Introduction

When the spotlight shines on the arena floor and the crowd roars, the voice representing the sport of rodeo steps into a role of both visibility and responsibility. Miss Rodeo America 2023 is more than a title—it’s a year-long commitment to promoting the Western lifestyle, advocating for youth, and carrying a message of integrity and pride. In 2023, that role was filled by Kennadee Riggs, a cowgirl with roots in Arizona, faith in her journey, and a platform built on kindness. In this article, we’ll follow her personal story, the selection process for Miss Rodeo America, the duties that come with the crown, her platform and legacy, and what her year in the saddle tells us about modern rodeo culture.

The Road to the Crown – How Miss Rodeo America 2023 Was Chosen

Each year, the title of Miss Rodeo America is awarded to a contestant who embodies horsemanship, poise, personality and public speaking skill. The competition typically takes place in early December in Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo. In 2023, Miss Rodeo America 2023 Kennadee Riggs emerged from a field of state-titleholders as the winner on December 4, 2022.

Riggs had already held the title of Miss Rodeo Arizona, giving her experience with the responsibilities of service and representation. In interviews she described how her life—her faith, family heritage in rodeo queening and her horsemanship—prepared her for the national role.

The judging criteria for Miss Rodeo America encompass several key facets: knowledge of rodeo industry rules, equine science, horsemanship pattern riding, appearance, and a formal speech or interview. Contestants must also demonstrate willingness to travel, engage with the public and serve as ambassadors of the sport. The result? A queen who goes beyond beauty, representing the values and heritage of rodeo. Riggs’s win carried this promise — her platform, experience and values positioned her for the demanding role of Miss Rodeo America 2023.

Meet Kennadee Riggs – Miss Rodeo America 2023’s Background

What makes Kennadee Riggs suited to her role as Miss Rodeo America 2023? Her personal background tells much of the story. Riggs hails from Queen Creek, Arizona, and comes from a family rich in rodeo and ranch heritage. In fact, her great-grandmother was crowned Reno Rodeo Queen in 1950.

Her early life included periods of service and learning: Riggs served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints and later pursued journalism at Arizona State University. In interviews she has linked her faith, values of service and love of horses as central elements of her identity.

As she stepped into the year as Miss Rodeo America 2023, Riggs brought a unique blend: deep connection to the Western lifestyle, strong communication skills (rooted in her journalism studies), and a passion to promote kindness. Her story resonates with young rodeo fans, aspiring queens and people drawn to the culture of the American West. Through her role, she demonstrated how the title of Miss Rodeo America is about identity, service and dedication—not just the crown.

Responsibilities & Impact of Miss Rodeo America 2023

Being crowned Miss Rodeo America 2023 is not simply a one-night event—it’s a full year of travel, appearances and representation. Kennadee Riggs assumed the role of official spokesperson for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and ambassador of the Western lifestyle.

During her tenure, Riggs traveled extensively—supporting rodeos, attending public events, visiting schools, engaging in horsemanship clinics and carrying forward her personal platform “Kicking Up Kindness.” Her mission: to promote faith, family, freedom and kindness within and beyond the rodeo community.

Her responsibilities included placing appearances, carrying the American flag in the rodeo arena, participating in media interviews, supporting industry partners and acting as a representative for Western heritage. In interviews, she expressed that the role meant bringing people into the rodeo world—inviting them to experience the values and legacy of the sport. This year-long commitment underscores how Miss Rodeo America 2023 is a working title—one of service, advocacy and visibility.

The Platform – “Kicking Up Kindness” and Western Values

One of the most compelling aspects of Kennadee Riggs’s year as Miss Rodeo America 2023 is her personal platform: Kicking Up Kindness. In press, she highlighted that kindness, faith and community were central to her message.

Her platform builds off her family heritage of rodeo queening—women in her family actively involved in service and history—and her own mission to extend kindness and positive influence throughout the Western world. For Riggs, being Miss Rodeo America means more than appearances—the role includes leadership, mentorship and creating meaningful connections.

By embracing “Kicking Up Kindness,” she not only addressed rodeo-related audiences but also reached into schools, media, youth programs and the broad public. She spoke about how the values of the Western lifestyle—faith, integrity, respect for animals and land—are needed in today’s culture. In summary, the platform of Miss Rodeo America 2023 reflects personal commitment, heritage and purposeful advocacy.

Legacy & What’s Next for Miss Rodeo America 2023

As the reign of Miss Rodeo America 2023 draws to a close, what legacy will Kennadee Riggs leave behind—and what lies ahead for her career? Her year in the saddle has already strengthened her public-speaking skills, networking, horsemanship leadership and advocacy. Her friends and family describe her as someone grounded in values and purpose, and her year as Miss Rodeo America has expanded her platform significantly.

Looking ahead, Riggs’s background in journalism and her passion for storytelling set the stage for possible careers in media associated with Western lifestyle, equine industries or community outreach. The doors opened through her role as Miss Rodeo America 2023 will serve her well—she has built relationships, reached audiences and proven she can represent a major national title with dignity.

For the sport of rodeo, her year exemplifies how the title of Miss Rodeo America continues to evolve: it’s not just glamor—it’s leadership, impact and a living connection to Western heritage. Her legacy will include how she brought kindness into the spotlight, how she engaged with youth, and how she embraced the traveling responsibilities of the title. In short, Miss Rodeo America 2023 stands as a model of what the crown can represent today.

Conclusion

Being Miss Rodeo America 2023 is about more than stepping into the spotlight—it’s about stepping up to serve. Kennadee Riggs embraced that role fully, blending horsemanship, speaking ability, Western heritage and a message of kindness into her year of service. Her journey reveals how the role of Miss Rodeo America is rooted in culture, character and commitment. As she moves into her next chapter, the legacy of Miss Rodeo America 2023 will continue to ripple out in rodeo arenas, classrooms and communities across America.

FAQs

Who was crowned Miss Rodeo America 2023?
Kennadee Riggs, representing Arizona, was crowned Miss Rodeo America 2023 on December 4, 2022.

What platform did Miss Rodeo America 2023 promote?
Her platform was titled “Kicking Up Kindness,” focusing on kindness, faith, community and Western values.

What are the responsibilities of Miss Rodeo America 2023?
She serves as the official spokesperson for the PRCA, travels to rodeos, makes public appearances, leads horsemanship and youth programs, and promotes the Western lifestyle.

Did Miss Rodeo America 2023 have prior pageant experience?
Yes, before winning the national title, Kennadee Riggs held the title of Miss Rodeo Arizona and grew up in a family with a long history of rodeo queens.

What’s next for Miss Rodeo America 2023?
While her reign concludes, the connections, advocacy and experience she gained as Miss Rodeo America 2023 will likely lead into roles in media, Western lifestyle promotion, or continued service in the equine industry.