“If it weren’t for rodeos, cowboys and cowgirls, I am afraid that the deep and rich traditions that the West was founded on would cease to exist,” says Jones, 23, a contestant this year from Henefer.
Hopefuls ranging in age from 18 to 23 kicked off this year’s contest with a horsemanship competition Thursday at the Golden Spike Arena in Ogden.
The pageant continues Monday with a fashion show at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center and a freestyle horsemanship competition at Ogden Pioneer Stadium. The winner and next Miss Rodeo Utah will be crowned July 24 at the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo.