Two exceptional ladies applied for the 2025 Ponoka Stampede pageant by the April 1 deadline, however, that doesn't mean the decision will be any less difficult for Ponoka Stampede Association (PSA) directors.
"It's never an easy job to narrow it down," said PSA director Bruce Harbin.
While more entrants may give them a bit of breathing room, it also makes the choice harder as all the applicants are always talented young ladies, he said.
The number of entries may also be a matter of interest and availability, which the board is cognizant of, said Harbin.
This year's contestants for the 2025 Ponoka Stampede rodeo crown are Kyla Lightfoot and Jaicie Baudin.
Lightfoot, 21, from Cochrane, Alta., already has two reigns as rodeo royalty under her belt, serving as Miss Rodeo Airdrie in 2022-24 and Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen in 2022-23.
She has experience training horses, working with rescue horses, and is a competitive equestrian rider.
Currently completing a Bachelor of Communication in journalism at Grant MacEwan University, Lightfoot has a goal of promoting Western heritage and rodeo to audiences worldwide.
"I am passionate about Western heritage, animal welfare, and public speaking and I am seeking to contribute my skills and knowledge to the Ponoka Stampede," Lightfoot said in her application.
Having attended the Ponoka Stampede numerous times, Lightfoot said she is inspired by its rich history and welcoming atmosphere.
Hailing from Hinton, Alta., Baudin is a three-time Brule Ruff Out Rodeo All Around Champion and two-time River Valle Summer Series Champion.
With work experience as a sales associate and a visitor services attendant at the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper, Baudin counts communication, self-motivation and public speaking among her skill set.
Two summers ago, she was an equine summer student for Parks Canada, caring for over 20 horses on a daily basis as well as helping to organizing a basic horse riding school.
More recently, she completed five core classes towards a Farrier Science Certificate at Olds College.
She's been a part of the Chinook Riders Drill Team since 2013 and currently directs over 20 riders, aged seven to 50, teaching them manoeuvres and evaluating their ability.
Selection Day will be on Monday, April 7, at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.
The contestants will be put through their paces. Following an introduction, there will be a Facebook Live test of their public speaking skills, a horsemanship demonstration, lunch and a judged interview afterwards.
Immediately after, the Miss Ponoka Stampede 2025 will be selected. Her crowning will beheld at her first official public appearance at the Ponoka Stampede tarp auction, to be held Friday, May 2, at the Stagecoach Saloon, starting at 6 p.m.
"We're always grateful to those that enter," said Harbin, adding there's a lot of talented young ladies our there.
The successful candidate will certainly be joining an elite rank of past and present Ponoka Stampede royalty.
