Didsbury's very own Gillian Shields was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2013 last Saturday, Nov. 10 at Rexall Place during the intermission of the 39th Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton.
The former Miss Rodeo Airdrie 2011 took the title after competing with two other finalists in categories such as public speaking, horsemanship, appearance, and a written exam.
“I had no idea how it was going to go down,” said Shields. “I was shaking, I was nervous. Honestly it still has not sunk in.”
She said when she heard her name called out, she was in absolute shock. She received her new crown and rode around the arena on her horse one more time.
“I got on my horse and I was in a daze. It just happened so fast. It still hasn't really hit me...we're talking about all this stuff and I'm thinking ‘Seriously? Is this real?'”
Shields said she has been receiving a torrent of phone calls and text messages from her supporters over the past couple of days.
“This is just the best experience of my life,” she added.
“I appreciate all the support that these people and sponsors have given me and the Miss Rodeo Canada program, it's an amazing program and I'm looking forward to be able to represent Canada, the sport of rodeo, my community, and everything that it stands for.”
Involved in the sport of rodeo ever since she was a child, Shields says she is happy that she made it this far.
She has been working towards this goal for the last five years and will be working harder than ever as she starts her tour around the world, attending rodeos as Canada's ambassador of the sport.
“This is something that I've been working towards for a very long time, and to be able to say that all that hard work paid off and that I did it, it just goes to show that anything is possible. Anyone can do anything they really put their mind to.”
For the next year, Shields will travel to over 400 events. Her next stop will be the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, taking place Dec. 6-15.
“There's quite a few places that I'll get to go and experience this year that most people don't get the opportunity to go to. I'm honoured.”
She noted that her family, as well as her coach, Jo Lawes, played a big role in getting her where she is now.
“She has been a huge part of getting me here. She's supported me, helped me, and helped me be the best that I can be. She's like a sister to me and I just really appreciate everything she's done.”
Shields also credited her late mother for her outgoing personality and said she is thankful to her for who she is today.
“She's a big part of who I am. She was a driven person too, and I think that's a big part in who I am.
“I just appreciate everything that every single person has done for me and the community of Didsbury has been so supportive of me and I'm just so proud that's where I grew up and had the chance to grow up.”
