A new queen has been crowned in the Town of Cochrane.

On the last day of the Cochrane Lions Rodeo, Leah Jackson, 16, was crowned and is looking forward to all the opportunities the next year will bring.

"On top of grade 12, I am just so excited. I am going to be able to meet a lot of new people and I am just so happy to be able to represent and be an ambassador for the sport of rodeo, the Town of Cochrane, and the Cochrane Lions."

The grade 12 St. Tim's student, has grown up just outside of Cochrane and developed a passion for horses thanks to a local family.

I didn't quite get into really exploring what I could do with horses until I met the Speers family where they started letting me ride their horses, since then, I've really grown to love it and have a huge passion for it now."

Jackson adds while she doesn't have much experience public speaking, over her next year of being our rodeo ambassador, that will change.

"I actually really haven't done any public speaking, except for school assignments, but I have already had to make a few speeches and all I've learned it just to be confident and smile. I feel like I will just get better throughout the year."

Looking ahead to 2017, Jackson is looking forward to representing Cochrane at the Calgary Stampede.

"Talking to Nicole and Corinne, what they were telling me it sounds like is such an amazing experience; from doing the parade to meeting so many other people."

For anyone wishing to try out in future years, Jackson says, do it.

"To be a rodeo queen is a lot of work, you have to be good with horses, with public speaking, good with other people; but if you think you should do it, you should definitely try, because it is an amazing opportunity."

Jackson will represent the Town of Cochrane at over 50 community and rodeo events during her reign.