too. Thanks!
I dont have any advice for you, but just wanted to wish you luck, its hard work thats for sure, but sounds like you want to give it a try so I say go for it and have fun  |
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 Always Off Topic
Posts: 6382
Location: ND | ropenrun - 2014-09-11 2:20 AM Having a family heavily involved in "queening" in the past it is very expensive. You have to think past the state contest. Could you afford to run for Miss Rodeo America if you were a state pageant winner? Those are the expectations and it is not a walk in the park because of the wardrobe requirements that it takes at that level. Is it a great learning experience? Very much so but is it worth the money it takes to compete at that level? My niece had $50,000 tied up in her wardrobe alone not including travel, etc. Even as a state winner not all expenses are paid for, but of course each state is different. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer just giving you things to look at outside the box. If I had a daughter I would encourage them to take the money that you would spend on your queen budget and put it towards a barrel racing budget but that's just me.
WTF!!!!
Edited by dhdqhllc 2014-09-11 11:28 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 186
Location: Good ole SE Mo | ropenrun - 2014-09-11 2:20 AM
Having a family heavily involved in "queening" in the past it is very expensive. You have to think past the state contest. Could you afford to run for Miss Rodeo America if you were a state pageant winner? Those are the expectations and it is not a walk in the park because of the wardrobe requirements that it takes at that level. Is it a great learning experience? Very much so but is it worth the money it takes to compete at that level? My niece had $50,000 tied up in her wardrobe alone not including travel, etc. Even as a state winner not all expenses are paid for, but of course each state is different. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer just giving you things to look at outside the box. If I had a daughter I would encourage them to take the money that you would spend on your queen budget and put it towards a barrel racing budget but that's just me.
That is a crazy amount of money! I ran and won Miss Rodeo Missouri 2010 and competed at MRA. I also competed at USA(IPRA) and a few other "local" pageants and I spent no where near that much and I had very, very nice clothes. The key is either finding used or going to dress makers that are good/great but not the over the top expensive ones. I second finding someone to help you and contact past queens. I roomed with MRMontana in 2010 and she is sweet and was good. If you win you can have a coronation and other fundraisers to help raise money for expenses. Also start a couple local, smaller pageants to get the feel for it.
Good luck!!! I had blast when I was queening, I would never been able to have those experiences or see the places I went or meet the people I did if it wasn't for that. I highly encourage you to go for it!
Oh and they have and are trying to change the way they want you to "dress". They are trying to get out of all the expensive leather outfits and over the top stuff. Many parts of the pageants and when they want you for events is in off the rack sponsor outfits. That really helps with the clothing budget.
I would be happy to help you if I can. I know I am a long ways from you but I can still give some pointers :) |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | ropenrun - 2014-09-11 2:20 AM Having a family heavily involved in "queening" in the past it is very expensive. You have to think past the state contest. Could you afford to run for Miss Rodeo America if you were a state pageant winner? Those are the expectations and it is not a walk in the park because of the wardrobe requirements that it takes at that level. Is it a great learning experience? Very much so but is it worth the money it takes to compete at that level? My niece had $50,000 tied up in her wardrobe alone not including travel, etc. Even as a state winner not all expenses are paid for, but of course each state is different. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer just giving you things to look at outside the box. If I had a daughter I would encourage them to take the money that you would spend on your queen budget and put it towards a barrel racing budget but that's just me.
She's wanting to run for her state, Not miss USA. So why does she need to think past State? She wants to run for her State not Miss Rodeo America. I would want her to give it a try if she were my daughter and this is what she's wanting to do, and I hope she does sounds like a fun experience, I know it can get a tad expensive so I hope that she looks into it really good and talks to others that have done this befor she decides to go for it, but darn I hope she gos for it. 
