'Hard work does pay off'

COEUR d'ALENE — Taylor Hill rode the philosophy of working hard to get what you want en route to winning the Miss Gem State Stampede title on Saturday.

"This is something I've worked super hard for," the glowing Sandpoint High junior said moments after being crowned before about 45 people at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. "It makes you realize that hard work really does pay off."

As Miss Gem State Stampede, Hill will attend rodeos, parades and community events throughout the region in the next year and speak to youth and other groups.

"I'm super excited about it," Hill said. "It will be my main focus in the next year. This means I have the potential to go far in life. It's a new opportunity to help others at a much higher level."

The two other contestants, Maddie Wells and Katelyn McCrady, both Timberlake High students, finished as first and second runners-up respectively.

Hill won a $1,000 scholarship provided by the North Idaho Fair Foundation, a trophy saddle, custom buckle, traveling crown and other prizes.

In the individual categories, Hill won the written test, knowledge and presentation, speech and congeniality portions. Wells won for appearance, personality and horsemanship.

Hill has been riding horses most of her life and began competing in rodeos a few years ago. She competed with her quarterhorse thoroughbred Baylee, which she has also ridden on for English jumping, roping and cattle sorting.

"She was really energetic during the competition, but I was able to get her to calm down so she didn't miss the pattern," Hill said of her horse. "We worked well together.

"She has taught me many things, but the most important is the importance of listening. Listening to yourself, listening to your surroundings and listening to your horse."

This is the first fill year of the program as Miss Gem State Stampede. It was formerly the Miss North Idaho Fair and Rodeo contest. Girls ages 16 to 25 in the 10 counties of North Idaho are eligible to compete. All three of this year's contestants are 16.

"It gives girls an opportunity to be an ambassador," said Hayle Carver, Miss Gem State Stampede director who was also the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo queen in 1995. "They learn life skills being able to represent rodeos and fairs throughout the Northwest. It helps the girls, but it also helps the fairs and rodeos."

There are two rounds of horsemanship skills, including one on a horse the contestant has never ridden before. During the second round, participants ride a pattern on their own horse and perform a flag presentation.

During the speech and modeling portions, contestants give a short speech and model formal Western wear.

Carver said rodeo queen contests are big in the South and they're gradually becoming more popular in the Northwest.

"Even through the competition the contestants learn about themselves," Carver said.