westcliffe stampede
Rodeo Royalty Program

The Past:
At the turn of the 19th century, professional Cowgirls such as Prairie Rose Henderson & Ruth Parton Webster reigned as "Rodeo Queens" of "Sweethearts of the Rodeo". They were among a group of women who participated in rodeo in the early days. They galloped into town, rode broncs, roped and did trick riding, then left town as fast as they arrived. But in 1910 the image of a Rodeo Queen changed forever. Bertha Anger did not ride, rope or do tricks, (no one is sure if she could even ride a horse). Her title did not rest on the fact that she was not a horse woman, but on the fact that she could sell rodeo tickets. She was personable and friendly and was part of the community. She could woo the crowds with her smile.
The Present:
Today we have taken the talents from our past Rodeo Queens and combined them. Today's Rodeo Royalty is judged on their riding ability, as well as how they are able to speak and perform for the public. We have a great competition that is fun and exciting for all young ladies who have ever dreamed of being the "Sweetheart of the Rodeo".
Our club remains strongly committed to the youth of our community. It is essential to encourage our young people to participate in activities that continue to keep our heritage and family values thriving. Our Royalty young ladies travel to surrounding events representing and promoting Westcliffe's Stampede Rodeo and Custer County.
At the turn of the 19th century, professional Cowgirls such as Prairie Rose Henderson & Ruth Parton Webster reigned as "Rodeo Queens" of "Sweethearts of the Rodeo". They were among a group of women who participated in rodeo in the early days. They galloped into town, rode broncs, roped and did trick riding, then left town as fast as they arrived. But in 1910 the image of a Rodeo Queen changed forever. Bertha Anger did not ride, rope or do tricks, (no one is sure if she could even ride a horse). Her title did not rest on the fact that she was not a horse woman, but on the fact that she could sell rodeo tickets. She was personable and friendly and was part of the community. She could woo the crowds with her smile.
The Present:
Today we have taken the talents from our past Rodeo Queens and combined them. Today's Rodeo Royalty is judged on their riding ability, as well as how they are able to speak and perform for the public. We have a great competition that is fun and exciting for all young ladies who have ever dreamed of being the "Sweetheart of the Rodeo".
Our club remains strongly committed to the youth of our community. It is essential to encourage our young people to participate in activities that continue to keep our heritage and family values thriving. Our Royalty young ladies travel to surrounding events representing and promoting Westcliffe's Stampede Rodeo and Custer County.
Thank you to 2019 Royalty: Shelby Murphy and Maddie Armstrong
2020 Royalty presented: Honorary Westcliffe Stampede PRCA Rodeo Queen: Shelby Murphey Miss Stampede: Abi Murphey Princess: Caydenn Howard The WMVSC Royalty Pageant is held in the Fall each year Royalty Titles Westcliffe Stampede Queen: Age 16 to 20 Westcliffe Stampede Queen Attendant: Age 16 to 20 Miss Stampede: Age 12 to 15 Westcliffe Stampede Princess: Age 9 to 11 For more information on Westcliffe Stampede Royalty, please contact Royalty Coordinators: Sydney Benesch, sydneycamper@gmail.com, (719) 371-5868 Kelly Camper, agriventures65@yahoo.com, (719) 371-0347 Download the Royalty Handbook |