My daughter Emilie’s passion for horses and rodeo royalty started at the young age of eight. Growing up in Red Lodge, Emilie loved attending the Home of Champions Rodeo, an action-packed three-day event with traditional parades and a PRCA rodeo.

Her journey truly began when she met Talli Mariah Carmalt, the 2014 Miss Teen Rodeo Montana. Talli complimented Emilie on her pink chaps, and from that moment on, Emilie was hooked. Soon after, she found the love of her life—KitKat, a feisty eight-year-old bay mare from Arkansas. Through much doubt from her trainer, Emilie and KitKat created a bond so strong it’s just short of magic.

Emilie first ran for and earned the Red Lodge Home of Champions Little Miss title in 2018, which she proudly held for four years. Then in 2022, she competed for and won the Home of Champions Teen title. In 2024, two years after she moved to Bozman, Emilie made history by becoming the first Miss Teen Bozeman Stampede.

As her reign was coming to a close, Emilie set her sights higher and competed in the Miss Rodeo Montana Pageant in April 2025 in Billings. Following three days of hard work, Emilie won the Miss Teen Lady-in-Waiting 2026 title. On January 17th, at the Montana Circuit Finals in Great Falls, Emilie was crowned Miss Teen Rodeo Montana 2026.

The passion for connecting with others began early. When Emilie was ten years old, she participated in the Kids N’ Cowboys event at the NILE in Billings. One moment from that experience has stayed with her ever since: meeting a young girl named Penelope. This little girl was deeply happy and radiated a true joy for life, despite her health challenges. That encounter left a lasting impression on Emilie and continues to inspire her to spread kindness to all young rodeo fans.

Another event especially dear to Emilie is the Rooster Reynolds Memorial Fund “Exceptional Rodeo,” held during the Circuit Finals. She was honored to support the event by helping youth and adults with special needs learn how to throw a rope and run a barrel pattern—an experience that perfectly reflects what Emilie values most about rodeo: connection, inclusion, and rodeo spirit.

Horses have always held a special place in Emilie’s heart, a passion deeply rooted in a family tradition that began more than 120 years before she was born. The Barlow Ranch, located in northeast Wyoming, has a rich history of raising cattle and shaping the Western way of life. This legacy began in 1898, when Emilie’s great-great-grandfather, Lewis Henry Barlow, moved to Gillette, Wyoming, from northern Idaho.

What stands out in the Barlow family history is their dedication not only to ranching, but also to education and community. Emilie’s great-grandfather, Lewis “Lew” Barlow, was known for his love of the land, respect for natural resources, and keen eye for livestock. Emilie’s great-grandmother, Marion Barlow, served as county superintendent, working with 12 school districts and 133 schools, many of them one-room schoolhouses, throughout Campbell County. Today, the Barlow Ranch continues to thrive, raising Red Angus cattle, sheep, and yaks.

This 5th generation cowgirl has a deep and lifelong love for animals. She grew up raising pigs, goats, bum lambs, ducks, chickens, and her pet cow, Lucy—experiences that taught her responsibility, patience, and the skills necessary to care for animals. One of Emilie’s favorite summertime traditions is traveling to the ranch for branding. The long days filled with smoke, the sounds of cows and calves, the satisfaction of hard work, and dirt-covered clothes are moments she holds dear.

Today, Emilie cares for four horses and 28 chickens, including two roosters named Cyrano and Romeo. At school, her favorite activities include playing trombone in the Bozeman High School marching band as well as being the low brass section leader. She also sings soprano in the chamber and jazz choir. During the summer months, she enjoys trail riding with her family and is beginning to explore the world of horse cutting.

It takes a strong organization to help girls and women succeed in the sport. The Miss Rodeo Montana Pageant Council is now in its ninth decade, with roots tracing back to the 1940s. The new Miss Rodeo Montana 2026, Bentley McCulough, and Emilie, Miss Teen Rodeo Montana 2026, have been named Montana’s “First Ladies of Rodeo.”

Throughout 2026, Bentley and Emilie will represent the state at professional rodeos, parades, and community events across Montana. In addition to public appearances, they will visit clubs and organizations and participate in radio and television interviews. As ambassadors of the sport, they will help educate the public about rodeo—explaining everything from what it means to “break the barrier,” to the meaning of a “money barrel,” and the vital role of a stock contractor.

Emilie’s coronation gala, “Sparkles & Spurs,” will be held Saturday, February 21st from 5–9 PM at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman. The evening will feature a home-cooked dinner with yak meatballs and chokecherry BBQ sauce, followed by ice cream sundaes for dessert. Guests will enjoy both silent and live auctions, featuring auctioneer and emcee Ron Murry of Murry Kennels, as well as live music by Montana-based singer-songwriter Amanda Stewart. For tickets and more information, visit the Miss Rodeo Montana Facebook page.

If you see Emilie at a rodeo this summer, be sure to stop and visit—she would love to talk rodeo with you!    

C0ntributed by Nicole Barlow.