Miss Rodeo Canada excited to share in 90th Ponoka Stampede

Miss Rodeo Canada excited to share in 90th Ponoka Stampede

Published 5:00 am Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Miss Rodeo Canada 2026 Abbey Harty. (Facebook photo/Miss Rodeo Canada)

Miss Rodeo Canada is thrilled to show her support for this year’s celebration of the Ponoka Stampede’s 90th anniversary.

“I’m really excited to be back this year at the Ponoka Stampede,” said Abbey Harty.

“With it being the 90th anniversary, it’s going to be really special. I’ve been in attendance as a spectator, and last year as a rodeo queen. So this year, coming back as Miss Rodeo Canada — it’s going to be really special.

“I’m also excited to build that relationship with (the new) Miss Ponoka Stampede. Miss Ponoka Stampede Kyla (Lightfoot) and I became really close last year as royalty, so I’m really excited to gain that relationship with the newly-crowned queen.

“I want to extend my gratitude to the Ponoka Stampede board, and to all of the volunteers who help to make the Stampede everything that it is,” she added. “It’s a fantastic event, and I’m really excited to be a part of it this year.”

Harty, who hails from Edam, Saskatchewan, was crowned last October at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR).

aIt’s been quite the whirlwind of experiences and appearances ever since — and shess loved every minute of it.

“It was incredible — I have re-lived that moment so many times,” she said of landing the title.

“When I heard them say my name over the loudspeaker in Rogers Place, it was really special. To hear the cheers from the people who had been supporting me all year, and to have my family in the crowd, was really special.

“My mom and dad were able to make it to Edmonton for the crowning moment, and that was just really special to me, too.”

Officially, her reign began on Jan. 1, 2026.

Looking back, the rodeo experience and culture has been part of her life’s foundation.

“I started riding when I was really young, at about six. I found my passion early on in rodeo — in barrel racing and pole bending, so that is where I got my start.

“I then started going to junior rodeos, and a bit of high school rodeo.”

She was involved in a serious ATV accident that stalled her rodeo career at 14, but Harty didn’t let it slow her down for long.

“I soon found my way back into it,” she said, adding that in college, it became that much more of a focus.

“I started doing some amateur association rodeoing around Saskatchewan and Alberta.”

The goal to pursue a title within rodeo royalty came along later, too.

“I ran for the North Battleford rodeo queen title, and was successful in becoming the North Battleford Rodeo Princess. And then, I went on to run for Miss Rodeo Agribition last year and was successful in that.”

After a few months in that role, she just knew she had to try for the national title.

“I set my mind to it, and attended as much as I could last year as Miss Rodeo Agribition. I think I went to over 80 performances of professional Canadian rodeo. It was an incredible journey, and I felt so blessed to be on it.”

Being crowned Miss Rodeo Canada showed her that with determination, hard work, and drive, anything is possible.

“I’ve also been going forward this year trying to showcase that before all, I am a professional barrel racer. That was the focus going into Miss Rodeo Agribition, that it has been my goal to do both.

“I’ve been able to showcase that, and to bring it forward. I think there are a lot of young girls in our industry who want to do both, but they feel they can’t.

“This year, being Miss Rodeo Canada, I have wanted to push (the notion) of being able to achieve both — it is possible!”

Meanwhile, Harty is currently a member of the University of Saskatchewan College Rodeo Team, where she competes in intercollegiate rodeos across western Canada.

And as to career goals, she is working at a group home for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities, where she provides compassionate, dignified care.

“I’m also pursuing a career in practical nursing at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, combining my passion for helping others with a strong work ethic rooted in my western upbringing.

“My plan is to eventually finish my nursing, and get a Master’s in Dementia Studies.”

As to serving as Miss Rodeo Canada, Harty said the experience has been unforgettable.

“I think every time I’ve been introduced into an arena on horseback as Miss Rodeo Canada, and heard my name following that title, has been an incredible experience.

“And to be able to do that south of the border … just to showcase our professional Canadian rodeo down there, has been incredible.

“But I think my favourite part so far this year has been being able to connect with our rodeo athletes from Canada. Also, to be able to watch them shine down south has been really fun so far.”

For Harty, the experience of being Miss Rodeo Canada has had quite the personal impact as well.

“When I started my journey two years ago running for my first title, I was such a shy girl. I did not have the confidence I do now. I think that has been one of the biggest things this role has given me.

“It has also showed me that it’s okay to be your true self. Being yourself will take you places in this world.”