Riley is an ambitious 22-year-old cowgirl, born in Saskatchewan but calls Alberta home, brings with her an authentic essence of the Western lifestyle. With an unwavering bond to horses, a passion for Veterinary Medicine, and a love for rodeo, Riley aims to be an inspiring role model for the Cochrane Lions Rodeo.
Growing up, Riley spent her summers in Water Valley immersing herself in the rich Western heritage and honing her horsemanship skills at a local bible camp. This led her toward a profound passion for animals, furthering her to pursue a career as a Veterinary Technologist in 2020. Riley has an unwavering dedication to animal welfare and a newfound passion for combining this with her love of rodeo. Equip with a strong academic background and empathetic nature, she has built a reputation as a reliable advocate for those with four legs and who cannot speak.
Since Riley’s been crowned the 2024 Cochrane Lions Rodeo Royalty title, she has brought with her a deep-rooted passion for promoting the values of respect, community and Western traditions. Here she is determined to continue to be a positive ambassador for the sport of rodeo, the Cochrane Lions and the Cochrane community.
Each Labour day a young woman between the age of 18-24 is chosen to act as an ambassador for the Cochrane Lions Club, its annual September long weekend rodeo and the community of Cochrane.
The Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen attends over 60 events annually across Alberta including, but not limited to, rodeos, fundraisers, parades and community events.
During the competition, a panel of external judges considers key competencies which include; horsemanship, public speaking, the ability to effectively engage all demographics, present oneself in a professional western manner, and exhibit knowledge of rodeo events, the Lions Club of Cochrane and the Town of Cochrane.
The Cochrane Lions Royalty initiated their royalty program and crowned their 2011 Queen and Princess at the Labour Day Rodeo in 2010.
For the next 6 years, we continued to crown a queen and princess. Beginning in 2017 we began to Crown a Queen. The Cochrane Lions Rodeo Royalty Program is a youth initiative of the Cochrane Lions Club. This program allows for young women to expand and enhance their public speaking, horsemanship, and community engagement skills. Many of our past royalty have cultivated valuable skills, opportunities and memories that they still utilize in their personal life. Some even progressed to hold Pro Rodeo and Calgary Stampede Queen titles.