On Saturday, the first rodeo queen and rodeo princess for the Ridin’ on Faith Rodeo was crowned. This was the first annual competition to name the rodeo royalty.
Judges for the event were 11th Street Bar owner D. Foster, Missy Sultenfuss, and Robin Sultenfuss, both from Devine.
The Queen of the Alamo Country Kickers, Kaitlyn Zerr, assisted the judges in the competition. Miss Zerr is one of 11 trail ride queens that participate in the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.
There were two candidates for Queen, Courtney Eddy, 21, from San Antonio, and Rayni Sandidge, 24 from Bandera.
The five candidates for Princess were Brooke Lee, 14, from Pipe Creek; Miranda Dran, 15, from San Antonio; Makensie Valentine, 12, from Bandera; Porter Lee Smith, 11, from Bandera; and Haley Garcia, 14, from San Antonio.
The day started out at 9 AM when the contestants began arriving at the Mansfield Park Arena to prepare for the horsemanship competition which was slated to begin at 11AM.
During the horsemanship segment of the competition the contestants were required to ride a figure eight pattern at a trot and a lope.
After completing the pattern, the contestants dismounted and were quizzed by the judges on the definition of horsemanship.
To finish, the candidates were asked to carry a flag around the arena at a gallop.
Judge D. Foster remarked, “All the girls did an excellent job during the whole competition.”
After horsemanship came the interview portion of the competition. The judges sat at a table under the trees and interviewed each candidate individually.
The audience drifted away and waited for the final leg of the competition which would occur at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar later later that evening after which the Queen and Princess would be crowned.
The event coordinators were Patti Wiatrek, Audra Kight, and Karen Konvicka. The Master of Ceremonies was Troy Konvicka.
The official event photographer was Tessa Kolodny of Bandera.
Princess candidate Haley Garcia from San Antonio stated, “I always wanted to get involved with the rodeo, but I never had a chance to compete. I am proud to be here in Bandera.”
Later that evening at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, the candidates began the speech portion of the competition. They expressed their interests and what they hoped to accomplish as Queen or Princess.
Princess contestant Brooke Lee noted that she liked to participate in rodeo, cheer, soccer, track, and dance. She stated that “rodeo is my home.”
Contestant Miranda Dran is a sophomore and started off in English riding. When she came to Bandera for the first time, she found her love in barrel racing.
“I have been barrel racing ever since,” she said.
She now works as a wrangler at Rancho Cortez and as a camp counselor.
BMS 6th grader Makensie Valentine expressed her special love for her horse Goldie. Her goal is to get into breakaway roping.
Alkek 5th grader Porter Lee Smith gave the audience a big Bandera “howdy” to introduce herself. She said she loves barrel racing, pole bending, and showing lambs and cattle during the Junior Stock Show. She participates in 4H.
“I love all these things, but rodeo is number one for me,” she asserted.
Fourteen-year-old Haley Garcia from San Antonio said, “When I think of rodeo, it takes me back to my pink boots and hat.”
She thinks of rodeo as family time. Barrel racers are her heroes. Her uncle Oscar taught her to get back on her horse when she falls off.
Queen contestant Rayni Sandidge said that rodeo has a big impact on the leadership of the young cowboys and cowgirls that participate in them. She also referenced the role of agriculture in the culture of Texas.
“Programs like 4H and FFA cultivate some of the best leaders in agriculture,” she remarked.
Queen contestant Courtney Eddy stated, “I work at Kerrville Ranch and Pet in Kerrville.”
She participated in 4H and began barrel racing at age 12. Her goal as queen would be to teach and show the upcoming youth all the amazing properties that these programs have to offer.
After the judges deliberated, Troy Konvicka announced the finalists for the competition. Miranda Dran was crowned as the first 2024 Ridin’ on Faith Rodeo Princess, with Porter Lee Smith named as first runner-up.
Rayni Sandidge was voted 2024 Queen, with Courtney Eddy as first runner-up.
Dran and Sandidge were given a sash and crowns along with a bouquet of spring flowers. All the contestants received a small gift from the pageant staff.
Dran and Sandidge will be eligible to compete in the Miss Texas Rodeo Pageant next year.
Konvicka announced the event sponsors and thanked them for their support. The sponsors were Hyo Silver, Old Gringo Designs, Spirits of Texas, Bandera Salt Company, Cowboy Pajamas, Gold Buckle Hatters, 11th Street Cowboy Bar, Ridin’ on Faith Rodeo, Alltex Landscape/Construction- Scott Beatrix, Bandera General Store, Hevenor Feed and Supply, Aubry Kight, and Lee Custom Designs.
