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Miss Rodeo South Dakota to participate in BHSS

Miss Rodeo South Dakota Kristina Maddocks. Photo by Studio D Photography

Just as cowboys, livestock, clowns and crew are essential to any great rodeo, so is another figure: the rodeo queen. A symbol of the timeless class, talent, and traditions of rodeo, this year’s queen will represent all the qualities that are associated with the event.

Crowned Miss Rodeo South Dakota on January 5th, 2013, Kristina Maddocks hails from Hecla, SD. She previously held the title of 2012 Miss Rodeo Black Hills Stock Show, having won the categories of Horsemanship, Speech, Appearance, Personality, and Photogenics.

Maddocks got her start in queen pageants at the age of 13, when she read an ad in the paper for a junior rodeo contest. From there, she quickly realized the importance such a figure holds for rodeo. “Rodeo queens are a great PR tool piece. That’s our job, to promote rodeo and everything that goes along with the event,” says Maddocks. “The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® is one of the biggest rodeos in South Dakota and the Badlands Circuit, so there’s a lot that goes into it. Miss Rodeo South Dakota helps promote the event itself and its sponsors by doing things like visiting local schools.”



While fulfilling her role at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo®, Maddocks also looks forward to watching some of her favorite events. “I really enjoy watching the bronc riding. It’s what South Dakota is known for, and a great event to watch. When it’s going good it’s going good, and when there’s a wreck it’s usually a good one.”

However, even if bronc riding isn’t your cup of tea, Maddocks encourages individuals of all types to visit this year’s event. “The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® is unique in that it’s not just rodeo, there are tons of events going on. Come check out something else you’re interested in. For instance, the sheep dog competition. I’ve always thought that would be fascinating to watch,” she says. “Everything to do with rodeo is here, from horses to cattle to agriculture. It’s a really unique experience, especially in our area.”



Also unique is the road to becoming Miss Rodeo South Dakota, a journey which Maddocks has plenty of experience in and advice to offer. “A great place to start is 4-H rodeos,” she says for those looking to get involved. “All the clothing you need can be intimidating. A 4-H Rodeo Ambassador Contest only requires you wear a white shirt and blue jeans. It’s not expensive to get involved with, and a great place to get comfortable. If you enjoy it, it’s easy to move into high school rodeo contests or Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota.”

Maddocks also shares another tip for aspiring rodeo queens: A Miss Rodeo South Dakota Queen Clinic will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. During this time participants will be able to visit with instructors and receive valuable advice for pursuing their own ambitions. The cost is $50 to attend, and those interested are encouraged to contact Maddocks at missrodeosd2013@gmail.com.

“The biggest thing is not to give up, and you have to be willing to ask for help and accept advice from anyone you can take it from,” says Maddocks of her own experience. “There’s no way I’d be where I am now if it hadn’t been for some great people.”

It’s clear that Maddocks is enjoying every moment of her role as Miss Rodeo South Dakota, from promotional work and community involvement to shopping for new apparel. “I just finished up at WESA market, and realized I have a boot addiction,” Maddocks jokes. “I love boots, they’re definitely my favorite.”

Join Miss Rodeo South Dakota Kristina Maddocks as she represents the traditions and talents that will be showcased at the 2013 Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo®, Jan. 25 – Feb. 2. From PRCA Rodeo to cattle and horse events, steer wrestling, timed event slack, and 20x Extreme High School Rodeo, you won’t want to miss any of the action. F

–Sutton Rodeos