Pageant Information

The MISS RODEO NEW MEXICO PAGEANT provides the opportunity for young women to participate in a positive competition, which promotes our western heritage, furthers the sport of rodeo, and spreads good will for their communities, the "Land of Enchantment" and their nation. These experiences enrich their lives and lay a solid foundation for their future.

We would like to remind all who are involved that the Director, Board of Directors and Advisory Board for the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant are all volunteers who donate many hours without any kind of monetary compensation. They do this willingly because of their passion for providing this competition and their love for the young women who compete.

ENTRY DEADLINE
Entries are due April 14, 2008, and your entry fee must accompany the Official Entry Form, 4-8x10 color photographs and any other required materials (see Rule Book below.) Entries received from April 15th - 30th will require a late entry fee. Absolutely no entries will be accepted after April 30, 2008. The deadline for advertisements, including sponsor information, is May 2, 2008.

CONTESTANT SPONSORSHIPS
Amounts vary depending on title category (see Official Entry Form). This money may come from a business, organization, individual or group of individuals. Your sponsor will receive recognition and publicity in the Official MRNMP Program as a result of their support. Sponsors of MRNM Elect will receive a 1/4 page, b&w ad – a $50 value. Sponsors of contestants in all other categories will receive a 1/8 page, b&w ad – a $30 value. (See Advertising specifications at www.missrodeonm.org for information about submitting materials for the ad and deadlines.) Contestant Sponsors will also have their name listed under the contestant’s name on the Contestants page. All sponsor money is due in the Miss Rodeo NM Pageant office no later than May 2, 2008.
You may also have a sponsor pay your Entry Fee, although no formal recognition will be made in the official program.

BIRTH CERTIFICATE
A good, clear photocopy of the contestant’s birth certificate will be sufficient. A certified copy is not necessary, as they are sometimes difficult to obtain. A copy of the Baptismal Certificate is also acceptable.

HORSEMANSHIP
Each contestant in the MRNMT, MRNMP, and LMRNM will be responsible for furnishing her own horse and tack for the competition and the events following the Coronation. MRNM Elect will need to furnish a horse for the flag presentation competition, the rodeo and parade, as competition horses and tack will be furnished. You will need to furnish shavings for bedding for your horse.
Horsemanship Pattern:

1. Do extended jog along side of arena, then to center
2. Begin lope at center of arena and lope left lead
3. Change leads at center of arena and lope right circle on
   right lead
4. Change leads and continue loping around end of arena
5. Once on the straight, increase speed and continue around end of arena
6. Stop and back
7. The MRNM Judges Committee reserves the right to make alterations and/or additions to this pattern

OFFICIAL PAGEANT PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENT SALES
Each contestant in all categories is asked to sell advertisements in the Official Pageant Program. Funds from these sales are used to cover the cost of printing the program and other pageant expenses. The target sales goal for each contestant is $500, but more will be graciously accepted. All ad sales must be completed by May 2, 2008. Complete details about ad sizes, prices, specifications, deadline and contact information can be found in the “Advertising” section on this website.

MOTEL RESERVATIONS
The official Pageant Headquarters will be at the Clovis Inn. MRNM Elect contestants will have their rooms furnished by the pageant and are required to stay at the Clovis Inn in Clovis. All others are welcomed to stay at the Holiday Inn, or may make other arrangements if they desire. Motel information can be obtained online at www.clovisnm.org.

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS DURING PAGEANT
We will have vans and drivers to transport all of the contestants to and from the MRNMP Headquarters for all events except the Horsemanship Competition. Most meals will be provided for the contestants in all age groups.

CONTESTANT GIFT EXCHANGE
Contestants are encouraged to involve their community by bringing some souvenirs from their town or county. These gifts should not be expensive, but be fun items. We will let you know the number of contestants in your age division, as you will exchange only within that group. If you wish, you may bring a small item for Miss Rodeo America, should she be at the Pageant.

Rules:

Eligibility

1. In the Miss Rodeo New Mexico and Miss Rodeo New Mexico Teen divisions ONLY, it is required that before a girl may participate in the MRNM Pageant, she must have held a previous title OR have attended a sponsored Seminar such as the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Seminar, the Borderland Queen Clinic, or the Miss Rodeo America Seminar.

