“This is the biggest job interview of your life,” Olivia Favero was told ahead of her competing in the Miss Rodeo America competition in Las Vegas.
The competition is much more demanding than its rhinestones and pearls might suggest. Contestants are evaluated through a written test, horsemanship, panel and personal interviews, public speaking, appearance and rodeo knowledge. Each category contributes to a final score, and the woman with the highest total earns the crown on her hat.
This year, Favero, a 22-year-old Utah native, brought the Miss Rodeo America title back to Utah for the seventh time in the pageant’s history. The last Utahn to win the crown was Chenae Shiner in 2013.
Favero’s win came during a milestone year for the organization, marking both the 40th anniversary of the pageant being held in Las Vegas and the 70th anniversary of Miss Rodeo America.
“To be part of that history on such a big milestone year, it was a milestone to accomplish,” Favero told Deseret News. “It is something I will never forget.”
A position of service
Despite the glamour often associated with the title, Favero emphasized that rodeo queening at its core is a service position.
After winning their state titles, the 29 Miss Rodeo America contestants spend months traveling to rodeos, schools and community events in their home states, serving as ambassadors for the sport.
“One of my favorite parts is talking to people who are genuinely excited and curious and want to learn about rodeo,” Favero said.
She also understands the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity she has earned. Contestants only get one chance to compete for the Miss Rodeo America crown.
During her time as Miss Rodeo Utah, Favero carried a slogan she plans to continue throughout her reign: “Enjoy the Ride.”
The phrase is inspired by Chris LeDoux’s song “The Ride,” where the chorus sings:
“Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high / Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky / And live like you ain’t afraid to die / And don’t be scared, just enjoy your ride.”
Favero said she hopes the message resonates beyond rodeo, allowing people to connect it to their own goals and challenges. She also leaned on it herself when life on the road became busy or overwhelming.
Now, as Miss Rodeo America, she hopes to make an even bigger impact with that motto.
“There’s really no days off,” Favero said.
Beginning in January, she will spend the year traveling across the country before returning to Las Vegas for the next Miss Rodeo America competition at the end of her reign.
“During her reign, she will travel over 40,000 miles and appear at nearly 100 rodeo performances, as well as attend various schools, civic groups and special events to educate the public about rodeo, its sponsors and its opportunities,” the Miss Rodeo Association said in a statement.
Favero said she is looking forward to the travel, even if it means frequent flights, and is especially excited to meet new people along the way. She has already connected with sponsors such as Montana Silversmiths, Wrangler and Ingram Horses.
“There has been so many that have supported me in the first week of my reign,” she told Deseret News.
“Every time I see the crown on my hat, it’s different than the Miss Rodeo Utah crown, and I have to remind myself, ‘Yeah that belongs on your hat for the year.’ It’s a whirlwind, but right now it’s as exciting as ever.”
— Miss Rodeo America Olivia Favero
That support is especially meaningful during the pageant, where roses were available for the public to purchase to send contestants as messages of encouragement. Each night, Favero received roses along with emails from friends and family cheering her on.
“It was a good motivator to have them behind me and with me in my corner,” she said.
As she looks ahead, Favero hopes her year as Miss Rodeo America leaves a lasting impression. Since winning her high school pageant competition in 2021, a quote from Maya Angelou has guided her in her efforts: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Favero is mindful of the influence she holds, both in person and on social media.
“Kindness and being friendly with everyone we come in contact with will make all the difference,” she said.
Bringing the rodeo crown to the West — and to Utah
Favero also aims to help people better understand Western life and rodeo culture.
“The root of rodeo is the animal,” she said. “You’re competing with your horse. You’re a team, and you count on them just as much as you count on yourself.”
She added that rodeo athletes carry significant responsibility and respect for their livestock, noting that many cowboys know the horses they compete on by name, lineage and history.
“They’re meaningful to the people who are involved with them,” she added about the animal athletes.
As Miss Rodeo Utah, Favero rode about 150 horses at different events she attended while preparing for the national pageant. Although, an equine virus prevented a live horsemanship competition at the pageant this year, contestants submitted video performances instead.
Throughout her reign as Miss Rodeo America, Favero will ride American quarter horses — the best horse for rodeos, she noted — at the nearly 100 rodeos she attends, likely bringing her close to that 150 again.
She is excited to celebrate the crown’s return to Utah and hopes to attend events in her home state throughout the year.
After her reign concludes at the end of 2026, Favero plans to return to Weber State University to finish her bachelor’s degree in communications, with an emphasis in public relations and advertising. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree using scholarship funding she earned during her time as Miss Rodeo Utah and Miss Rodeo America.
For now, she said, the reality of the crown is still sinking in.
“Every time I see the crown on my hat, it’s different than the Miss Rodeo Utah crown, and I have to remind myself, ‘Yeah that belongs on your hat for the year,’” Favero said. “It’s a whirlwind, but right now it’s as exciting as ever.”
“It will be a big year ahead of me,” she added.
Favero joins a small group of Utah women who have worn the Miss Rodeo America crown.