To be eligible to participate to become the Junior Rodeo Princess for the Superior LIONS Go for the Gold Rodeo at the Mineral County Fair, young ladies must be between 13 and 20 years of age.

They must be a six-month resident of Mineral County and attend or have graduated from a county middle or junior high or high school. She must have experience with horses (4-H, horse shows, horsemanship, rodeo, etc.) and be eager to ride in parades, rodeo events and appear at community events when requested. It is a three-year commitment as she progresses to Rodeo Princess and then Rodeo Queen. 

Mary Grace Donally has been a judge for the Junior Rodeo Princess for three or four years and said that probably the biggest detail that she looks for on judging night is how they are going to represent themselves and their community. 

“Attitude, posture, how they interact with the public and especially the up-and-coming generations by being solid mentor," she said. "They will be representing the sport and the culture of rodeo itself.” 

She said that she was going to speak to each candidate privately about not overthinking what they are doing. 

“Yes, this is a great opportunity and an honor. I still want them to enjoy themselves. I don’t want them to stress out and get to the point that it’s miserable for them, but this is about exposing themselves and their horses to a whole different element,” she said before the judging began.

Alan Erker has been around horses since he was 5 years old and as a judge, he too, was looking at what the candidates would bring to the table when it came to exemplifying their community. 

“I’m looking for horseman ship skills and safety and with that being said, I want them to represent Mineral County very, very well,” he said. “I love to see the youth coming up getting involved in this type of activity and putting their screens (phones, iPads, etc.) down so they get to know the better side of life.  This is something that they are going to be able to put on their resume as this is huge. Much like an Eagle Scout achievement. That’s how important this is when I look at what is taking shape in this arena tonight.” 

He then sadly said, “And I know that somebody is going to walk away today and be really letdown and upset. And I don’t like that but we need someone who is competent and capable. Somebody who will inspire the next group of young gals coming up.”

Last year, Josie Crabb was crowned Junior Rodeo Princess in the same arena just off the Lozeau Exit off I-90 at the River Valley Saddle Club. 

This year, Eva White and Miekolani Ruthford were competing and Rodeo Queen Ranier Acker who was on hand as a mentor to work with them in any way they might need support or assistance. 

When asked what her last year has been like, Acker said, “It’s been fun!” with a big grin. “The fair is the biggest part. The best part. There are like three straight days you have to be on time everywhere all at once.” 

Acker said if she added all her time up it would amount to about a week of volunteering and hopefully being an inspiration to young girls to want to do what she has done in the last three years. She acknowledged that being the Junior Princess, Princess and now Rodeo Queen is a big part of her community service when filling out her college applications.

Each contestant rode their horses performing the same maneuvers displaying different gates, flag carrying and coming to a complete stop in the center of the rodeo grounds. The judges met and Heyer announced to the crowd that the decision is never easy to choose the Junior Rodeo Princess, yet they felt that Miekolani Ruthford was their candidate.

The Rodeo Royality receive custom made sashes from world renowned sash maker Wendy Russ. a genuine silver tiara, made by Montana Silversmiths and donated by the Lincolns $50,000 Bar & Restaurant in Haugan. The Montana Legacy project provides show amenities that stay with the LIONS each year plus the young ladies will be cheered and applauded at the Rodeo on Aug. 1 and 2 in the Mineral County Fairgrounds.

    Miekolani Ruthford during the flag carrying portion of the tryouts for Junior Rodeo Princess last week. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Rodeo Queen Ranier Acker stands with Eva White, left, and Miekolani Ruthford before the competition of Junior Rodeo Princess last week.