Rodeo Queen 101 begins with Anne Reason admitting that due to contracting polio she did not have the opportunity to be a rodeo queen. Yet, despite her disability, she loved the scene and was invited to join the board of directors for “Miss Rodeo Arizona”. Chapter One discusses required knowledge and etiquette, then Chapter Two explains the role and requirements of the “Queen Directors” and judges. Chapter Three discusses the need for sponsorship followed by the responsibility of record keeping. Chapter Four advises candidates to learn everything about horses, horse care, and show riding. Chapter Five advises hopeful contenders on how to prepare for the private interview. Chapter Six gives tips regarding modeling, while Chapter Seven covers public speaking. Chapter Eight discusses preparing for an “impromptu” question session, and Chapter Nine revisits etiquette. Chapter Ten includes everything about horses, and is followed by a handy glossary of equine facts.

Rodeo Queen 101 by Anne Reason was a fascinating short manual. I liked the way it challenged elitist thinking by defining the rodeo queen as an “independently contracted public relations” officer rather than a beauty queen. I appreciated the emphasis on skills and competencies and learned that the standard of horsemanship necessary would be physically challenging. Reading the book showed me that participating was more like a sport than a pageant, and challenged my expectation of gender stereotyping and objectification. Rodeo Queen 101 by Anne Reason is packed full of helpful advice to prepare entrants for the hard work involved, and emphasizes the courtesy required should they succeed in their quest.

If you think you want to be a rodeo queen or a teen queen one day or are the parent or family member of a teen or young woman who thinks she does, and you aren’t sure what’s involved or even where to start, Rodeo Queen 101 by Anne T. Reason is for you. Presented as a comprehensive guide and overview, it provides suggestions, resources, and advice about what it takes in preparation, knowledge, finances, logistics, commitment, and personality to be able to compete successfully as a rodeo queen or teen queen at local and national levels. Chapters address topics such as etiquette, horsemanship, equine knowledge and care, interviewing, speaking, attire, and modeling. Comments from several experts, illustrations, and an extensive glossary of western terms add to the presentation.

In Rodeo Queen 101, Anne T. Reason gives us an introduction to rodeo queen competitions and a practical guide for preparing to become a successful contestant. The narrative is conversational in style and addresses basic but critical points. This isn’t a beauty contest. Rodeo queens serve as “PR” representatives, and the contest is a job interview. Winners must demonstrate knowledge of rodeo history and current events and be skilled horsewomen and confident spokespersons who display decorum, grace, and exemplary character. They must also be able to obtain financial sponsorships to pay for travel expenses, attire, and activities while they compete or hold the title and attend events in many locations. For anyone unfamiliar with what goes into becoming a rodeo queen, it’s an eye-opening read.

Rodeo Queen 101 by Anne T. Reason is a comprehensive handbook for anyone who desires to attain the most exalted of positions in the world of rodeo, that of Rodeo Queen. The book’s main intent is to impress the mechanics of the position on young women who are desirous of the role and that although, yes, it is a glamorous and sparkling role these young women perform, it takes dedication and hard work to achieve. The book details all aspects that make up the selection of rodeo queens whether it is a small local rodeo or indeed, a National Rodeo Queen. The author has outlined all the necessary components of qualifying to be selected as a rodeo queen; from sponsors, horsemanship, the interview, modeling, dress, deportment, etiquette, and right through to the important equine knowledge, and horse care. This is a comprehensive book that would undoubtedly become a “Bible” for any young aspirants. The author draws on successful people within the rodeo community, including; judges, former queens, as well as queen directors, right through to veterinarians to contribute to sections relevant to their specialty. This ensures that all pertinent topics are covered professionally and completely.

I admit when I chose this book to review, I did not realize it was in fact “a how-to” book on becoming a rodeo queen. That said, I did enjoy it and as someone who has zero knowledge of rodeo and western life, I was fascinated by the depth of knowledge and passion that Anne T. Reason has for this subject in particular and the rodeo world in general. I particularly enjoyed the extensive and exhaustive glossary the author provided which gave me extensive knowledge of horses and equine husbandry in general. What I did not realize, perhaps, was the importance that rodeo folk place on the role of a rodeo queen. Essentially this is a giant public relations position and, given the sometimes negative feelings in communities about rodeo, an extremely vital one for the sport. For the budding rodeo queen, this book is an absolute necessity as it spells out in unambiguous terms what is expected from the sport’s queens and how to go about attaining that exalted status. But, even for non-rodeo people, this book is a fascinating glimpse inside a world of which we usually only see the public face, and for that reason alone I can recommend this read.

A rodeo queen is a female representative and the face of rodeo as a sport. Being a rodeo queen is a dream come true for many. To win the pageant and keep their crown, they must follow certain rules which are incorporated in a contest, and the competition requires extensive planning and training. Unfortunately, not everyone has the advantage of firsthand information on how to win. This could be the result of inexperience or the lack of a mentor or other knowledgeable individual to guide them through the process. Anne T. Reason uses Rodeo Queen 101 to inform every fan of rodeo about the sport, especially aspiring rodeo queens, and explains everything they need to know about the competition expertly. She takes the reader through every detail of the subject, using both her own experiences and those of others.

The inspirational quotations and religious messages that were added at the start of each chapter in Rodeo Queen 101 were something I eagerly looked forward to. With her casual style and straightforward vocabulary, Anne T. Reason writes in a way that makes the rodeo game seem incredibly engaging. She exudes passion, eagerness, and a willingness to lend a hand admirably. The author pays meticulous attention to every aspect of this sport, and it shows, from the development and history of rodeo to the tips that each contender in a pageant must follow before, during, and after the event. The fact that previous rodeo queens and authorities in the competition offer their expert counsel makes it even more useful. A glossary is provided to clarify terms that could be challenging at first glance. This is an excellent book that both fans of the sport and would-be rodeo queens will enjoy.