PUEBLO, Colo. ” The Miss Rodeo America organization has created the Hats Off to Rodeo Royalty awards program to celebrate rodeo queens who reign on the local and regional levels. These beautiful and accomplished young women work hard to promote the sport of rodeo.

“We’re happy to implement a program to recognize the young ladies that are continuing the traditions and values of our Western heritage,” Raeana Wadhams, Miss Rodeo America Inc., executive director said. “By recognizing the excellence of our youth we hope to encourage the success of the next generation of horsewomen.”

Who can be nominated: All nominees considered must be local or regional titleholders – nominations for state titleholders that will be competing or have competed at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant will not be accepted. Contestants must be between the ages of 10-20 who have shown outstanding performance and leadership skills in equine activities.

Please visit http://www.missrodeoamerica.com to nominate a deserving young lady.

Categories: Two winners will be selected: one in each of two categories, 10-15 and 16-20.

Prizes: Winners will receive a one-year membership with Miss Rodeo America Inc., and a subscription to Miss Rodeo America News, a Wrangler gift certificate and horse care product from Absorbine.

Winners will be recognized in Miss Rodeo America News, a quarterly publication.

Winners will also be included in a drawing to receive two tickets to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant 2010 coronation performance, taking place on Dec. 5, 2009, at The Orleans Hotel Showroom in Las Vegas.