Rodeo Royalty
Rodeo Queen’s are the ambassadors for the sport of rodeo.
Congratulations 2026 Rodeo Royalty
Congratulations 2026 Rodeo Royalty
Rodeo Queen
Kate Richardson
Famously known for its cattle and farming industry, the desert sun of the Imperial Valley is where 19-year-old; Kate Richardson was born and raised. In August, she graduated from the Learning Institute of Southern California Barber and Cosmetology and is now a licensed cosmetologist with the hopes of owning her own salon one day.
In addition, she competes in jackpots and rodeos. Her favorite events to participate in are ranch sorting, barrel racing, and team penning. Kate would like to continue competing for rodeo queen pageants with the end goal of reaching Miss Rodeo America. Being a representative of rodeohas shown her the beauty of the sport of rodeo. Her biggest passion in life is to be able to use her knowledge, as well as her horsemanship skills, to share the love for the western lifestyle in the world of rodeo for generations to come.
Kate is beyond proud and honored to represent Poway Rodeo and the community of Poway as your 2026 Poway Rodeo Queen. She can’t wait to grow closer with her new rodeo family and make memories that will last a lifetime beside her Jr. Queen, Riley.
Junior Queen
Riley Kirkland
Riley Kirkland is a 15-year-old student at Ramona High School. She is in the 10th grade and in multiple clubs. She is in the Fellow Leadership of Student Athletes Club, the National Junior Honors Society Club, and is an officer in the Key Club. Along with her many clubs, she also plays school volleyball. She enjoys giving back to her community when she isn’t in school and has already volunteered over 200 hours this year.
Riley mainly volunteers at the Guy B Woodward Museum, helping as a docent and accomplishing projects. Additionally, she volunteers as a Junior Committee member with the Ramona Rodeo board, assisting with events including Mutton Bustin. She enjoys showing animals through 4H and FFA, where she is the Vice President of Wranglers 4H.
Divisions
2026 Pageant Queen Information
- Junior Queen Candidates ages 13 – 16
- Queen Candidates ages 17 – 23
Interested in competing for the 2026 Rodeo Pageant Queen title? Download the forms, fill them out, and email them to Darcy LaHaye at [email protected].
- Deadline: All forms must be submitted by Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting Poway Rodeo tradition!
More Information
Rodeo Queens are the spokeswomen for the sport of Rodeo and the community. Knowledge of the sport, poise and horsemanship are all essential skills for this important job. Each year the Poway Rodeo holds their Rodeo Royalty Pageant to choose their ambassadors. The Pageant is made up of three categories: Personal Interview, Horsemanship and Public Speaking. Each contestant will be tested on their knowledge for equine, rodeo facts and current events during a private personal interview. During the horsemanship competition, each contestant will display their riding ability while performing a designated pattern and presentation run for the judges. Additionally, they will be quizzed on their knowledge of horse science, tack and terminology. During the final public speaking competition, the contestants will display their speaking skills, model, and answer impromptu questions on stage. During the entire competition each contestant will be judged on personality, goals and poise in hopes of choosing the most qualified ambassador for our sport.
Get In Touch
Have questions? Send us an email and one of our volunteers will get back with you shortly.
Poway Valley Riders Association Arena
14336 Tierra Bonita Road, Poway, CA
858-345-9555
Poway Rodeo Schedule
Friday, September 25
7:30 pm Rodeo Performance
Saturday, September 26
1 pm Rodeo Performance & Kids Buck Day
7:30 pm Rodeo Performance
After Party
Friday & Saturday
10:00 pm - 12:00 am
Rodeo Tickets
Let's Get Social
Photography Credit
PowayRodeo.com came to life with the photography. A huge thank you to Roughstock Photography and Spirit Photography for allowing us to showcase their images.
