Miss Rodeo USA is the representative of the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) and is crowned every year at the culminating event of the IPRA schedule, the International Finals Rodeo or IFR.
The purpose of Miss Rodeo USA from the official website (www.missrodeousa.com):
"Miss Rodeo USA travels the country promoting the sport of rodeo and is a role model for the youth of today. Additionally the Miss Rodeo USA program provides career advancement and scholarship awards to young women competing in the pageant to further their educational and career goals."
Candice Carper has served as the 42nd Miss Rodeo USA throughout last year and will relinquish her crown to the new Miss Rodeo USA at the ceremony during Round 3 of the International Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. Candice is a proud native of Banning, California which is home to the exciting Stagecoach Days every October.
This interview was conducted shortly before the crowing of the new Miss Rodeo USA.
About Rodeo: Thank you for taking the time to talk to me today. How did you get started in rodeo?
Candice Carper: My hometown of Banning has a rodeo during Stagecoach Days and a friend of my mom's got us to come out. I won my first pageant in 1988 and was Tiny Miss Rodeo Queen at Stagecoach Days. So I've been doing this a long time.
Rodeo: What are some of the highlights of your reign as Miss Rodeo USA?
Candice: Being able to ride in the 119th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. Another highlight was carrying the American flag at the first performance of the International Finals Rodeo.
Rodeo: What are some of your duties as Miss Rodeo USA?
Candice: I am the ambassador for the IPRA. I usually travel to rodeos two or three days before and help with the promotional side of things, doing radio broadcasts, television, anything I can to promote the IPRA and the rodeo.
I've also been able to speak at schools and rotary function and share my platform which is "Rope your Dreams." Basically that means work hard at what you want in life and keep trying. If what you want doesn't happen the first time keep trying and don't give up.
Rodeo: What do you think about the sport of rodeo today?
Candice: I love rodeo. The sport teaches responsibility, dedication and hard work. I think the most important thing is family, being able to raise a family inside the sport. Several families go to rodeos together and compete. Our current World Champion Barrel Racer Mesa Leavitt is only 11 years old so rodeo really is a family sport.
Rodeo: When you speak in schools, are the kids interested?
Candice: The kids are interested; at least I like to think they are (laughs).
About Rodeo: Do you think the sport is growing?
Candice: It is growing. The IPRA just added 40 new rodeos this season so it is growing. I mean I've been to some of the smaller rodeos where now the stands are not as full as they used to be. But then you go to other towns and the rodeo is bigger than it's ever been. I think it all depends on the people, the community support.
Rodeo: How do you feel about passing on your crown?
Candice: It's bittersweet for me. I'm happy to be a part of the whole thing. But I'm starting to get a little sad now that I have to give up my crown tomorrow (January 19th). I'll just put on a smile and get through it but I've been really fortunate that I've got to do this.
Rodeo: What's next for you Candice Carper?
Candice: Home (laughs). I have a home-based business so I'll be working from home. I'll go back to school and get my degree (in Business and Marketing) and start my future.
Rodeo: Any advice you'd like to pass along to people interested in rodeo or rodeo pageants?
Candice: It takes a lot of dedication and hard work. I moved to Oklahoma (from California) to make it easier to travel and have been away from my family. But if it's something you really want you need to go after it.
Rodeo: Which is the message of your platform - "Rope your dreams?"
Candice: Exactly. I went for Miss Rodeo USA twice before I got it. I knew it was something I really wanted. If it doesn't happen the first time you need to work harder to get it and don't give up.
Rodeo: How would you recommend that people get started?
Candice: If it's something you are interested in then go down and meet people. Go to a couple rodeos and ask questions.
Rodeo: So rodeo is accessible?
Candice: It is accessible. Talk to people and show that you are interested.
Rodeo: What is your favorite rodeo event?
Candice: Team Roping. It's the one I compete in.
Rodeo: What is your favorite breed of horse?
Candice: Quarter Horses and Paint Horses.
Rodeo: What is the name of your roping horse?
Candice: I have two. Zinnie is my roping horse I also have a horse named Booger.
Rodeo: Do you have a favorite rodeo in the IPRA?
Candice: The Gilbert, Arizona Rodeo was one of my favorites because it was one of my last events and it being in the West my family got to come and see what I do so it was real special to me.
Rodeo: Do you have any superstitions or rituals you do before you compete?
Candice: The only one I follow is never putting a cowboy hat on a bed. Other than that I don't have any superstitions.
Rodeo: I know you have prior engagements so thank-you for speaking to me.
Candice: Your welcome.
Can't get enough of Miss Rodeo USA? Be sure to read my interview with the new Miss Rodeo USA 2008 - Kristin Scott.
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