Edited by Southtxponygirl 2014-09-11 12:01 PM
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 Veteran
Posts: 137
Location: ILLINOIS | Southtxponygirl - 2014-09-11 11:59 AM
ropenrun - 2014-09-11 2:20 AM Having a family heavily involved in "queening" in the past it is very expensive. You have to think past the state contest. Could you afford to run for Miss Rodeo America if you were a state pageant winner? Those are the expectations and it is not a walk in the park because of the wardrobe requirements that it takes at that level. Is it a great learning experience? Very much so but is it worth the money it takes to compete at that level? My niece had $50,000 tied up in her wardrobe alone not including travel, etc. Even as a state winner not all expenses are paid for, but of course each state is different. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer just giving you things to look at outside the box. If I had a daughter I would encourage them to take the money that you would spend on your queen budget and put it towards a barrel racing budget but that's just me.
She's wanting to run for her state, Not miss USA. So why does she need to think past State? She wants to run for her State not Miss Rodeo America. I would want her to give it a try if she were my daughter and this is what she's wanting to do, and I hope she does sounds like a fun experience, I know it can get a tad expensive so I hope that she looks into it really good and talks to others that have done this befor she decides to go for it, but darn I hope she gos for it.
If you run for state and WIN, you are automatically expected to run for Miss Rodeo USA. I believe that's why the poster mentioned that. :-) |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Honestly, these are the replies I want...I KNOW I can't afford $50000 tied up in a wardrobe. If it is too expensive, then it will be something I have to pass on.
I have checked into the local pageant, and they aren't sure what they are going to do this year, and for my area the next step is state level (I'm in the Great Falls area). I would love to do it, and while my parents would be supportive, they wouldn't financially support the pageant or the reign should I make to be Miss Rodeo Montana. Horses and rodeo are on me...I have to pay for it. It is something I would like to do, but am also prepared to move on to the next thing if it is something that is not financially feasible or possible. Thank you all so much for the input! |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Schuy324 - 2014-09-11 1:23 PM Southtxponygirl - 2014-09-11 11:59 AM ropenrun - 2014-09-11 2:20 AM Having a family heavily involved in "queening" in the past it is very expensive. You have to think past the state contest. Could you afford to run for Miss Rodeo America if you were a state pageant winner? Those are the expectations and it is not a walk in the park because of the wardrobe requirements that it takes at that level. Is it a great learning experience? Very much so but is it worth the money it takes to compete at that level? My niece had $50,000 tied up in her wardrobe alone not including travel, etc. Even as a state winner not all expenses are paid for, but of course each state is different. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer just giving you things to look at outside the box. If I had a daughter I would encourage them to take the money that you would spend on your queen budget and put it towards a barrel racing budget but that's just me.
She's wanting to run for her state, Not miss USA. So why does she need to think past State? She wants to run for her State not Miss Rodeo America. I would want her to give it a try if she were my daughter and this is what she's wanting to do, and I hope she does sounds like a fun experience, I know it can get a tad expensive so I hope that she looks into it really good and talks to others that have done this befor she decides to go for it, but darn I hope she gos for it. If you run for state and WIN, you are automatically expected to run for Miss Rodeo USA. I believe that's why the poster mentioned that. :- )
Oh I see, I dont know anything about running for these Queen contests, but lets let her have fun planning for it and when she wins this one then she can plan for the bigger stuff |
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Expert
Posts: 1314
Location: North Central Iowa Land of white frozen grass | If it's a dream of yours go for it. Sometimes the road to the dream is the most fun. At least your going to do more than 99.9 % of the people around you are going to do. |
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Expert
Posts: 1477
Location: In the land of peanuts and cotton | Sponsors!!!! They will be a big help. Something someone hasn't mentioned is hair and make-up. If you can do it your self that's great and will be fine because a majority do there own but I wasn't one that could do it. Mine was $60 for make-up and $80 for the big curly hair. I didn't have to make many appearances sp that was fine but I'm sure Montana makes way more so that could add up. One of my friend was MRAlabama and went on to become MRUSA. With the exception of her dresses she made 95% of her clothes herself. A $5 button up shirt from Walmart plus an embroidery machine and some iron on or glue on bling is ALOT cheaper than $300 shirts. |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Thanks! I can do the hair and make up pretty much myself...if anything I can have my mom help me. I'm pretty handy with a sewing machine too, as is my mom, so was looking at skirts and tops to make that you could put together for the western elegance part of it as well. I'm just trying to get some ideas about it before I take the plunge. :) Thanks! |
