Local resident is 2025 rodeo queen

Kota Nielson will be Queen of the Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo, held after Memorial Day weekend in Spanish Valley. Nielson is 17 years old and lives in San Juan County. She has always had a love for animals and for her farm-and-ranching lifestyle.
She has a deep love for the outdoors, especially from the back of a horse, whether it is moving cows on the mountain, chasing cans, team roping in the rodeo arena, or performing with the PRCA drill team.
Even if it is just spending the day riding with friends, Nielson does what she can to preserve and excite others in the western ranching lifestyle.
Nielson is a proud member of FFA, serving as sentinel for her local chapter and currently serving as the treasurer. She takes pride in participating in local stock shows at the county fair and in 2023 placed second reserve with her steer.
Given the opportunity, you would find Nielson competing in a rodeo seven days a week. She has won several buckles and an all-around saddle in her time competing.
She was First Attendant for San Juan County in 2023 and is excited to see where the rodeo lifestyle takes her in 2025.
Nielson said the day started off bright and early with the horsemanship competition. Then it was a written test about horse knowledge, queen knowledge, and what would be happening at the PRCA rodeo this year. Afterward she was interviewed by the judges and answered an impromptu question.
Then it was all about waiting for results. “They called the runners-up, then Second Attendant, then First Attendant, and then Queen,” She explained. “My name was called and I’ve never been so happy in my life!”
“I was to be able to take home another buckle and my second saddle. That was my journey to be the first girl out of San Juan County to try out for PRCA Rodeo Queen.”
“Here’s to being the Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo Queen of 2025!”