Rodeo Queens and Relationships
It’s the beginning of the new year and with it the official end of the 2021 state titleholders tenure. There is a little thing known as rodeo queen retirement, and with it usually an announcement of a romantic relationship, sometimes even an engagement. But before we look at how to handle relationships you have to look at why discretion is paramount in the rodeo queen world. This post is primarily geared towards those in Miss Title age range(18+).
Rodeo queen Pageants require = young, Single women
One of the major requirements of rodeo queen pageants is A) age range maximum of 27 years old, and B) You must not, and never have been, married or pregnant. Nor can you get engaged or married during your time in the crown and sash. Similar to beauty pageants, rodeo queens typically follow the traditional mantra of “always appear available but never be available”, this is because being a rodeo queen is a job. Titles like Miss Rodeo USA actually specify that you must be single during your tenure, and an argument can be made that higher levels of rodeo queen titles demand a lot of focus and a distraction of a relationship isn’t always a good thing. However, having a supportive partner can be an asset, as long as you follow the protocols regarding rodeo queening and relationships.
Rodeo Queening is a job, not a hobby
Do you bring your boyfriend to work with you? the answer should always be NO. When you go to a rodeo, a pageant or event, you are providing a service for the job you signed up for. Meaning bringing a boyfriend is not only inappropriate but also unprofessional. I’m not saying a boyfriend can’t attend certain things, like go to a rodeo to watch you ride, but no one should be able to pick up that the two of you are together. Think about how you are representing your rodeo and sponsors, even driving to events in the same truck without another adult present can be easily misconstrued.
Here are my do’s and don'ts for having your significant others at rodeo queen events
Don’t partake in PDA
Absolutely no public displays of affection in your crown and sash. No kissing, no hand holding, even hugs can be too much. Acting like you are cousins is a good rule of thumb.
Do have another adult present
If for some reason you have to travel together or got to an event early where they are in attendance, etc. always make sure you are not alone. Try to have another adult, like your parents, or group present. A group of friends saying hello at a rodeo is a lot different than having one on one time.
Don’t post your relationship all over social media
Just like you wouldn’t post yourself partying all over Facebook, you should not be posting your relationship everywhere either. A potential pageant judge, sponsor or member of your rodeo community could look at what you post online anytime, they should not be able to go onto your page and know whether or not you have a boyfriend. In fact you should clean up your social media before you ever compete for a title and keep it as such through your rodeo queen tenure.
Do be upfront about these expectations
Being at an event and having your boyfriend go in for a kiss hello is not the time to bring up how you are expected to act. Have a clear and upfront conversation about what is and isn’t allowed. If he is not comfortable taking on the “cousin” role at rodeo queen events, then leave him at home. Your job is the priority, not him.
3. Act like an Adult
Fundamentally being a rodeo queen is a unique privilege, and how you act is a direct reflection of the organization and of a rodeo queens role in rodeo. If for any reason relationships and being a titleholder becomes something that you cannot handle, then step away from the role either by ending things with your significant other or giving up your crown. Handle these situations at home and not in public, and remember that this is first and foremost a job.
