Rodeo Queen Fashions

A Feature by Kelly Kraegel-Bates
Miss Rodeo California 2002
Miss Rodeo America 2003 Pageant 1st Runner-up,
Appearance and Photogenic Award Winner

The old adage, "There is a time and place for everything," couldn't be more appropriate when describing the life of a rodeo queen or aspiring queen. It heavily applies to your wardrobe as you prepare for your next pageant. Just as athletes use stretchy, athletic wear to run a marathon where they are judged on speed, what a rodeo queen contestant and titleholder wears must fit the criteria she is being judged on - well fitted, tasteful clothing with a Western flair. What you wear for casual clothing is much different than the clothing you wear when you are competing for and holding rodeo queen titles.

Pageant clothes, whether bought off of the rack in your favorite western wear store or custom made by a seamstress all need to be taken in to fit your body. Every girl who is the same height and wears the same size is built different. Some are long legged, some long waisted, some are broader in the shoulders, some are bustier and others boxier. You may be the same 'size' but your body isn't shaped the same! Take this into consideration when purchasing clothing from other contestants and titleholders.

Almost everything you buy off of the rack will need to have the arms taken in and the length adjusted on the sleeves. Sleeves should end just below your wrist (no longer than the first thumb knuckle joint) and be snug. Make sure they are not gapping, and hanging open, even if it is a jacket with a shirt underneath. They will restrict your normal range of motion a little bit, but remember that you are at a pageant not running a marathon!

Leather and Ultrasuede dresses need to be a little tighter. Not spandex tight to where they are pulling on the seams, but fitted to where you can feel them pull if you ate too much at dinner. The arms should be tight, which will really add to a feminine and more refined look. When my mom takes in the arms of dresses she makes, she tailors the upper arm tight, loosens it a bit around the elbow, and then tightens it again along the forearm. This allows a bit more movement and comfort without sacrificing fit.

When you put your belt on it should fit snug up against your dress and not hang. Your dress should be fitted so that it is not gathering when you tighten you belt. If there is extra material that can gather, take it in some more. It won't, and shouldn't, feel like your tee-shirts and sweat pants, you want to show the judges you know how to fit an outfit.

Since queens are of the conservative type, and so are their judges, it's a safe bet to not show any leg at a pageant. This is where skirts get tricky, you want them fitted, but you need a slit to walk, and if you can't slit it to where you can see your leg, you can't walk. What's a girl to do?! Whether they are full or straight keep the top of the skirt fairly fitted. It will make you look more streamline and sophisticated. If it's to be a full skirt, let it get full from the thighs down, or in the case of a straight skirt, keep it fitted to the knee and add a kick-pleat for walking instead of a slit, it will hide your legs and keep you from walking like a penguin. A kick pleat takes a bit more material and craftsmanship, but it is worth it.

Always remember that there is a time and a place for everything, and although you need to be able to function, a pageant is most likely not the time nor the place you will be wearing your loosest, most comfortable clothes!

About Kelly

Kelly is originally from Southern California. In 2002, Kelly held the title Miss Rodeo California. She was First Runner Up to Miss Rodeo America 2003 won Miss photogenic and Miss Appearance at America. She traveled the United States serving as a role model and teaching people about our western heritage and sharing her beliefs in sportsmanship, patriotism and family involvement that carries over into her training programs for both her students and horses.

Kelly currently owns and operates a boarding and large training facility in Edmond, Oklahoma. She and her clients have won over 30 World and Grand National and Reserve Championships showing Morgan Horses. She's been showcased on RFD T.V.'s new series called, "Back at the Barn" showcasing her training and promoting Morgans. Although she specializes in Western and Hunter horses, she has had Morgan Champions in nearly every division including: English Pleasure, Pleasure Driving, Hunter Hack, Trail, Equitation, In Hand, Classic Pleasure, and Park Saddle. Not limited to Morgans, Kelly has also had much success with Paints, Quarter Horses, Arabians, Tennessee Walkers, and many other breeds for both show and trail enjoyment.

Kelly hosted a Country Music Show for two seasons on the Outdoor Channel, called "Out in the Country" where she interviewed music artists every week and introduced the videos of people like: Tracy Byrd, Merle Haggard, Bellamy Brothers, Charlie Daniels, Tracy Lawrence, Trace Adkins, Terri Clark and many more.

Besides her love for horses, Kelly has a student pilot's license and passed her written test for her private pilot's license and has logged over 110 hours. She generally flies a Cessna 172, although not as much as she'd like! To add to her list of accomplishments, Kelly just recently became a certified scuba diver!

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