Pictured are Bridgette LaHaye, Teen Miss Rodeo California (left); and Dakota Skellenger, Miss Rodeo California 2013 (center & right)

California cowgirls: Being a rodeo queen has a different meaning than Miss America contest, for instance.  Among the dozens of rodeo queen contests throughout California the biggest and most coveted statewide event is Miss Rodeo California, an affiliate of Miss Rodeo America.

Do you have what it takes?

As an ambassador to the sport, Miss Rodeo California promotes the western way of life and professional rodeo. She is well versed on the sport of rodeo, horsemanship skills, has a wonderful personality and is an excellent speaker.

To compete for the state honor, the young woman must be between 18 and 25 years of age and never married, pregnant, or convicted of a crime.

The contest includes  Horsemanship, Speech, Modeling, Personal & Horsemanship Interviews, Raffle Ticket Sales, Photogenic, Personality & Appearance.  

The rodeo girl doesn't normally wear a swimsuit and bare her soul. No! She can handle a horse and  maybe ride bareback sometimes.