CIS Q’s & A’s

Cowgirls In Style Magazine: Where are you from?

Kennadee Riggs: I grew up in Queen Creek, Arizona and still live there as a sixth generation Arizonan!

CIS: Tell us about your growing up. Did you start with horses at a young age?

K.R.: I was lucky enough to be born into a family already struck by the horse bug long ago. I come from a lineage of rodeo cowboys, ranchers, horse breeders and ro deo queens. Both sides of my family have rich heritage in the western lifestyle and it has always, always, always been a natural passion of mine!

I started horse back from the very get go and loved competing in different disciplines growing up while performing at profes sional rodeos on a drill team with the women in my family.

CIS: When did you start your journey in rodeo royalty?

K.R.: My rodeo royalty journey really started before I was even born. It all comes from family legacy! My great grandmother was a rodeo queen in 1950 and my mother and her sisters followed in her footsteps, even obtaining state-wide and national titles. It is such a sweet feeling to be riding on their tailcoats doing the same.

CIS: What are some of your hobbies when you get some down time?

K.R: I have grown up with a love for nature’s sports like wake surfing and snow skiing! I love to be horseback but have also always enjoyed art and calligraphy, which have turned into a small business for me throughout the years. Music will forever be a large part of my life as well, but my favorite hobby of all will always be spending time with my family.

What was your favorite part of your week in Vegas competing for Miss Rodeo America?

K.R.: The Miss Rodeo America pageant is such a fun, unique, self-developing experience! It is almost impossible to choose a favorite part. However, on a serious note, one of the most special parts about my week in Las Vegas was seeing my perspective become clearer than ever of my purpose as a rodeo queen. As I reflected on my family heritage and all that it took to bring me to that point, I was filled with even more passion for the western lifestyle. Beyond that however, I got to share some very unforgettable conversations with my dear friends who I competed with. Many of these moments made Heaven feel near and brought us peace regarding whatever outcome might fall into place.

In a fun sense, the fashion show was one of my favorite parts of my week in Las Vegas because I am a big lover of dancing! It is a perfect window of time to let personalities show, showcase talented sponsors, and sincerely have fun!

CIS: What were some challenges, if any?

K.R.: No matter how good of friends one might become with her fellow contestants, the Miss Rodeo America Pageant is very competitive, and oftentimes tight! What once was a challenge however became a great blessing to me, and that was turning the spirit of competition into compassion. It took a conscious effort, but as I tried my hardest and prayed for help, I felt so much love for everyone around me that it seemed like my heart didn’t have any room left for competitive feelings that might otherwise take over my mind! This even helped calm my nerves and made for a truly enjoyable experience with the girls around me.

CIS: What is your fashion sense? Do you have favorite brands, are you a jeans/boots type of girl or more dress up?

K.R.: When it comes to fashion, I love mixing western twists with modern trends. I am also a sucker for anything vintage! Some of my favorite clothes have been leather Wrangler straight legs that my mom wore in college, and my dad’s crew necks from the 90’s. I have liked collecting Nike sneakers and pairing them with old Wranglers, but I can never pass up a chance to get dolled up. You cannot go wrong wearing a good pair of Justin boots with a sundress or some heeled booties with high waisted Wrangler wide legs!

CIS: What advice would you tell a girl who is looking to get involved in Rodeo pageantry?

K.R.: It can be such a gratifying experience to pursue a rodeo royalty title. In the end however, it won’t amount to much unless you become swallowed up in a good cause to direct it towards. Self-centered motives will lead to small, fleeting rewards. Selfless motives however, lead to miracles and real happiness! You will find that as you deepen your purpose in anything you do, life becomes more joyful... and then in the end, people outside of this industry might see in you a light and joy that they will want for themselves, leading them to come and see what this is all about.

You can find more about Kennadee on most Miss Rodeo America social media platforms and on the Miss Rodeo America website at: missrodeoamerica.com