2.The contestants in the Miss Rodeo New Mexico-Elect age category shall:

1. Have obtained the age of 19 years and shall not have obtained the age of 26 years before December 31st in the year in which she competes in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.
2. Have not been previously married and/or pregnant or have a child.
3. Be a resident of the State of New Mexico for at least one year, with proof, if applicable, such as driver’s license, voter registration, etc.
4. Not have been prior contestants in the MRA Pageant.
5. Not be a state titleholder in any other regional or national pageant in the year of her reign.
6. Not compete in other pageants during her reign except to represent New Mexico at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

3. The contestants in all age groups:

1. Must not have initiated any pending lawsuit or legal action, nor have such action brought against her. Must not be charged with and/or determined to have committed any crime of moral turpitude (depravity).
2. Earn a title in any of the four age divisions, a contestant must score a minimum of 50% of the possible points.
3. Must be of the correct age:
   • Teen – Have obtained the age of 15 years and shall not have exceeded the age of 18 years by the first day of the Pageant.
   • Princess – Have obtained the age of 12 years and shall not have exceeded the age of 14 years by the first day of the Pageant.
   • Little Miss – Have obtained the age of 7 years and shall not have exceeded the age 11 years by the first day of the Pageant.
4. Have executed all consents, and/or waivers of liability presented as conditions to competition.
5. Shall abide by all rules of the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant.

4. Contestants in a division other than Miss Rodeo New Mexico.
A current title holder of one of these must wait one year before advancing to the next age group unless she is willing to forego all recognition to her current title during the competition, as is normally due the title holder, AND, she must also have the permission of the MRNMP Director and Board of Directors.

Any contestant who does not meet these qualifications shall be denied the right to compete in the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant.

Loss of Title and Benefits – Subsequent to the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant, any person being awarded the title and/or otherwise becoming the successor thereto, shall follow all rules set forth in this Rule Book. Also, during the year of her reign, each title holder must abide by the rules and guidelines set forth in the Expectation Statement accompanying the Official Entry Form. Any open acts of defiance, disrespect for Board members and/or the Director, or unwillingness to cooperate with the MRNMP will not be tolerated and will result in drastic action(s) by the MRNMP Board of Directors. These knowledgeable individuals contribute their time and resources because they love the Pageant and all it stands for, and should be treated with the utmost respect. The title holder should continue to be aware that the MRNMP is the “vehicle” that provides MRNM the privilege and opportunity to represent her State in such a prestigious manner and to eventually compete in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Upon the occurrence of any of the events listed above, the titles, together with any and all benefits derived by such person shall be forfeited and awarded to the next qualified runner-up. The rule of “Once a queen, always a queen” applies and each title holder should act and dress appropriately, whether appearing officially, or in ordinary activities. The first obligation of a MRNMP title holder is to the Pageant. This is to be considered when scheduling any appearance or event which could be a possible conflict.

MRNM Pageant Judging Guidelines

1. Miss Rodeo New Mexico contestants are judged in three categories judged equally: Horsemanship, Personality and Appearance. In addition, the scores from a contestant’s speech, photogenic competition, interviews, written test, extemporaneous questions and fashion show creativity will be added.
   
2. Judges – Recommended three to five officials who will judge all categories of the Pageant.
   All scores will be totaled for each contestant each time they are judged.
   
3. Judged Events
   1. MRNM contestants will draw for mounts from a relatively equal pen of horses. Tack will be furnished and the contestant will not be allowed to warm-up or otherwise ride her draw until she enters the arena to perform the set pattern. Following all competitions in the set pattern, these contestants will draw again for a mount on which to compete in the “free time” portion of the competition. The same horse may not be drawn for both sections of competition. Contestants shall be prepared to compete in all of the patterns which accompany the Official Entry Form. Go rounds will be at the discretion of the judges.
   2. All other age groups shall ride a horse of their choosing, keeping in mind the safety of other riders. Contestants shall be prepared to compete in all of the patterns which accompany the Official Entry Form. Go rounds will be at the discretion of the judges.
   3. Speech – Each contestant is required to give a speech on her hometown, county, and/or the State of New Mexico. Should more than one contestant represent the same town or area, a topic will be assigned or decided upon in advance of the Pageant. Speech time:
      MRNM, MRNMT, MRNMP = 3 minutes
      Little Miss = 1 to 2 minutes
   4. Interviews – Each contestant will be interviewed privately by the judges. Questions asked will query the contestant’s knowledge of the Pageant, professional rodeo, animal welfare issues, horsemanship and current affairs. Younger contestants shall be questioned concerning general or youth rodeo.
   5. Extemporaneous Questions – Questions will be asked of each contestant during Pageant functions. One question will relate to the sport of rodeo and the other to current events or other topics.
   6. Modeling – Contestants will model the same attire chosen for the speech competition. This should be a dress or skirt and blouse in western styling.
   7. Photogenic – the judges will score the required 8 x 10 color, vertical, head and shoulders photograph submitted by each contestant. Photo should be without a crown.
   8. Written test – Given at Registration. (A less difficult exam has been compiled for the younger competitors.)
      
