Ford is Miss San Benito Rodeo

Megan Ford took the title of “Miss San Benito Rodeo” in front of large crowd at Bolado Park on Saturday, June 13. Ford, a Gavilan College student won the horsemanship segment of the competition also scored well in the interview. Valeria Costanza was the runner-up.

About 100 people attended the interview portion of the contest, which was held in the Heritage Room at Bolado Park. The interview requires contestants to have a good grasp on San Benito County history, an understanding of the vaquero (early California cowboy) tradition and the related tack, or riding equipment used with horses. BenitoLink writer Jessica Shillings- Barrera previewed the Miss San Benito Rodeo contest in an article earlier this week. 

One of Ford’s most popular answers was an impromptu response to the question, “If you could say something to the whole world, what would you say?” 

Without skipping a beat, Ford responded, “I would tell them to come see the San Benito County Horse Show and Rodeo.” Ford will represent the San Benito County Horse Show and Rodeo at the California Rodeo, held in Salinas, as well as other events throughout her year-long reign.  

The Miss San Benito Rodeo contest has had a dedicated following over the years and some of the county’s best horse trainers help the young women prepare for the horsemanship portion of the contest. Miss San Benito Rodeo winners are expected to take their role as ambassadors seriously and share the county history knowledgeably.  

BenitoLink thanks Lisa Tobias, mother of two Miss San Benito Rodeo winners (Grace Tobias- 2011 and Annie Tobias- 2013) for her on-the-spot report and photos.

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