Introducing Kyla Lightfoot

At 21 years old, Kyla brings a lifetime of experience in the saddle and deep-rooted love for the Western way of life.

She has spent 16 years in Wild Rose Country, has been riding since the age of two and has grown up immersed in Alberta’s vibrant equine and rodeo communities.

Kyla’s competitive background spans across 4H Alberta, Extreme Cowboy Racing, Gymkhana, and Reining, and she is currently active in the AQHA Show Circuit, where she holds numerous National Championship titles. Kyla’s dedication to the sport has shaped her into a disciplined, driven, compassionate young woman with an unwavering respect for horses and the people who make the Western lifestyle so special.

A Legacy

To Kyla, the Ponoka Stampede is more than just another rodeo; it’s a legacy.

Now pursuing a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism at MacEwan University, Kyla’s mission is to use storytelling to bridge the gap between tradition and modern understanding.

She aims to give a voice to the rodeo and Western community and to showcase the values that make it unlike any other – integrity, grit, community, and heart.

Kyla has attended the Ponoka Stampede many times, and she can still remember the thundering herd, the ground shaking, and the crowd echoing with excitement. That passion, that pride and that energy, it is something she can never forget, and it is something she cannot wait to share as Miss Ponoka Stampede 2025.

To Kyla, the Ponoka Stampede is more than just another rodeo; it’s a legacy. It represents the best: world-class rodeo athletes and stock, and a kind of hospitality that makes everyone feel like family.

Kyla is honoured to hold the title of Miss Ponoka Stampede and is committed to using her title to welcome guests to the 89th Ponoka Stampede with warmth and authenticity. Her reign is a celebration of tradition, a tribute to the rodeo family, and a heartfelt promise to carry the spirit of the West into the future.

Miss Ponoka Stampede 2026

Are you the next Miss Ponoka Stampede?

Ponoka Stampede Rodeo Queen Application 2026

Young ladies 18 to 24 years of age interested in becoming the next Miss Ponoka Stampede will be required to have assets that include: horsemanship, public speaking, some knowledge of rodeo, an outgoing personality, and the ability to attend events and make appearances. Resumes or any questions should be directed to the attention of Bruce Harbin bharbin@telus.net Applications from those who wish to take part in an experience of a lifetime will be accepted until 4 p.m. on April 1st 2026. Miss Ponoka Stampede selection day is April 8th at 9am.

Download Application
Stampede Queen - History

The tradition of crowning a Ponoka Stampede Queen began way back in 1948

Along with countless new attractions such as Canada’s largest midway, dances, and much more the Ponoka Stampede committee decided to invite participants to vie for the honor of becoming the first Rodeo Queen in 1948, with Bertha (Santee) Courser receiving the coveted crown.

Many former Ponoka Stampede Queens over the years still live in and around the district, have married and settled down to raise their families, but are still very much involved in the great and growing sport of rodeo. Young ladies of Ponoka and districts are encouraged to become involved in the excitement and camaraderie of the search to find the next Miss Ponoka Stampede!

  • Mary Ellen (Jones) Wilson 1956
  • Jean (Dodds) Twa 1959
  • Sheila Stickney (Koller) 1966
  • Shannon (Boles) Howorko 1984
  • Cheryl (Robson) Daines 1985
  • Lynnette (Scott) Galloway 1986
  • Shelley (Houston) Dyrland 1987
  • Colleen (Bexson) Coleman 1988
  • Rhonda (Hartman) Miller 1989
  • Tracy Crawford 1990
  • Angie (Lundgren) Andersen 1991
  • Karen (Black) Skeels 1992
  • Michelle Williams 1993
  • Jessie (Randles) Scott 1994
  • Diana (Davies) Austad 1995
  • Jody (Bougerolle) Leach 1996
  • Brook Robertson 1997
  • Karina Tees 1998
  • Kim Hughes 1999
  • Nadia Content 2000
  • Bobbie Jo Sauder 2001
  • Brianna Ernst 2002
  • Mandy (Angelveldt) Dux 2003
  • Cody Jo Lawes 2004
  • Crystal Albers 2005
  • Nichole Campbell in 2006
  • Shelby Simmonds in 2013
  • Katy Lucas in 2014
  • Ashley Akkermans 2015
  • Jadey van der Vlis 2016
  • Michele Greer 2017
  • Alicia Erickson 2018
  • Naomi Akkermans 2019
  • Mackenzie Skeels 2022
  • Kaylee Shantz 2023
  • Olivia MacLennan 2024
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