Mackenzie Skeels keeps climbing higher and higher in the rodeo world.
Skeels, 23, was crowned as Miss Ponoka Stampede 2022 after a lifetime of rodeo involvement.
Her win as Miss Ponoka Stampede led her to compete for Miss Rodeo Canada, a title she won in November of 2022.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity,” said Skeels. “It’s truly an honour.”
Skeels will conclude her term as Miss Rodeo Canada at the end of December this year.
In between now and then, she will be racking up the miles as she represents the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association at home and abroad; Skeels says she’s even been to Australia as part of the job.
“The job is basically public relations for the CPRA,” said Skeels, in a recent interview.
Skeels says that her role as Miss Rodeo Canada is effectively a full-time job; she notes that the previous Miss Rodeo Canada, Jayden Calvert, attended over 400 events in 2022.
“(In) June I’ll be at a different rodeo every single day,” said Skeels.
“It’s a long road ahead.”
READ MORE: Kaylee Shantz is Miss Ponoka Stampede 2023
The 2023 Miss Rodeo Canada competition had Skeels square off against two other competitors for the title. To win, she had to be selected by the judges after passing several challenges such as modelling, horsemanship, public speaking and undergoing a personal interview.
Skeels is no stranger to agriculture; she grew up on her family farm near Rimbey, Anchor D Simmentals. She was also born during Ponoka Stampede, where her dad was working as a volunteer.
Even with her diploma in media studies, Skeels has directed her focus back to agriculture as she works for Direct Livestock Marketing Systems doing photography and videography for online auctions.
Skeels will be representing the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association at the Ponoka Stampede when it kicks off on June 26 to July 2.
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