A Dream Realized
Miss Rodeo California
Janae Wallace, crowned Miss Rodeo California in November 2024, has spent the past year turning a lifelong dream into reality. Growing up in a small Southern California town, Janae never imagined the prestigious crown would grace her cowboy hat. “I was over the moon excited,” she recalls. “I’ve spent my year traveling and representing California. It has just been an amazing year. I’ve been so blessed.”
Her approachable personality has left a lasting impression on fans of all ages. “I grew up appreciating rodeo queens and the Western industry,” Janae shares. “I wanted to make sure everybody felt comfortable coming up and talking with me—from little kids to older rodeo cowboys. I wanted to be an open book.”
Preparation and Dedication
Winning Miss Rodeo California required dedication and preparation. Janae spent months studying rodeo queen knowledge, equine science, agriculture, and current events. Working with a coach, she completed mock interviews and tests to ensure she was confident in all situations. “The pageant is a three-day event,” she explains, “and how you interact with judges outside of formal interviews—at meals, in casual conversation—matters just as much as what you do on stage.”
Her hard work paid off when she competed in Miss Rodeo America, placing as second runner-up among 27 contestants and receiving the Personality Award. Janae highlights the supportive nature of rodeo pageants: “We all wanted the winner to be deserving. We spent the week helping each other with crowns, hair, and other details. It’s a healthy and uplifting competition.”
Life Beyond Rodeo
Janae’s background extends beyond rodeo. A graduate of Valley Center High School in northern San Diego County, she focused on athletics and choir rather than FFA or 4-H. She competed in track and field, specializing in long jump and triple jump. “That’s where my passions were until I discovered the rodeo queen community,” she explains. Six years later, she continues to pursue that passion with dedication.
Janae also enjoys singing and has performed the Pledge of Allegiance at the California State Capitol during Ag Day, though she hasn’t yet sung the national anthem at a rodeo. Her humor and relatability shine through: “I think I’ve gone platinum in my car a couple of times,” she jokes.
Partnering with Her Horse, “Rockband”
Being Miss Rodeo California is about horsemanship as much as public appearances. Janae’s horse, Rockband, is an integral part of her role. “My horse isn’t a fan of marching bands or standing for the American flag, but she is rock solid in a rodeo performance,” Janae explains. Understanding her horse’s abilities ensures both safety and performance excellence in every situation.
Promoting Rodeo: A True Calling
Janae views her role as a rodeo ambassador. “Even if I’m not feeling my best, or I don’t feel like curling my hair one day, I get up and do it because I want to be the best representative for the sport that I can be,” she says. Her dedication helps connect fans, cowboys, and sponsors, ensuring rodeo continues to thrive.
The year culminates with the California Circuit Finals over New Year’s weekend in Red Bluff, California. Janae is excited to celebrate the event in her home state and reconnect with fellow state queens she has traveled with throughout the year.
A Connection with Fans
Janae has made thousands of memories with fans, particularly children. She estimates nearly 10,000 photos taken with young rodeo enthusiasts over the year. These interactions highlight her approachable personality and commitment to community engagement.
Looking Ahead: Rodeo, Media, and Education
Looking forward, Janae plans a career in sports broadcasting focused on rodeo. She has been invited to assist with marketing and media for the Livermore Stockmen’s Rodeo, the newest rodeo inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. She will also use scholarships from Miss Rodeo California and Miss Rodeo America to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in sports broadcasting.
Her ambition is clear: “Every time you see me at a rodeo, I want to help make the event a better experience for fans and promote the sport for generations to come.”
Advice for Aspiring Rodeo Queens
Janae encourages young girls interested in rodeo to reach out for guidance. “I am seriously an open book when it comes to navigating rodeo queen pageants,” she says. Her experience and connections are resources for aspiring participants looking to follow in her footsteps. Interested individuals can contact her via Instagram, Facebook, or the Miss Rodeo California social media pages before her term ends on December 31st.
A Year of Dedication and Impact
Reflecting on her year as Miss Rodeo California, Janae Wallace exemplifies the spirit of dedication, poise, and passion. She has promoted the sport of rodeo, inspired fans, and forged meaningful connections throughout California and beyond. From her first crowning to the final events of her year, Janae’s commitment ensures that the sport she loves remains vibrant for future generations.