Madison Jones Crowned 2017 Rodeo Queen

Madison Jones, 2017 Miss Clovis Rodeo. (Photo courtesy of Miss Clovis Rodeo)

The 2017 Clovis Rodeo crowned its queen on Thursday, April 27.

Her name is Madison Jones, a freshman at Fresno State who is sponsored by Old Town Clovis Kiwanis Club. She was born in Fresno and grew up in Clovis.

“I have always loved animals, so at the age of nine, I joined the Renegades 4-H Club taking on horses and goats,” she says. “The highlight of my 4-H career was winning the California 4-H State Reining Champion.”

Jones is pursuing a degree in Animal Science and wants to become an ag professor after earning her PhD.

The rodeo queen will represent the Clovis Rodeo and be a good ambassador for the sport and the community of Clovis at rodeos and events throughout California and Nevada. She receives over $3,000 in educational scholarship funds and gifts donated by sponsors of the competition.

First runner-up was Christine Fry, of Chowchilla. She was sponsored by the Chowchilla Western Stampede Committee and was the Miss 2016 Chowchilla Western Stampede Queen.

Fry wants to become a large animal vet and is a sophomore at Fresno State with a double major in Agriculture Business and Animal Science. She is also an ambassador of the Jordan College of Agriculture Sciences and Technology.

Second runner-up was Riley Prewitt, of Sanger, sponsored by the Reedley Elks Lodge #2699. A freshman at Fresno State, Prewitt was born in Clovis and grew up on the family cattle ranch in the Sanger foothills.

“I was riding horses before I could walk,” she says. “I love to train and compete on my horses and mules, especially team roping with my dad.”

The contestants lined up during the Rodeo Queen Horsemanship competition at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds on April 22, 2017. (Photo by Ron Sundquist)

Prewitt is majoring in Animal Science/Livestock Management and wants to pursue a career in the beef industry.

This year there were six contestants competing for the title of Miss Clovis Rodeo. Though the bulk of their score was based on horsemanship, they were rated on their scholastic achievement, interview skills, poise and showmanship. It is important they are active in their community and can represent traditional western values.

The horsemanship competition took place Saturday, April 22 at the Clovis Rodeo grounds. In front of an audience, the contestants were judged on how they rode, following specific patterns and how their horses took direction; stopping, backing up and changing positions.

“The contestants can pick their own horses, it’s up to them,” said judge Debbie Tweedy. “The best demonstration of their ability is how the girls ride and guide their horses. My attention is on the rider.”

Also competing this year were Isabeau Ennis from Lancaster, Christa Gillio of Madera and Loren Rey Rodriguez of Fresno.