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 Ima Non Controversial Girl
Posts: 4168
Location: where the wind blows | I say go for it. I was a former first runner up in a Miss Rodeo pageant. Was fun and glad I did it. There is a Facebook page called Rodeo Queen Cloths for sale. Lots of used cloths on it. Check it out. You might be able to connect with someone on there for tips etc. . Good luck. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 695
Location: Missouri | As a mom of a former queen contestant, yes you can queen on a budget! Make sure you have outfits you can use for more than one portion of pageant, ie, top and skirt and use the top with pants! You can go to consignment shops to get jackets and they you can embellish! You don't have to have the most expensive outfit, just make sure they fit and are clean! You can rent, buy used or find someone who can sew and go from up there! It is a huge experience and you can make many connections! Good luck and follow your dreams! Don't regret not ever trying! |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Thank you all...you have been really helpful. I appreciate it! |
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 Husband Spoiler
Posts: 4151
Location: North Dakota | I am friends with quite a few past and present rodeo queens. The former Miss Rodeo SD is on BHW and she went really hard for Miss Rodeo America. She traveled A LOT! So that is something you need to think about as well. Once you win you will be expected to travel outside of state a lot to represent your state at other large rodeos. I am pretty good friends with a former Miss Rodeo ND and she did not haul near as hard but I know she didn't want MRA very badly either. I think her goals were the state title and by then she was pretty burnt out from queening. There are quite a few fb groups where people sell their old rodeo queen outfits. So make sure to check them out! Find a coach and get sponsors!! Good luck! |
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Just Bring It - 2014-09-13 9:05 AM I am friends with quite a few past and present rodeo queens. The former Miss Rodeo SD is on BHW and she went really hard for Miss Rodeo America. She traveled A LOT! So that is something you need to think about as well. Once you win you will be expected to travel outside of state a lot to represent your state at other large rodeos. I am pretty good friends with a former Miss Rodeo ND and she did not haul near as hard but I know she didn't want MRA very badly either. I think her goals were the state title and by then she was pretty burnt out from queening. There are quite a few fb groups where people sell their old rodeo queen outfits. So make sure to check them out! Find a coach and get sponsors!! Good luck!
Awesome! Thank you...I probably wouldn't try as hard for MRA, but that is just me...would your friend who was previously a Miss Rodeo South Dakota mind if I PM'ed her on here? I contacted a local past Miss Rodeo Montana, and I'm hoping she will help me. I've looked into the FB groups, and it looks like a good way to go.
One question, I've never looked into sponsorship before for anything...do you just go and talk to the business owners/managers and ask them to sponsor? Or how does that work? We have quite a few friends who own/run businesses locally, and I have no doubt that they would be willing to help in some way. |
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Location: In my own little world | State pageants have different rules regarding sponsorships. Some won't let business/individuals directly sponsor the queen. It has to come through the pageant 1st. The state pageant may get a percentage of it, etc. You really need to contact the state director and ask for a copy of the contract given to their state queen. That way you know what their expectations of you are should you win the title. I co-directed a local pageant for 9 years and we had a contract with each local queen. They were expected to make so many designated appearances, attend the state pageant so they would know what to expect when it was their turn to enter it, and they were expected to enter the state pageant with the expecation they were entering it to win it. These were the requirements set in place by the fair board as they were the ones paying the entry fee into the state pageant. We were very successful at having our local queens go on to win or be 1st runner-up at the state level. If the fair board was putting the money into it the expectation was the queen was also very serious about it as well. There was also a Little Miss Pageant and a Teen Pageant so most girls had lots of queening experience before they reached the Miss Rodeo Local. So my best advice is check with whoever is your state pageant director, which their name should be available on the Miss Rodeo America website and see what all is involved, the expectation and if it is something you think you want to move forward with, want to do and can afford. Most of all if you do follow through, good luck and have fun!
