Miss Rodeo America Promotes Rodeo in Spain

By DeAnna Power, Miss Rodeo America
Posted Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Miss Rodeo America 2009, Maegan Ridley, traveled to Spain Sept. 28, to promote the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and America’s original sport, rodeo. Ridley will be spending the month of October touring with the Rodeo Europe Tour.

“The rodeo in Marbella was awesome to witness as well as be a part of. Talk about an excited crowd,” Ridley said.

Rodeos are being held in bull fighting arenas. Spain has welcomed the sport with sold-out crowds and an abundance of interest from local media. Since the beginning of the tour on, Sept. 18, most performances have had 8,000 to 15,000 first-time rodeo goers.

Ridley will be a part of rodeos in seven cities across Spain. She is one of approximately 60 staff on tour. Cowboys and cowgirls from the United States were selected as contestants and crew, some coming in shifts while others remain oversees for the duration. Spanish speaking, Tara Spencer Miss Rodeo Colorado 2006, is also traveling with the tour serving in many aspects including translating and promotional pieces with media.

“Not only were the contestants and crew selected on their ability to work a rodeo well, but we all know how to have fun,” Stock Contractor Bronc Rumford said in an earlier interview with ESPN blogger, Casper Bindixsen.

“I’m so glad as Miss Rodeo America I have the opportunity to share my passion for rodeo outside of the United States,” Ridley said.

The tour is a collaborative effort of Kansas-based Rumford Rodeo, GP Spain and ESFM Entertainment. Preparations for the tour began nearly two years ago. In March Ridley participated in a live videoconference from the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame with future rodeo fans in Madrid, Spain, announcing details of the tour. Remaining rodeos will be held in the following cities: Puerto de Santa María – Oct 10, Badahoz – Oct. 12, Logroño – Oct. 17, Pontevedra – Oct. 24-25. More information can be found at www.rodeoeuropetour.com and on the Rodeo Europe Tour Facebook page.

Miss Rodeo America Inc. – An organization developed in 1955 striving to provide a quality Miss Rodeo America competition, enrich the lives of contestants and each year select a qualified young lady as Miss Rodeo America to serve as a goodwill ambassador promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Western traditions.