Rodeo Queens

Hello everyone! My name is Aubrey Gist, and I'm honored to serve as your very first Miss El Dorado Stampede Rodeo Queen! Being from Placerville, California, makes this title especially meaningful to me, and I'm incredibly proud to represent both my hometown and the return of this historic rodeo. I recently graduated from Union Mine High School and will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall, where I plan to major in Agricultural Communications.

Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I've been competing in rodeo for the past seven years. I currently compete in barrel racing, breakaway roping, cutting, and reined cow horse, and I'm passionate about preserving and promoting the western lifestyle. Rodeo has taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship, and I'm grateful for every opportunity it has given me.

As your 2026 Miss El Dorado Stampede, I'm excited to represent the sport of rodeo at the PRCA level while serving as an ambassador for our community. I look forward to meeting rodeo fans, promoting the El Dorado Stampede throughout the year, and celebrating the return of this incredible tradition. I can't wait to see everyone at the El Dorado Stampede on August 28th and 29th!

Hello everyone! My name is Payton Schmollinger, and I'm honored to serve as the inaugural Junior Miss El Dorado Stampede. At 14 years old, I'm proud to represent the next generation of rodeo while helping celebrate the return of the El Dorado Stampede. I'm homeschooled and live in Valley Springs, California, where I spend most of my time pursuing my passion for the western lifestyle and the sport of rodeo.

I compete in the NorCal Junior Rodeo Association (NCJRA) and District 5 High School Rodeo in pole bending, barrel racing, and breakaway roping. When I'm not in the arena, I enjoy floral design and baking, and I hope to one day own my own floral shop. Rodeo has taught me perseverance, confidence, and the value of hard work, and I live by my favorite motto: "You never lose, you learn."

As Junior Miss El Dorado Stampede, I'm excited to travel throughout California promoting the Stampede and sharing everything I love about rodeo. My dream is to one day become Miss Rodeo California and ultimately Miss Rodeo America. I'm incredibly thankful for this opportunity and look forward to meeting everyone at the El Dorado Stampede on August 28th and 29th!