Calgary Stampede crowns three as 2010 royalty

CALGARY – There was added drama to the traditional coronation of Stampede royalty this year when one of six competitors was bucked off her horse.

Candice Lee plunged head first into the infield at the Stampede Corral shortly after riding out during her introduction Sunday.

Stampede officials rushed to the young woman’s side, helping her up. She appeared shaken from the fall, in which she narrowly missed being stomped by her horse.

But Lee "cowgirled up," waving to the crowd before walking off the infield and returning — on horseback –for the final announcement of trio of women who will be the 2010 volunteer ambassadors of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Though Lee initially appeared uninjured, she was later examined to make sure.

"It’s part of dealing with horses. These ladies take risks," said Jody Moore, vice-chairwoman of the Royalty Committee.

"Candice did a good job. No girl wants to fall off her horse (but) she’s a cowgirl and she cowgirled up," said Moore, adding that riding is a component of the five-week-long competition for the Stampede Queen crown.

Unfortunately for Lee, an experienced horsewoman and barn hand at Moose Hill Ranch west of Calgary, she was not among the trio named as next year’s Stampede royalty.

The 2010 crown went to Katie Rochon, 21, a former show jumper and student at the University of Calgary.

"I’m so excited," Rochon said after the announcement made during the Canadian Rodeo Tour Championship.

"I love the Stampede, the atmosphere it brings to the city."

Rochon, along with five other women, spent the past several intense weeks competing in a variety of events, culminating in the crowning.

"It’s really nerve-racking," she said of the final day, "there’s a lot of pressure.

"It’s a surprise to win and I couldn’t be happier."

Kirstie Rougeau, 21, and Janelle Phillips, 24, were named princesses, while Sahvanne Weasel Traveller, 23, of the Piikani Nation, was introduced as 2010 Indian Princess.

"It’s a dream come true," said Rougeau, who grew up on a farm in Cluny.

The three women will spend the next six weeks learning the Stampede inside out before moving into their roles as ambassadors.

swilton@theherald.canwest.com