4. Category Winners and Ties
   1. The winners in the Horsemanship, Personality and Appearance categories shall be determined by the total scores in those categories. In the event of a tie in those categories, the tie shall be broken by referring back to Judge #1. This judge’s score will break the tie. If the tie remains, Judge #2’s score will be used, and so forth until the tie is broken.
   2. Ties resulting in Photogenic and Speech will be broken by using the same method as above.
   3. A tie for Miss Congeniality will be broken by a second balloting of the contestants.
   4. A tie for each division and runners-up will be broken by the Horsemanship scores. ie. The contestant with the highest score in Horsemanship will receive the highest ranking.
      
5. Pageant Categories
   1. Appearance – The purpose of this judged division is to select the girl who rates highest in:
      • Attractiveness
      • Grooming – To include neatness and cleanliness in every detail such as complexion, hands, hair, hat, boots, and other apparel. Meticulous care in general grooming is essential for a young woman to be Miss Rodeo New Mexico or one of the other titles.
      • Photogenic – Judges will have head and shoulders pictures to study of each contestant. A contestant’s strength of character and personality are reflected strongly in a wholesome appearance.
      • Poise and Posture – Ladylike behavior in every situation.
      • Knowledge of Proper Western Attire – Contestants should be aware of what is fashionable western attire with particular attention given to color coordination such as knowing the use of various color combinations to enhance appearance and eye appeal. Judges will be observing how a contestant’s clothes fit and suit her personality, as well as creativity in the choice of materials. However, it is not necessary to invest in an excessive amount of expensive clothing. The crease & shape of a contestant’s hat is also to be considered. Contestants are expected to appear in “full western attire” at all times unless otherwise specified. For example, western pants and shirt or blouse, vest and/or jacket, western skirt and blouse or shirt, or western dress; all with hat, boots and belt. Shirttails shall always be tucked in unless the style indicates otherwise. Bare skin showing at the midriff is not acceptable as it does not reflect a wholesome western image.
      • Western Image – All dresses, skirts and blouses must reflect a western theme. Evening gowns or cocktail type dresses are not acceptable.
   2. Horsemanship – The purpose of this divisions to select the girl who rates highest in:
      • Horsemanship – To include control of her mount and the way she handles any situation which may occur.
      • Balance – The ability to sit properly in the saddle.
      • Positions – Positioning of hands, feet and seat.
      • Mounting and dismounting – “Queen mounts” are acceptable, but only if they are performed properly.
      • The skill of the contestant will be judged, not the horse or the equipment.
      • Each contestant (especially in the three older age groups) may be interviewed on each of the following categories:
        • Knowledge of professional rodeo – Its’ history, organization, rodeo terms or vernacular, explanation of standard events, awareness of PRCA and WPRA/PWRA championship standings, and what is going on in the pro-rodeo world. An excellent source of information is the Prorodeo Sports News (PSN), published regularly by the PRCA;
        • The official PRCA Rulebook and the official Prorodeo Media Guide, all of which are available from the PRCA, 101 Prorodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.
      • There will be at least one go-round of horsemanship competition, with a specified pattern, which may be altered at the discretion of the judges due to arena conditions or other factors. Contestants may be required to dismount and remount, carry a flag and/or perform additional maneuvers on horseback which are often expected of Miss Rodeo New Mexico. Contestants will be expected to do a presentation ride (“hot lap”) following the completion of one of their patterns. Any changes and/or alterations to the horsemanship will be announced to the contestants before the horsemanship competition begins. The patterns will be set by a reigning title holder.
      • Dress for the horsemanship competition will be preferably a form-fitting Wrangler® or 20X® product shirt of any color or print, long-sleeved with a collar, and the shirttail tucked in; a Wrangler® pant product in dark blue denim such as 20X® or wranglers, and western hat, boots and belt. Any color accessories (hat, boots and belt) may be used. NOTE: “Fashion” or “mod” type boots are not acceptable and chaps or gloves are not permitted. All riding attire should be neat and fit properly. Showmanship should be considered since a contestant’s personality does project from horseback to the audience and judges.
   3. Personality – The purpose of this division is to select the young woman who rates highest in:
      • Intelligence – Good common sense.
      • Education – Conversational ability in rodeo and other areas, with special emphasis on grammar and enunciation.
      • Attractiveness – Not necessarily to mean beauty; but rather whether the contestant radiates self-confidence without making an issue out of it. She should also show maturity, high moral standards, sincerity and integrity.
      • Personality Reflections – To include the contestant’s style of attire, overall appearance, charisma, magnetism and eye appeal.
      • Genuine interest in other people, in the Pageant and in rodeo with a noticeable consideration for others.
      • Self-projection – The ability to project one’s personality, whether it be from horseback in the arena, on television, or before an audience. Also to be considered are sense of humor, showmanship, ambition, desire and enthusiasm.
      • Positive and optimistic outlook on life in general.
      • Promptness in keeping on the Pageant schedule.
      • Public Appearance – Competition will include at least one public appearance, giving the contestants an opportunity to speak to an audience with facts and interesting information about their hometown.
      • Proper Etiquette – The ability to have a meal with a group of people while ensuring the use of proper table manners and decorum. To also include appropriate etiquette when meeting and greeting the public or any other persons involved with the pageant.
6. Contestant Expenses/Other
   1. All food and lodging will be paid for by the MRNMP for the Miss Rodeo New Mexico contestants ONLY while she is at the Pageant.
   2. Teen, Princess, and Little Miss contestants will be required to provide their own lodging and chaperone. Most meals will be provided.
   3. The contestants will be under the supervision of the MRNMP staff from the time they arrive until they are signed out with the Pageant officials by the contestant herself or her parent(s). The MRNM contestants ONLY will stay in assigned rooms and with a chaperone at all times. No cell phones or room phones will be allowed during the period of the competition.
   4. Parents and relatives of MRNMP contestants are welcome to attend certain events at which the contestants will be present.
   5. Judging will take precedence over all Pageant activities. It will begin at registration and continue throughout the Pageant.
   6. A meeting of parents, relatives and friends will be scheduled after registration to explain the Pageant activities and to answer questions.
   7. A Miss Rodeo New Mexico Grievance Committee will be available to receive any
      type of grievance or complaint. The proper procedure to file a grievance is to put the complaint in writing and submit it to the MRNMP Director with $50 (which may be refunded). She will set up a meeting to discuss the particular grievance with all concerned and will make every attempt to expedite a resolution to the grievance.
      
