Miss Rodeo America 2022 crowned

Hailey Frederickson of Colorado was crowned Miss Rodeo America 2022 at the end of the finals, held on December 4, 2021 at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The Miss Rodeo America Pageant is held in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Contestants are judged in three main categories – horsemanship, personality, and appearance.

The 23-year-old beauty queen is graduate of Colorado State University with a major in Animal Science and a minor in Agriculture Business. She hopes to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree in large animal nutrition or breeding/genetics. “My ultimate goal is to continue my passion for the rodeo and agriculture industry outside of my title through a rewarding career within the industry where I feel that I can give back,” Frederiksen said. In her free time she enjoys traveling with her parents, barrel racing with her mom and watching her dad team rope. She also works part-time as an office assistant in the shows and racing departments at the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association.

With deep roots in the rodeo industry, Frederiksen knew she wanted to stay involved in the sport that raised her. “I knew early on that I wanted to be not only an ambassador of rodeo but also a steward as well,” Frederiksen said. “This way of like has offered so many opportunities to me and has allowed me to pursue a college education which I to share my knowledge and passion that I have with everyone I meet to grow both the rodeo and agriculture industry“.

The title of Miss Rodeo Colorado is Frederiksen’s third title. She has also held 2009 Johnstown Saddle Club Princess and 2018 Miss Rodeo Deer Trail.

“It was a humbling moment and very satisfying. I knelt down crying. I couldn’t believe I’d just won the title. People have recognized the work I’ve put in,” she said. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget. I’m beyond humbled and grateful for this opportunity.”

Frederiksen’s main objective in 2022: to be the inspiration that Tierney and so many other Miss Rodeo Americas — now 66 in all, dating to 1956 — have been to her as she’s pursued her dream.

“I just want to be that inspiring light for other people. I wouldn’t have gotten into rodeo queening without being inspired by others,” Frederiksen said. “I love to talk, and I’m deeply passionate about what I represent. I’m excited to express that passion with everyone I meet.”

Going forward, Frederiksen just hopes to carry the mantle as well as her predecessor and good friend Tierney.

“I got to spend two years with Jordan,” Frederiksen said, noting the unusual circumstance of Tierney holding the Miss Rodeo America title and Frederiksen the Miss Rodeo Colorado crown the past 24 months because of the pandemic canceling the 2021 pageant. “Jordan did make me cry this week. She gave an incredible speech to all the girls. I couldn’t be more honored to follow someone like her. I’m truly honored to carry this tradition on after her.”

Tierney, gracious as ever, is confident that Frederiksen will do the rodeo world proud these next 12 months.

“She’s gonna do a great job. I’ve traveled with her a lot the last two years and have really gotten to know her. She’s amazing,” Tierney said. “I’m also a little partial to her because we’ve got a similar sense of humor. She’s really funny!”

With that sense of humor and passion for the rodeo world, Frederiksen can’t wait to charge into the coming 12 months.

“I’m ready for this next year. One year is gonna fly by.”

The 2021 Miss Rodeo America’s court includes :

1st runner-up – Nicole Jordan (Idaho)

2nd runner-up – Bobbi Loran (Texas)

3rd runner-up – Joeli Walarath (Nebraska)

4th runner-up – Kylie Meyers (Oklahoma)