After four days of competition in Great Falls, Talli Carmalt of Kalispell was crowned 2014 Miss Teen Rodeo Montana.

In true rodeo style, her pageant crown fits on a cowboy hat. Jewelry prizes include a belt buckle. A fur vest is placed on the winner in addition to a pageant sash.

From Jan. 8-12, Carmalt was judged on personality, appearance, presentation and horsemanship. Contestants went through personal and media interviews, written tests, speeches, impromptu questions, a dance and style show.

She also won the categories of Personality and Photogenics on her way to the title.

For her two-minute speech, Carmalt spoke about dedication using professional team roper Clay Tryan and Montana ranchers as examples.

“I chose this topic because if you’re dedicated about something and stick with it, you’ll go very far,” Carmalt said.

Every endeavor takes dedication, according to Carmalt.

“I always say everyone who is famous right now started as an amateur,” Carmalt said. “You’re not going to be perfect when you start. Over time, if you keep practicing, you’re going to improve and get better.”

The 17-year-old will serve as an ambassador for the professional sport throughout the year. Some of her duties and responsibilities include promoting and educating the public about professional rodeo, helping out at rodeo events and fundraising.

This is the third rodeo pageant in which Carmalt has participated. In 2013, she took third place at the Northwest Montana Miss Pro Rodeo Princess pageant and was first runner-up in 2012.

Carmalt is particularly excited about working with children.

“I love rodeo and I want to be a role model to all those boys and girls,” Carmalt said.

Carmalt is a junior at Glacier High School and holds a 3.9 grade-point average. She plans to graduate early to attend Flathead Valley Community College. Her goal is to eventually transfer to Montana State University and become an equine veterinarian.

“I grew up around horses. I love helping them in any way. I lost a horse through colic a couple of years ago and I don’t want anyone to have to feel the pain I felt,” Carmalt said.

Carmalt also participates in 4-H. Last year she had the grand champion market steer and was grand champion showman at the Northwest Montana Fair.

She also enjoys barrel racing, fishing, camping, hunting and playing soccer and basketball.

Her advice to other girls who want to compete for the Miss Teen Rodeo title is to “definitely be yourself.”

“The judges want to see you and not someone hiding behind a fake smile,” Carmalt said.

She added that competitors should be well versed in rodeo and horsemanship.

When her reign as Miss Teen Rodeo comes to an end in 2015, Carmalt has her sights set on the Miss Rodeo Montana title.

In addition to riding her buckskin quarter horse Gunnar (or her family’s 16 other horses) and barrel racing, Carmalt enjoys 4-H, fishing, camping, hunting, singing and playing soccer and basketball.

Carmalt is the daughter of Jeff and Nuggett Carmalt. Nuggett Carmalt reigned as Miss Pro Rodeo Queen in 1986-87.

There will be a local community coronation event and fundraiser April 12. The location and time are to be announced. There will be live and silent auctions, mechanical bull, children’s activities, rodeo clown, candy wagon and dinner.

Proceeds will go to the Miss Rodeo Montana program and help with traveling costs as Carmalt travels around the state to fulfill her duties.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.