Not even a month in the saddle as Cochrane’s rodeo royalty, the 2024 Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen Riley Larsen, spoke with a reporter with The Eagle, about her thoughts in the role, some of her new-found responsibilities, and what it means to wear the rodeo queen crown.
The transcription of the interview below has been edited for both brevity and clarity.
The Eagle: Why did you decide to take on the role of the Cochrane Rodeo Queen?
Larsen: “I really love when I get to answer this because I think it kind of comes from a different perspective from, I feel like what a lot of different rodeo queens from.
But essentially, I took on the role because it felt like a really cool representation of my personal journey growing up by following the footsteps as my primary mentor and inspiration, my Uncle Jonathan Cooper.
He started in the world of horses as a young adult himself, ultimately getting into the reigning world, here in Alberta, but I didn't come from that traditional equestrian background, and I didn't do 4H growing up.
I actually grew up in Saskatchewan, so I definitely had a much different perspective coming into the horse world and rodeo world.
What I really loved about embracing this role is a young woman is that I didn't have a typical equestrian upbringing or 4H upbringing. It was important taking on this title to really show the younger generation of Cowboys and Cowgirls, our passions are accessible to anyone, regardless of your background.
I wanted to encourage those people in our community to not be afraid to join in somewhere, where they weren't going to, and demonstrating that a shared love for horses, rodeo, and community is something that really essentially transcends boundaries and is something that should be welcomed to anyone who shares that passion.
So, I really wanted to put that out there, that no matter where you come from anything as possible and you know, just pursue what you love and go forward with it."
The Eagle: Prior to becoming rodeo royalty, what was the rodeo queen doing for work or education?
Larsen: "Before I became the rodeo queen, my life fully revolved around something a little bit different. When I'm not wearing my sash and crown, you can definitely find me in scrubs and a stethoscope.
I actually graduated from Olds college back in 2020 with a Diploma and Animal Health Technology. So, I work full time as a registered veterinary technologist.
Currently, I work in a small animal practice in South Calgary with the most amazing and supportive team.
Although my dream originally was to work with horses, I chose the small animal field because it allowed me to have a bit more freedom after-hours to pursue my passions and commitments, instead of having to do on-call work.
Of course, one of passions is being the rodeo queen, but riding horses, personal jobs, and stuff like that at home, that's definitely what that's what I'm doing in the in my off hours as the queen.
The Eagle: Why do you believe you are a good fit for representing Cochrane and the western spirit of Alberta.
Larsen: "I believe that I was a good fit for this role in representing Cochrane and that Western spirit because I find I have quite a nice unique combination of passion and professionalism in my career.
I have undergone extensive training in human communication and I'm quite driven to pursue different dreams and passions that I have.
So, you know, kind of jumping over to Cochrane's main tagline of - How the West is now, I find that resonates quite deeply with both the community of Cochran and the broader spirit of Alberta, embodying the idea of staying true to your history and your past, while embracing growth towards the future.
I find that this philosophy has aligned quite closely with my personal journey, finding my own way in the equestrian Western heritage community, all while remaining to committed to preserving that and celebrating the Western heritage.
So, I felt like the parallel between the two was quite fitting, so it was an easy choice for me."
The Eagle: Where do you see yourself in the future and how will this experience contribute to that?
Larsen: "Upon ending my reign, I truly envisioned myself taking a bit of a deeper dive into my career path.
I actually really want to specialize in sports animal rehab, so whether that's rodeo horses or working dogs, I want to work closely with these animals and prolonging those athletic careers and well-being.
I think the experience of being the rodeo queen will be an invaluable experience, in the sense that I will have had the privilege of working closely with different rodeo athletes, humans, animals during my time over the next 12 months.
I think that the first-time experience will provide me a unique sense of reliability and understanding to the people I'm working closely with, especially as I transition into a role focused on care and rehab.
So, I think planning to leverage all the skills and connections I've seen during my reign will deepen those bonds with the people that I'll be working with, and I think it'll give me quite a step forward in being able to give the best care possible to the animals and clients that work with."
The Eagle: Overall, what are your thoughts on taking on the role of the 2024 Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen?
Larsen: "There's so many thoughts that come to mind, but being the Cochrane Lions Queen is an incredibly fulfilling experience already.
It's only been 3-4 weeks. But if I had to sum it up into one word on what the first thing that comes to mind when I think about being a queen is just thrilling.
Every moment spent with the lions already and the community has warmed my heart.
Knowing that I have the opportunity of a lifetime working alongside the Lions whose mission truly extends past and far beyond what most people, even just in our community realize, is truly phenomenal.
Every smile that shared every story that's told during my reign resonates deeply with something and everything I believe in. So, taking on this role is truly going to be such an honour for me."
The Eagle: In closing, is there any particular message you would like to give the community?
Larsen: "I truly want to extend heartfelt gratitude to the entire community.
There's really never going to be enough words to express how thankful I am for everyone who supported me and will continue to support me on this journey over the next 12 months.
So much happens behind the scenes that really makes all the difference, and I appreciate so much of that effort that's been made already, and that is going to be made for me over the next 12 months.
To all the members of the community that I have yet to meet, I'm eagerly looking forward to those encounters.
I believe that there's so many stories to be shared and fun to be had, that know reign as the 2024 Queen is truly a dream come true, and I'm so honoured that the Lions and the community is placed that trust in me to be such a big representative for a wonderful community.
I really can't wait to continue embarking on this journey with everyone, and so, thank you to everyone. The support and belief in me is beyond words."
