Caili Beebe was crowned Miss San Benito Rodeo 2005 last Saturday
during the annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and
Rodeo.
Tres Pinos – Caili Beebe was crowned Miss San Benito Rodeo 2005 last Saturday during the annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo.
“My favorite part of the contest was talking with the other girls and riding,” the 18-year-old Beebe said. “The interview was the most nerve-wracking part.”
Beebe’s duties will include attending San Benito County Saddle Horse Association events, such as its annual dinner and membership barbecue. In addition, Beebe will represent the Association throughout the year at a variety of civic events including the Downtown Parade, said Ann Strickland, San Benito County Fair office manager.
Contestant Jennifer Graves came in a very close second.
“It was an extremely close contest,” Strickland said. “No single contestant won in every category.”
Graves and two other runners-up, Samantha Ceglia and Amanda Jacobsen, will also appear in the Downtown Parade.
The contest was open to all San Benito County residents between the ages of 16 and 20 who were single and not parents. Entrance into the contest was free after filing a brief application. Contestants were judged on horsemanship (40 percent), communication skills (20 percent), appearance and poise (15 percent), presentation (15 percent) and scholarship (10 percent). The contest was evaluated by a panel of four judges, two for horsemanship and two for personality.
San Benito County Saddle Horse Association President Charlie Tobias agreed with Strickland that the contest was close.
“Caili Beebe won it, but scoring was very close between the top three,” Tobias said. “Caili was just a little smoother and better prepared than the other girls.”
Beebe said she has been involved with horses all of her life and become more involved with the rodeo and competition as she grew older.
“Over the past year I have met so many remarkable people and that has been the most rewarding part of this competition,” Beebe said.
Beebe’s prizes include a silver San Benito County belt buckle, a silver headstall for her horse, a tiara and a leather sash.
All contestants will receive saddle blankets, stationery, embroidered horse sheets and gifts from local merchants.
Ceglia was undeterred by her runner-up status. “Getting to meet the other girls and past rodeo queens was the best part of the contest,” said 16-year-old Ceglia, who has been involved in horseback riding and rodeo since she was 6. “I plan on running again next year and if I win I plan to compete even more.”
First established in 1939, the contest was held for three years before it was interrupted by World War II. The contest was reintroduced in 1991 by George Callens, then-president of the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo.
Brett Rowland covers education for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-6375566 ext. 330 or [email protected]
