Copyright Coeur d'Alene Press
After 10 years competing in rodeo events, Athol resident Hayven Chase recently won the title of rodeo queen, Miss Columbia River Circuit 2026, through the Professional Cowboy Rodeo Association. The circuit covers PRCA rodeos in Washington, Oregon and the Idaho Panhandle. This was the first year Idaho women competed in the rodeo queen contest from Oct. 16-18. “One of the biggest accomplishments for me was that I won the horsemanship category,” Chase said. “I've taken a lot of time over the years I’ve been riding horses to learn, so winning that category was super exciting for me." The two-day event in Redmond, Ore., tested competitors in their horsemanship abilities, public speaking, rodeo knowledge, equine knowledge, appearance and personality. One of the complicated portions of the competition is that while Chase was able to bring her 8-year-old American Paint gelding, Legacy, there were portions of the competition when the women were asked to ride a different horse to test their prowess with handling other animals under pressure. “You're doing different circles, lead changes with the horses and just showing how you work with a different animal that’s not your horse,” the 21-year-old said. She has previously held PRCA titles of Bonner Country Rodeo Queen and Miss Gem State Stampede. Over the next year, Chase will be an ambassador for the sport of rodeo. She will help educate and advocate for rodeo, the western way of life, the agricultural industry and explain how the circuit system works within the greater framework of the PRCA. Chase is studying in the animal veterinary science business department at the University of Idaho. Winning the rodeo queen title was something she treasures. “All three contestants knew each other, so it was a lot more fun,” Chase said. “We were all just a group of friends having fun and competing together.”
