[KHTS] A Santa Clarita Valley cowgirl who has been riding horses her whole life was just crowned Miss Rodeo California 2015.

Carolann Scott, 22, of Agua Dulce, was crowned Miss Rodeo California 2015 on Oct. 18 after a four-day-long competition of speeches, interviews and horsemanship tests.

“I have competed in rodeos since I was four years old,” Scott said, adding jokingly “I could ride a horse before I could walk.”

The events included a speech on California, impromptu questions about rodeo and current events, rodeo terminology, past winnersi n rodeo competitions, a media interview, equine knowledge and performing horsemanship patterns.

Scott is a third generation rodeo competitor who represented the Woodlake Lions Rodeo in the competition.

“My attitude is kind of different, “ she said, adding that she would rather being enjoying things than being anxious. “I try to not be nervous and say that I’m excited.”

Scott said she made friends with the other girls she competed with, saying that they laughed and had fun throughout the event.

“It’s born into you, the compassion for horses and livestock,” Scott said. “It’s a family thing.”

Scott doesn’t begin working in her new role until January but is keeping busy until then by preparing for the World Series Team Roping in Las Vegas this December.

“I’ve been practicing my whole life, in high school, college my whole life has been riding horses,” Scott said. “Everyday I’m practicing riding horses and getting more familiar with different horses.”

Scott practices with several horses almost everyday, sometimes training with up to seven different horses.

She graduated from the University of Arizona this past may with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in animal science.

“My advisor thought it’d be clever. When I’m in a interview with Animal Science on my resume, I would then be able to talk about background in rodeo and livestock,“ Scott said. “I thought they were really fun.”

She hopes to pursue a career in broadcast journalism for the rodeo and agriculture industry.

“I think that the modern journalist has to be well rounded,” Scott said. “There’s no such thing as having a niche anymore. I think because everything is changing, it’s a good thing. You have to be more skilled and have more experience.”

Scott continues to practice for the next competition, leaving her little free time.

“I’m honored to hold the title and hopefully I can make everyone proud, make our hometown proud and do good a job representing California and Miss Rodeo,” Scott said.

Photos courtesy of Carolann Scott’s Facebook page.