By Amelia Willmer
In one of life’s coincidences, this young Warwick lady exactly matches the narrative of the artwork behind her at the Dairy Lounge Café.
According to the Wikipedia history site on the ancient medieval meanings attached to modern playing cards: “The Queen of Clubs signifies a brunette woman who Ioves to be of service. She is of warm sympathetic nature.”
That description fits this young woman like a glove.
Is she a teacher? A social worker? A nurse?
Well she is fully qualified in Advanced Occupational Health and Safety and in CPR, but no, she is not a nurse.
Meet National Rodeo Association Queen, Cheyenne Mundey, 29, of Warwick.
She is a true blue cowgirl who has roped cattle and galloped horses with the toughest of cowboys in America’s Lone Star State, Texas, and on Australian cattle stations.
She’s a feminist because she believes in fairness, equality and inclusivity.
The crown, sash, and sequins of her rodeo regalia aren’t just for looking pretty. They represent leadership, duty and responsibility for a sport she is passionate about.
For this interview, Cheyenne has specifically chosen her ordinary day wear and a location far from any showground.
“I want people to see past the stereotype of a pretty girl on a horse,” Cheyenne said.
“Most people don’t realise what’s involved in the role of National Rodeo Queen.
It’s not just about putting on a hat and some chaps and riding round with the Australian flag.
“It’s about managing public relations to create a positive image of the rodeo culture.
“It’s about hands-on educating people that rodeo animals are treated humanely.
“It’s about helping to develop and manage local sponsorships to support fundraising for agencies such as the Royal Flying Doctor and Angel Flight.
“It’s about organising and managing local rodeo queen quests, mentoring the applicants, and organising the judging panels.
“It’s about encouraging the little kids to have a go in the junior events and giving them a hug and a lolly when they have a tumble.”
A major duty at every rodeo is organising the opening event, the Grand Entry, where Cheyenne leads the competitors into the ring and the reigning champions of each of the eight rodeo specialities are announced and applauded.
“Getting everyone there on time and in the right order can sometimes take five re-writes,” Cheyenne laughed. “It is like herding cats. I personally text each of them and remind them to get to the ring on time.”
Cheyenne receives no payment for her busy role which has seen her travel more than 50,000km since last November.
The National Rodeo Association covers scores of rodeos from Far North Queensland down to southern New South Wales.
Since being crowned last November, she has travelled from Airlie Beach to southern New South Wales and all points in between.
Cheyenne will be at the Warwick Show Rodeo this weekend to support local Rodeo Queen Maddy Gray.
“We’ll be organisng the grand entry together, “ Cheyenne said.
“Come and say hello to us if you see us in the crowd afterwards.”
* See Snippets From The Rodeo Ring, Page ????????
