Having been raised around the rodeo lifestyle, Jayden Calvert has over the years developed a passion to promote the sport and ensure the Western tradition endures.
She is one of the three contestants running for the 2018-19 Miss Rodeo Sundre title. Click here and here for features on the other two contestants.
Originally from Sundre, where she went to school until Grade 2, Calvert has since relocated to Drayton Valley and is now studying at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where she is completing her first of four years in pursuing a bachelor of science in agriculture as well as a major in animal science.
Riding horseback as long as she can remember, Calvert said she early on started venturing the trails at Ya Ha Tinda west of Sundre and joined the Sundre Pony Club at a young age.
Eventually participating in gymkhana events, she along the way also began to compete in small rodeos in timed events such as barrel racing and pole bending.
As she got a bit older and moved to Drayton Valley, Calvert joined the Brazeau Junior Rodeo Club from the ages of about 12 to 14. Competing in a number of high school rodeos also added to her repertoire of experience.
But as much as she loves to barrel race, timed events were not always her strong suit, and Calvert looks forward to competing for a rodeo royalty title; a judged event that she said offers her a chance to showcase her skills in a different way.
“It’s always been my dream to be a rodeo queen and represent the sport of rodeo,” Calvert said, adding she selected the Sundre contest because of her early connection to the community.
“The town is near and dear to my heart.”
Representing the Sundre and District Agricultural Society, the rodeo royalty contestant said she most enjoys the atmosphere of the lifestyle and Western culture.
“I was raised around it,” said Calvert, adding that in her family tree there are several other former rodeo queens who set an example she hopes to embody by sharing her love of the sport with other people.
“I kind of want to continue in their footsteps.”
If crowned Miss Rodeo Sundre at the upcoming annual pro rodeo in June, Calvert said she hopes to represent the community and the sport to the best of her ability. Given the opportunity, she would also eventually like to be a contestant on the national stage in the Miss Rodeo Canada competition.
Involved with 4-H for more than 10 years, Calvert has taken part in both the horse and beef projects in the Drayton Valley district, where she also served as a key member, or public liaison, who answered questions about the club and helped facilitate certain requests.
“I am currently a 4-H ambassador for Alberta,” she said, adding her two-year term ends in May.
“I love the 4-H program, and just like the sport of rodeo, it’s something I want to see live on for generations.”
