In the 52-year history of Canadian Western Agribition there was never a Miss Rodeo for the event, until this year.

It came down to three women – Ari Dyck of White City, Zoe Gerein of Regina, and Tristen Newcombe of Norquay. After two days of testing their horse riding skills, knowledge of agriculture, rodeo and Agribition, and public speaking, Ari Dyck was crowned the first ever Miss Rodeo.

“There was so many emotions running through my body; I’m pretty sure I cried, I remember tears running down my face,” said Dyck of her reaction to being announced the winner during the Maple Leaf Finals Rodeo on Wednesday night. “Eight-year-old me is screaming right now because I’m making a childhood dream for myself come true.”

Dyck said her parents and friends were in the crowd with her friends giving her a hug after the announcement, adding her parents were proud. In fact, her parents plan on having the crown she was awarded on their mantle.

Dyck hopes the victory inspires other women to not only take part in next year’s Miss Rodeo competition and beyond, but also do what they’re most passionate about. For Dyck, its welding. She mentioned that only 6 percent of women in the province are in a trade.

“I want to show young girls, young boys, anybody that if you put your mind to something, and it’s completely out of the normal but its what you love to do, then do it.” she said.

The 19-year-old will now be the ambassador of Canadian Western Agribition for one year, so she will be going out to other events to promote the show and make connections.

“I can’t wait to go to different events, meet a ton of people. It’s going to be great.” she said.