Wood is Miss San Benito Rodeo; Dubrul is flag bearer for annual
event
Taylor Rae Wood was named Miss San Benito Rodeo 2010 and Tanya
Dubrul was named flag bearer for the queen contest that promotes
the annual Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo.
Wood is Miss San Benito Rodeo; Dubrul is flag bearer for annual event
Taylor Rae Wood was named Miss San Benito Rodeo 2010 and Tanya Dubrul was named flag bearer for the queen contest that promotes the annual Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo.
Since the first crowning in 1939, the queen competition has showcased the horsemanship, personality and knowledge of local young women who will represent the 77th annual event, which begins with a memorial roping event June 19 at the Bolado Park fairgrounds. The downtown rodeo parade will be held in Hollister on June 24 as a precursor to the rodeo and show from June 25-27.
“We want someone who can not only ride a horse and participate, but someone who can walk around and be a good speaker and answer questions as a representative of the Saddle Horse Show,” said event chairwoman Jamie Fowles, who was Miss San Benito Rodeo in 2000. “You have to be really committed to this contest and practice every single day, studying and riding. It takes a lot of time.”
Participants are judged on their speaking skills, friendliness and knowledge of horsemanship, such as what rope is used for on a horse, what the parts of a saddle are and how to bridle a horse. They are also quizzed on this history of the Saddle Horse Show.
Seven teenagers expressed an interest in running for queen this year, but the organizers raised the minimum age of contestants to 18 this year so they could also run for queen of the California Rodeo Salinas, which bumped up its age rules this year.
“Next year we’ll have six to eight contestants,” Fowles said. “It’s harder when you raise the age requirement because a lot of girls end up going away to college,” but organizers do want to give the local queen a chance to compete in Salinas as well.
In her application for Miss San Benito Rodeo, Wood cited her involvement with high school volleyball and softball, as well as serving as an Associated Student Body class officer at San Benito High School. She enjoys reading and scrap-booking and has participated in local rodeos over the past decade.
“At our local rodeos I am very involved, participating in rodeo events such as barrels and pole-bending and I have been a flag bearer for our San Benito county Saddle Horse Show,” said Wood, who also is a member of the California High School Rodeo Association.
Dubrul’s application touted her interest in arts and crafts, recycling and cooking. She is a communications student at Gavilan College and plans to become a television broadcaster.
Her first Saddle Horse Show competition was 13 years ago and she participates in horsemanship events throughout the area. Dubrul also works on a local ranch grooming and caring for horses.
“I spend a lot of time with horses and love every minute of it,” she said.
During her year-long reign as Miss San Benito Rodeo, Wood will make appearances at service club meetings to discuss the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo and will be at this month’s events to answer questions that guests or participants may have.
For more information about the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, including an event round-up and how to purchase tickets, visit www.sanbenitocountyrodeo.com or call 628-3545.
