December 21, 2005 – The American Quarter Horse Association congratulates Miss Rodeo America 2006, Tressie Knowlton of Fowler, Colorado. Knowlton was crowned December 3 during the pageant, which runs in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Knowlton, formerly Miss Rodeo Colorado, is a 22-year-old graduate of the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. Her future plans include earning a master’s degree in Spanish and pursuing a career in television, specifically in the area of rodeo programming.
As the Miss Rodeo America winner, AQHA provided Knowlton with a life membership and a one-year subscription to The American Quarter Horse Journal. When Knowlton makes appearances across the country for the sport of rodeo, she will be mounted on an American Quarter Horse. In addition, Miss Rodeo America participates in many AQHA events, including an AQHA trail ride.
“The Miss Rodeo America Pageant’s partnership with AQHA continues to provide opportunity and growth to both the American Quarter Horse industry and the young women and their families involved in our western way of life,” said Raeana Wadhams, Miss Rodeo America Executive Director.
AQHA sponsors the horsemanship portion of the competition by helping the pageant provide horses for the contestants, giving each young lady the opportunity to truly demonstrate her riding ability. This year’s horsemanship winner was Amanda Jenkins, Miss Rodeo Arizona. AQHA presented her with a Tex Tan saddle and a scholarship. Overall, Jenkins was the first runner-up in the pageant.
“Supporting the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation for the horsemanship winner and awarding the beautiful saddle truly is indicative of AQHA’s support of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant as well as their commitment to young people throughout the country interested in equine-related activities,” said Wadhams.

This was the 51st Annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant with 24 contestants who previously won their state’s rodeo queen competition. The contestants competed in the areas of appearance, horsemanship and personality. Miss Rodeo America travels across the country, promoting and representing the sport of professional rodeo.

For more information on the Miss Rodeo America pageant, visit www.missrodeo.com. For more information on AQHA, visit www.aqha.com or call
(806) 376-4811.