Kaylee Shantz’s reign as Miss Rodeo Canada was an ‘absolute joy’

It was an exciting whirlwind of milestone experiences for Kaylee Shantz who landed the 2023 Miss Rodeo Canada.

Additionally, last year she achieved a lifelong dream of also being named Miss Ponoka Stampede, having served in that role until April 2024.

For Shantz, the national title was an absolute joy.

“I get to visit with all the girls representing their rodeos,” Shantz said, adding that it is a role she has thoroughly enjoyed.

“It was incredible. Every time I go into a rodeo there is a rush of emotions because as Miss Rodeo Canada, this is my last year as rodeo queen,” she said. “So it’s a bittersweet moment.

“It was incredible to have the opportunity to represent Canadian professional rodeo on both a national and international level.”

“It was unlike anything else, and definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Her visits with rodeo queens for the various communities have provided a rich opportunity to be a mentor of sorts as well.

“You gain perspective because you think, that was me a few years ago or a year ago. They are all excited and will compete for Miss Rodeo Canada this year. So it’s really exciting,” said Shantz.

READ MORE: Miss Ponoka Stampede 2024 Olivia MacLennan plans to ‘absorb’ every moment

“It’s really nice to talk to those girls. They have so much passion for the sport and what they do, so it’s fun to share in that passion.

“It’s cool to have such a great community of girls coming together like this.”

Shantz was born in Calgary and spent Shantz’s early years in Airdrie.

The family later settled in Ponoka County on a farm near Rimbey.

Shantz, 23, would eventually attend Red Deer Polytechnic and earn her diploma as a health care assistant.

She hopes to return to school after her reign when Miss Rodeo Canada ends and completes her psychology degree.

In addition to her academic goals, she holds closely to her rural roots, including her involvement in the equine industry.

Shantz also has connections to the rodeo world through her cousins, the Dorchesters, who brought Chuckwagon racing to the Ponoka Stampede.

Meanwhile, she is excited about Miss Ponoka Stampede 2024 Olivia MacLennan as she will now take on the duties of Miss Ponoka Stampede.

This was also a title that meant the world to Shantz.

“That was kind of the highlight of my career as a rodeo queen. I wanted so badly to be Miss Ponoka Stampede because it was my home and my family. My god, they were so proud and so excited to be a part of it too,” she explained.

“Now I get to be an alumni, which is great – to be part of such a community of ladies who have come before me. It’s really great to be part of that group too.

“I’m also very happy for Olivia; she’s going to have a great year. The advice I gave her when she won Miss Ponoka Stampede was to soak up every moment of it because it goes by so quickly!

Shantz got an early start in capturing these titles after being named Rimbey Rodeo Queen in 2018.

She was also Miss Rodeo Sundre in 2021. But home is where her heart is.

“The Ponoka Stampede is something I am so excited about. I’ve had the opportunity to go to some incredible places and it’s been amazing, and I’ve loved every moment of it, but it’s different when you’re in your home arena, and you’re in this place where you’re growing and growing is happening Came. development.

“This is also where I have had so much support, and I see so many familiar faces. I am so excited about Ponoka.”

Ponoka News is your source for all things Ponoka Stampede leading up to and during Stampede Week from June 25 to July 1. Find more Ponoka Stampede stories here.