Focus On… Rodeo Royalty

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Rodeo royalty Hailey Fredericksen hands off her crown at this year's Miss Rodeo America. Photo provided by Art of Aperture Photography.

Crowning Achievements

On December 5, 2021, Hailey Frederiksen of Wellington, representing the Centennial State as Miss Rodeo Colorado, was crowned Miss Rodeo America 2022. The daughter of Trevin and Megan Frederiksen grew up on her family’s ranch, in Poudre Valley REA’s territory, where she loved riding horses.

While Hailey is a beauty, there’s more to her than what’s on the surface. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal sciences with a minor in agricultural business and plans to earn her a masters in agricultural communications. A skilled horseback rider who is sharpening her skills in barrel racing, breakaway roping and team roping, she’s an #agvocate who embraces our country’s rich agriculture and rodeo communities.

About the Pageant

Miss Rodeo America dates back to 1955 in Casper, Wyoming. Today the pageant is held in Las Vegas in conjunction with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s annual convention and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Contestants are judged on personality, appearance and horsemanship. “They’re looking for a girl who will represent this industry as a whole,” Hailey says. “They’re looking for that unique individual — someone to be themselves and be genuinely passionate about what they represent.”

More Than Meets the Eye

In 2009, 12-year-old Hailey won her first rodeo queen title, and that’s when she “got bit by the rodeo queen bug and never turned back.” Aspiring rodeo pageant queens should know that just being the “prettiest” pageant contestant won’t earn the coveted crown. “Simply be yourself,” Hailey advises. “That was the biggest feedback that I received when I tried out for Colorado my first year and didn’t win because they didn’t know who I (really) was.”

A Constant #agvocate

During her time as Miss Rodeo America, Hailey has traveled all over the United States promoting the Western way of life at rodeos, schools and civic group meetings. After she welcomes the newest Miss Rodeo America winner in December, Hailey will start a new chapter in her life: working for The Cowboy Channel.

More Information

Ashley Baller will represent Colorado at the 2023 Miss Rodeo Pageant, November 27 – December 4. Learn more at missrodeoamerica.com.


Photo provided by Art of Aperture Photography.