Cal U. sophomore queen of the rodeo
Though her late grandfather, James Hobough, wasn’t there for the crowning, Danielle Thompson couldn’t have won the 2018 Miss Rodeo Pennsylvania competition without his influence.
“He really got me into horses,” said Thompson. “He did anything I needed, whether it was a new horse or somebody to ride with. He was always there to help.”
The California University of Pennsylvania sophomore earned the crown during the Nov. 4 competition at the Mel Blount Youth Home in Claysville.
Miss Rodeo Pennsylvania Danielle Thompson poses with her horse, Dennis. Thompson, a sophomore at California University of Pennsylvania, will compete in the national competition in December.
Contestants were judged on horsemanship, answering rodeo-related questions, speech and modeling. Thompson, who has been riding with her family since she was a child, was comfortable handling a horse that she had never ridden previously.
“It’s harder when you’re riding someone else’s horse,” said Thompson, 20. “The judges want to see your ability to work the horse and get them to work for you.”
Thompson, who enjoys barrel racing, has experience in the rodeo circuit. She was the Western Pennsylvania Youth Rodeo Association Queen for 2016-17.
She was a member of Washington County 4-H while a student at Elizabeth-Forward High School and remains involved. Recently, she volunteered at Trinity High School, judging speeches by FFA students from Washington and Greene counties.
The crown means adding rodeo queen responsibilities to her course load – she’s studying secondary education with a focus in English – and duties as Cal U.’s Western captain of the Equestrian Team. Thompson also works at a barn in Elizabeth.
Miss Rodeo Pennsylvania Danielle Thompson, left, and Jessica Tice, Miss Teen Rodeo Pennsylvania, were in Harrisburg in March for the 16th annual Horse World Expo.
“It’s hard, but I have a really good family support system,” she said. “I have a lot of people who really care and do anything they can to help me.”
Miss Rodeo Pennsylvania is nonprofit dedicated to promoting the sport in Pennsylvania.
“A lot of people don’t think of us as a big rodeo state. But if you look around, it’s all around you,” said Thompson. “We are all one big family that is willing to help new people.”
As the state queen, Thompson will compete for the national title of Miss Rodeo America in December.
“It’s a lot more preparation. Everything is bigger and better,” Thompson said. “You really have to know what’s going on and be well-polished.”