he Miss Round-Up Contest was established in 1954 with Helen Fleming being the first Miss Round-Up. Over the years there have been some changes to the contest, but it is still basically the same. The young ladies are judged on poise, personality, and their horsemanship skills. Over the years we have been well represented at the Miss Rodeo Texas Pageant, in 1997 one of own became the first Miss Rodeo Texas Teen; Katie Knippa-Beicker. The Lil Miss Round-Up was established in 1998 with Brittney Bennett being the first. In 2006 our Miss Round-Up Alia Hagen became the first to win both titles; she was Lil Miss Round-Up in 2002.

The contest is held the week prior to the Fair. The deadline for entering the contest is the first Wednesday of September (3rd). There is a $20 entry fee for entering the contest. We will meet every Wednesday thereafter to practice horsemanship up until the contest date. Ages for Lil Miss Contestants are 8-13 years of age as of October 1st; Miss Contestants have to be 14-21 years of age as of October 1st. You have to live in Guadalupe County at least 6 months prior to the contest. You have to make 4 out of 5 meetings/practices to be eligible to be in the contest.

Each contest will be judged by at least 2 and max of 4 out of county judges in poise, personality, appearance, questions, and private interview. They will be asked horse related questions; along with their knowledge of the Sport of Rodeo. The Miss Contestants will give a 3 to 5 minute speech; a different topic is picked each year. All will be judged in a Western Pleasure type class, a horsemanship pattern, and on their salute. Both portions of the contest are free and open to the public.

Title winners include a Miss Round-Up/Lil Miss Round-Up, for each group a 1st Runner-Up, 2nd Runner-Up; Horsemanship winner, and Miss Congeniality are chosen by their scores from the judges for each group. The new court will represent Guadalupe County in different functions including parades and appearances throughout their reign.

The 2007-08 court from right to left: (Back Row): Miss Round-Up, Miss Congeniality, & Highest Score on Speech-Erica Lloyd; 1st Runner-Up & Horsemanship Winner-Mariah Aubrey; 2nd Runner-Up Stephanie Mills; and 3rd Runner-Up Amberly Weers. (Front Row): Lil Miss Round Up, Horsemanship Winner, & Miss Congeniality-Brooke Flanagan; 1st Runner-Up Robin Hawkins; 2nd Runner-Up Codi Funderburg; and 3rd Runner-Up Courtney Cheatham.

For more information and contest applications call 830-743-4005. Little Miss Round Up handouts can be found here while Miss Round up handouts can be found here and information on the clinics can be found here.