A new Pete Knight Rodeo queen was crowned at the Crossfield Pro Rodeo, June 18.
Chelsea Mather, 16, a student at Cochrane’s Saint Timothy Junior/Senior High School was chosen to represent the town as rodeo royalty.
“It is a really big honour to represent Crossfield and the Pete Knight Rodeo,” said Mather. “I feel blessed.”
Mather has lived on a farm east of Cochrane for the past nine years.
Her family owns 11 horses and is active in equestrian activities such as driving horses and wagons, trail and pleasure riding.
Mather has been a 4-H member for six years and is currently the president of the Midnight Express Horse Club.
As part of her 4-H experience, Mather shows western pleasure horses. This year, she placed first in western pleasure category at 4-H on Parade, which was held at the Calgary Stampede Grounds, May 29-31.
“I feel so lucky to live on a farm,” said Mather. “I have a lot of different experiences. I have the opportunity to work with horses and I feel really lucky.”
As rodeo queen, Mather will have the chance to show off her horsemanship skills, when she attends rodeos and parades all over Alberta this summer.
She is looking forward to it.
“This experience is totally worth it,” said Mather. “It has already made me a better public speaker. I am able to approach people much easier now and I have learned so much about Crossfield and Pete Knight.”
Mather dreams of competing in the Calgary Stampede Rodeo royalty competition after high school. For a career, she plans to capitalize on her love for animals and nature by becoming a fish and wildlife conservation officer.
Mather enjoyed the selection process, and is thrilled to be working with the new Pete Knight Rodeo Princess Emily Marston, 15, a student at Airdrie’s George McDougall High School.
“I am really excited,” said Mather. “I get to spend the year with an awesome girl.”