7. Awards and Benefits – Contestants should be aware that MRNM title holders do not receive a salary and their expenses throughout their reign are primarily their responsibility. However, the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant is committed to the following:
   1. Miss Rodeo New Mexico – the MRNMP will pay the entry fee to enable her to compete for Miss Rodeo America.
   2. The MRNMP will offer financial assistance, upon the approval of the Executive Board and as it is available, and will coordinate the possible securing of sponsorships and support in various areas. This must be done in a tasteful and professional manner so as to insure future ongoing support of the MRNMP. As stated in detail below, all monies given to MRNM through sponsorship or donation must be accounted for.
   3. MRNM, MRNM Teen, MRNM Princess, and Little MRNM will receive an official crown, trophy buckle and banner. Only the MRNM crown is perpetual.
   4. Awards will be presented to:
      • First Runner-up, and others if applicable, in each age division
      • Each category winner – Horsemanship, Personality and Appearance will be announced and receive a certificate and/or award.
      • Others as they are available
8. Judges Meeting – At some time following the competition, and possibly before the title holders have been announced, the judges will meet with the contestants and their parents to discuss things that may need to be improved upon, or where the contestants “short-comings” were. This will be done, of course, with the respect due the judges. Any arguments or conflict will cause the contestant and her family to be asked to leave. This is to be a learning experience, not a negative encounter.
   
9. Accountability – Because Miss Rodeo New Mexico is allowed to receive contributions due to her title, and in the name of MRNM, it is the responsibility of the MRNMP Board of Directors to ensure that those contributions are being utilized for that purpose. Therefore, it is required that the reigning MRNM make a quarterly report to the MRNMP Board of Directors consisting of what contributions, donations, and/or sponsorships have been received (both the amount and from whom*), as well as accounting for all expenditures from those monies.
   * This will prevent “double-dipping”, or asking for contributions from the same entity by more than one person.

Judging Criteria

Judges are given score sheets for each contestant as she appears individually. Contestants are scored on individual performance and not in comparison in the following areas:

Point values are listed:
Overall Appearance	100 pts
Personality Interview	100 pts
Horsemanship	200 pts
Horsemanship Interview	100 pts
Fashion Show & Speech	100 pts
Photogenic	30 pts
Written Exam	This is not judged but scored 100 pts
Press Conference	20 pts
Total Possible Points:	750 pts

OTHER FACTORS THAT WILL BE CONSIDERED: Sportsmanship, Miss Congeniality (voted by the contestants)

The titleholder symbolizes the youth of our State who wish to further promote the sport of rodeo, and in so doing, promote the great western way of life. She is the ideal western type American girl, and is a person who will represent rodeo as she travels the length and breadth of our country.

The Miss Rodeo New Mexico Executive Board reserves the right to revise this Rule Book at their discretion and without prior notice.

TENTATIVE PAGEANT SCHEDULE 2008

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Friday, June 6, 2008

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Current Title Holders
   Miss Rodeo New Mexico
   Miss Rodeo New Mexico Teen
   Miss Rodeo New Mexico Princess
   Little Miss Rodeo New Mexico

Pageant Information
   Rules
    Schedule
    Contestant Sponsorship
        Information
    Wardrobe
    Entry Application

Scholarship

Scheduled Appearances

Contact Information

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