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Total Germophobe
Posts: 6443
Location: Montana | Thank you. I have emailed the president of Miss Rodeo Montana and discussed a little bit with her. I also have a previous MRM that is willing to answer some questions as well. I'm trying to get as well informed as I can before I go into it. |
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Member
Posts: 13
| It is absolutely possible to compete successfully on the national level without having $50,000 in wardrobe alone. I have worked with our state pageant for nearly 18 years and have had top 10 and category winners who have spent a quarter to a half of that during their reign which included travel expenses throughout their year. When I have a new titleholder we sit down to plan her reign which includes what rodeos and events she wishes to attend as well as how well she wants to do at MRA (see below). Quality fundraising and planning are very important. Planning your wardrobe around three to four colors and mixing and matching clothing saves a great deal. One of the former title holders I worked with planned her wardrobe around red, a color she looked great in. She had one skirt made with two different tops - one with a lot of flash for the fashion show and another more subdued for interviews. The advantage to this was that both tops could also be worn with dyed jeans for arena outfits and she only needed one pair of boots for four sharp outfits. Off-the-rack clothing is now much more acceptable and often more affordable than custom clothes. We are also seeing the trend away from leather to materials such as satins and silks which are also more affordable. However, it does not matter how much an outfit costs if it doesn't fit well or is a poor color or design choice for you. A lot of contestants make that mistake, they buy a really expensive dress that is too short, too long, too big in the waist, too tight around the bust, too short in the sleeves, etc...and they lose points in appearance even though the dress may be drop-dead gorgeous.
There are state titleholders who have no desire to be Miss Rodeo America, and frankly I think that's just fine. It takes an immense amount of work (and yes a bit more of a financial commitment for coaches, etc.) to achieve the title. However, you should still put in your very best effort to prepare for the national pageant even if achieving the title is not your goal. Believe me, you will regret not doing so in 20-years.
Be very careful about sponsorships that come directly to you either before or after the competition. The IRS treats this as income and you will need to report the money, this is why as a state title holder you must go through your state pageant with the sponsorship money. They are either a 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 corporation (or should be). There have been titleholders and contestants who had problems with the IRS due to their not reporting sponsorship moneys and gifts.
The two national programs for young women 18 - 26 are Miss Rodeo America and Miss Rodeo USA. America represents the PRCA and you must earn a state title affiliated with Miss Rodeo America in order to compete for the title. The pageant is held in Vegas prior to/during the WNFR. Miss Rodeo USA represents the IPRA with the pageant held in OKC during the IFR in January. A title is needed to enter USA but it can be from any rodeo association/committee or by a sponsor. The programs have different scoring systems emphasizing different skill sets and both are worthy titles to hold.
There are so many benefits to competing for and holding these titles. Only one young woman is going to go away with the title but she's not the only one who receives benefits from her state and national titles. Kadee Coffman is one of the best examples of state titleholders who did not earn the Miss Rodeo America title. Through her involvement with Miss Rodeo California she made connections and honed the skills needed to become an on-air personality. Others are working for large pharmaceutical companies, as lobbiests for agricultural organizations, are working as reps for major western brands (Justin, Wrangler, etc.) or even as teachers through the connections they made during their reign. If you are smart about finances and your goals then this opportunity can land you amazing opportunities.
You will find a lot of information on www.RodeoRoyalty.com as well as on their Facebook page and Pinterest account . There are many YouTube videos available to give you an idea of the type of speeches given at the state and national levels. If you have an opportunity to attend a queen clinic then make the investment to do so (and do as you learn at the clinic, it's not worth your time or money if you don't act on what you're taught and I see that a lot). There is also a Facebook group called Rodeo Queen Tips and Suggestions that is fairly active with good information.
Good luck!
Edited by Bobbie1207 2014-09-20 3:59 PM
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Running to be a Miss Rodeo?