GREEN CITY, MO. -- She's the incoming Junior Miss Rodeo Missouri for 2012. Meet Jillian Albrecht. At the tender age of 11, the sixth grader has already won two pageants. The Green City native is currently the Little Miss Rodeo Missouri 2011 and starting in 2012 she'll take on her new role.
Albrecht won the pageant at the end of October. In order to earn her crown, Albrecht said she had to present a speech about her rodeo idol, model, participate in a personal interview, show off her horsemanship skills, and please secret judges who judged her overall character. When it comes to pageants, Albrecht said she wants to let you know it takes more than just a pretty face to win. "I really like the pageant because it's not just pretty girls that go out there and smile and wave," Albrecht said. "They really had to know something about rodeo and they are smart, intelligent girls that really know what they're doing. It's just a ton of fun and I get to be with my horse and all of my friends."
Albrecht said she thinks her horsemanship helped her win the title. She says she and her horse, Cheater, have a special connection. The incoming Junior Miss Rodeo Missouri said she can't wait to make more rodeo appearances across the Midwest in 2012.
If you'd like to learn more about Jillian's horsemanship, watch KTVO News at Five on Dec. 19, when KTVO's Vanessa Alonso will feature Jillian in our Ag Kid segment.