Composite photo with Miss Rodeo Okotoks, Aaron Courchesne, on her beautiful palomino at the High River Senior Pro Rodeo, High River, AB April 12, 2008. PS work.

NOVEMBER 2008 UPDATE Courtesy Okotoks Western Wheel – Miss Rodeo Okotoks captures Canadian crown in Edmonton
She’s living her dream.
For Aaron Courchesne, Miss Rodeo Okotoks 2008, her dream was realized on Nov. 4 when she was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2009.
“I’ve been striving for this for about seven years, when I entered my first rodeo queen pageant,” she said. “Even if I wasn’t going to be queen I knew I was going to rodeo. I knew that it was something that is never going to change about me.”
Courchesne, 24, loves rodeo. She loves the spirit and camaraderie of the sport.
“It’s the only sport where, if your horse is hurt, you can jump on your competitor’s horse — they help each other so much.”
Her goal this year, as Miss Rodeo Canada, is to inspire young people.
“I want all kids to know that even if rodeo isn’t their passion, to find their passion and run with it. Never let anyone tell you to quit. If you want to do it, just go for it.”
As an ambassador for rodeo, and for Canada, Courchesne will put in her fair share of appearances across the country, in the United States and overseas.
She’ll attend more than 300 events over the year.
She’ll be educating the public, inspiring young minds and signing autographs, trying to motivate rodeoers and ensure the tradition of rodeo stays strong.
“You are judged on your speaking abilities, your horsemanship, their appearance and you take a written exam on rodeo knowledge.”
Courchesne had some help from her favorite equine.
“Everyone from Okotoks will remember my Palamino mare, Hope,” she said. “(Hope) was one of my queen horses, and I gave riding lessons on her and I barrel raced on her. She’s definitely one of my best horses.”
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