Carson Valley cowgirl named Miss Reno Rodeo

Gardnerville resident McKinna Jackson was crowned Miss Reno Rodeo 2025 at the annual coronation dinner and ceremony on June 14. She will spend the next year as a goodwill ambassador for the 106th Reno Rodeo, a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event, scheduled for June 19-28, 2025 (renorodeo.com).

Jackson said the two-day pageant experience is a whirlwind of fun and competition. Contestants earn individual scores across different categories that include horsemanship, in which each competitor showcases their equestrian technique and control by maneuvering a horse through specific set- and freestyle patterns; and taking part in formal interviews with pageant judges and the local media. Contestants are also required to identify various tack equipment in front of a live audience, complete a written test, and answer impromptu questions while participating in numerous social events.

The night of the coronation, candidates competed in a western elegance pageant and presented a prepared speech about what the 2024 Reno Rodeo theme, “Rub Some Dirt On It” means to them. Following a Q&A session, contenders were called to the stage for the announcement of scores.

Although she felt optimistic about her performance in each area, Jackson said she really didn’t know where things would land. After competing in last year’s pageant and the results not ending as she’d hoped, she picked herself up by her bootstraps and looked toward the 2025 pageant with renewed commitment, focus, and confidence.

Before the scores were announced, she told herself, “I’ve done everything in my power to prepare for this, so if it is my time to win, I will win.”

Jackson earned top honors in six of eight categories. When her name was called as the overall winner, she described the moment as “the most incredible feeling in the world…like a dream.”

 “It still feels like I’m on cloud 9; it doesn’t even feel real,” she said. “I’ve dreamt about this for so long, and how it’s here.”

From the night of the coronation until June 29, Jackson acted as “Lady in Waiting” to Miss Reno Rodeo 2024 Jessica Betz. The final night of the rodeo, Jackson began her reign and will work to fulfill all the duties of her title as rodeo queen through June 28 of next year.

This entails traveling to different rodeos to promote and represent Reno Rodeo; supporting the Reno Rodeo Foundation’s Denim Drive to help provide new clothing, backpacks, books, hygiene items, teddy bears, and scholarships to abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Nevada; participating in special reading events and appearances at area schools, and maintaining a full public relations and events schedule.

Jackson’s inspiration to compete came in part from her great aunt Pat Rahbeck, who herself was crowned 1955 Miss Reno Rodeo. Rahbeck passed away in 2020, but her positive and powerful influence continues to resonate with Jackson.

“She sparked my interest with horses and being involved [with them],” Jackson said. “She always encouraged me to apply for the title of MRR, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”

Though Jackson was too young to apply for the position when Rahbeck was alive, she held on to her dream while pursuing other opportunities. For six years, Jackson has represented Reno Rodeo as a member of the flag team committee. Following Rahbeck’s death, Jackson set her sights on carrying the American flag in the rodeo and successfully competed to earn that privilege in 2021.

Her experience on the flag team allowed Jackson to see first-hand the positive impact a rodeo queen can have on fans both young and old, and she was further motivated by the different opportunities to give back to the community and be involved with something larger than herself.

 “I’ve been dreaming of this since I was 7 or 8 years old, since I was old enough to understand what rodeo queens are…seeing them, getting to interact with them,” Jackson said. “There are so many things I’m looking forward to.”

The night of the coronation, Jackson wore her beloved aunt’s 1955 belt buckle as part of her formal gown ensemble. Seventy years after her Great Aunt Pat was awarded the crown, Jackson earned the same honor.

As ambassador for the “Wildest, Richest, Rodeo in the West,” Jackson’s first official appearance was at the Silver State Stampede in Elko July 12-14. This past weekend, she was at the California Rodeo Salinas, and upcoming events include the Truckee Pro Rodeo at McIver Arena Aug. 16-17 and the Douglas County Rodeo Sept. 6-7 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

“Come on out and say hi,” Jackson said with a smile.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.