Still time to enter the Dunmore Equestrian Miss & Sweetheart Competition

Courier/Commentator Photo Submitted. COMPETITIONS: Pictured is 2024 Dunmore Equestrian Miss Emma Baedke (left) and Sweetheart Meadow VanMaarion (right).

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The annual Dunmore Equestrian Miss & Sweetheart Competition takes place on August 15 & 16. Applications remain open until July 28, so don’t delay if you are looking to be crowned the winner.

This royal tradition dates back to the first crowing of the Sweetheart in 2017, with Miss being added in 2023. It is about more than equestrian skills. The successful candidates become ambassadors for the Dunmore Equestrian Centre, the Little Britches Rodeo, and the Western Way of Life. Through volunteer opportunities, the royalty will represent while being involved in many community events. This is an excellent opportunity to build confidence, speaking skills, participate in giving back, and so much more.

 To enter, there are four pillars to consider: public speaking, modelling, personality and horsemanship. The competition is open to: Dunmore Equestrian Miss – age requirement 17 and under as of January 1, 2025; and Dunmore Equestrian Sweetheart age requirement – 13 and under as of January 1, 2025.

Emma Baedke is the first contestant to hold both titles: 2021 Dunmore Equestrian Sweetheart and 2024 Dunmore Equestrian Miss.

“Honestly, the Dunmore Equestrian Society has been very welcoming and supportive of me and the Sweetheart and Miss roles. They are bringing together the community through their initiatives and events,” says Baedke.

“When it comes to the competition, I enjoy the whole event. The camaraderie of the contestants, the public speaking and showing off our personalities during the modelling, my favourite will always be the horsemanship portion, especially the wave lap. I love the connection between horse and rider.”

“Representing the Dunmore Equestrian Centre has been a wonderful experience—full of opportunities to meet new people and build lasting connections. Some of my favourite memories as Miss are riding in the Grand Entry at rodeos, going to the Canadian Finals Rodeo where I had the chance to meet fellow sash sisters, and participating in parades bringing our communities together.”

Meadow VanMaarion, 2024 Dunmore Equestrian Sweetheart, notes “One of my favourite memories was also attending the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton. I was able to attend the Miss Rodeo Canada competition and fashion show. I also attended a few performances of the CFR rodeo; it was an amazing show. I especially liked when they honoured the women of rodeo during the performance. One of the major highlights was meeting Miss Rodeo America and Miss Rodeo Canada!”

She continues, “One of my best memories when I competed for the Dunmore Equestrian Sweetheart was having my family there to support me and seeing everyone’s horsemanship skills during the competition. I also enjoyed hearing everyone’s speeches. It was a great learning experience, and I will benefit from everything I’ve learned during this time.

“Through being the Dunmore Equestrian Sweetheart I have been able to get to know the committee that stands behind this great organization. They have given me opportunities to go to the schools and retirement homes with the chicken and duck hatching projects. I adore chickens and ducks of all kinds, and it made my heart happy being able to socialize with the elderly and bring them something they could enjoy.”

There is still time to enter and to enjoy this life changing experience. To learn more or to apply visit the Dunmore Equestrian Facebook page, or email dunmoreequstriansweetheart@gmail.com or dunmoreequestrianmiss@gmail.com