Kaelanne Quinonez
Kaelanne Quinonez, crowned Miss Rodeo USA in January 2024, has rapidly become one of the most recognized figures in the rodeo world. The 26-year-old, hailing from Orcutt, California, first made her mark on the rodeo scene when she was crowned Miss Elks Rodeo in 2020. Since then, Kaelanne has stepped into larger arenas, traveling the country to represent the western way of life and advocate for agriculture, while also promoting rodeo as a vital piece of American heritage.
Quinonez’s journey to Miss Rodeo USA has been anything but typical. Unlike many in the rodeo community, she did not come from an agricultural background. “I didn’t grow up on a ranch or farm, but rodeos were something my family and I always attended,” she explains. “I didn’t know much about the lifestyle at first, but something about it just called to me.” From that point, Quinonez knew that she wanted to become a part of the western lifestyle.
She took horseback riding lessons, and by the time she was twelve, she owned her first horse. It was then that she realized she wanted to immerse herself in the equestrian world and make it her lifelong passion.
While she was active in her community, Quinonez’s involvement in agriculture and the rodeo world was only just beginning. She graduated from St. Joseph High School and went on to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award in 2015. The project, which involved documenting the stories of veterans and creating a book for the Library of Congress, underscored her desire to serve and give back to her community. However, her love for horses and rodeo would always be her primary calling.
In January 2024, Quinonez’s dedication and passion culminated in her crowning as Miss Rodeo USA during the 54th performance of the International Finals Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena in Skiatook, Oklahoma. As the new titleholder, Quinonez became an ambassador for the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA), the second largest professional rodeo association in the world, and the Miss Rodeo USA Association (MRUSA).
Her reign as Miss Rodeo USA has taken her across the country, where she will travel over 100,000 miles and visit more than twelve states in just one year. Through these travels, Quinonez is committed to promoting agriculture and advocating for “the western way of life,” as she refers to it. “The western way of life is about hard work, dedication, and holding strong values,” Quinonez says. “I love telling people about rodeos and explaining why they are so important for maintaining the culture and values that we hold so dear.”
Throughout her travels, Quinonez’s roots remain firmly planted in her hometown of Orcutt. She will return to the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo in May 2024, a special event for her as it marks the first rodeo where she ever held a title. “I’m so excited to be a part of that again this year,” she says. “It’s where it all began for me, and now I get to represent on a national level. I’m incredibly blessed and grateful for this opportunity.”
In addition to her role as Miss Rodeo USA, Quinonez is also an advocate for the rodeo industry and the preservation of western traditions. “The rodeo community teaches us so much,” she explains. “It’s about respect for the animals, for each other, and for the land. It’s about building character, learning perseverance, and living with integrity.” As she continues her reign, Quinonez aims to inspire the next generation of cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeo enthusiasts.
Her journey from a first-generation cowgirl to Miss Rodeo USA is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and following one’s dreams. As she travels the country, Quinonez is not only making a name for herself but also ensuring that the values and traditions of rodeo are preserved for future generations. And as Kaelanne returns to Santa Maria for the Elks Rodeo, she will undoubtedly carry with her the pride of her roots, knowing that she is helping to shape the future of the sport she loves.
