Ever since she was 3-years-old, Nicole Briggs knew she was destined to be a cowgirl.
The 22-year-old competes in team roping and barrel racing, but her passion for rodeo goes well beyond the arena. This year she was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada.
“I’ve always looked up to Miss Rodeo Canada when I was small and to actually hold that title, it’s hard for me to believe that there’s other girls that look up to me in the same I looked up to them,” she said.
Being Miss Rodeo Canada is more than just being a pretty face at the rodeo. The criteria to become the ultimate rodeo queen comes with high expectations.
“We compete in public speaking, horsemanship, a written exam, a personal interview and a fashion show. And we are also judged on personality and appearance.”
Holding the title is a full-time job. For one year, Briggs has to make up to 400 appearances at rodeos in Canada, the United States and Australia. However, this just makes her love the sport that much more.
“The sport of rodeo is a sport that’s different from any other. Contestants will help each other try and beat each other. It’s really unique in that way and everybody that rodeo’s is one big family,” she said.
Briggs is currently getting her degree in animal health at the University of Alberta. After graduating, she plans to go back to school to become a veterinarian.
Although, she said outside of her studies and being Miss Rodeo Canada, her heart will always be in competing.
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