Girl of the West

The Girl of the West story is about our young Rodeo Ambassador, and how she helps promote “the western way of life and the western-type American girl” at our Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and other events. Meet the Girl of the West:

Kaylee Gripentrog—Girl of the West

2026 Girl of the West, Kaylee Gripentrog, is the daughter of Todd and Laura Gripentrog. Her passion for the rodeo community runs deep, beginning as a member of the Kit Carson Drill Team in 2022 and competing in their Gymkhana Buckle Series. In 2023, she joined the Pikes Peak Rangerettes, serving as Assistant Secretary in 2024 and Captain in 2025. She has also participated in the Latigo Winter Buckle Series in both English and Western disciplines for the past two years.

Kaylee will graduate from Village High School in Colorado Springs in May 2026. She hopes to continue her education by studying animal science in college. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, horses, and other animals.

Growing up in Colorado Springs, the mission of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo holds special meaning for Kaylee—not only because of her involvement in the rodeo through the Rangerettes, but also because she has witnessed the sacrifices made by military family members and friends. Many of her immediate family members serve in the military, deepening her appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of service members and their families.

Kaylee rides her two Quarter Horses, Tito and Poncho.

GOTW images above © 2026 Waldrons Family Studio; Hats by Greeley Hat Works; Buckles by Clint Mortenson Silver and Saddles

More About the Girl of the West Program

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Ambassadors

The title of “Girl of the West” was chosen because the girls are considered “Ambassadors” for the rodeo and not “Rodeo Queens.” The first Girl of the West, Dawn Norris, was chosen in 1922. The first competitions were decided by popular vote via write-in ballots available from the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Gazette. The contestant receiving the most votes would be named “Girl of the West” for the rodeo. Her duties involved simply being at the rodeo and participating in the grand entry. The competition has evolved to include speech, interview, horsemanship, personality, and appearance. Their duties today include giving a promotional speech at service clubs and promotional events, giving interviews on both TV and radio, and making appearances at our military installations, and at parades and rodeos throughout the Front Range and the Pikes Peak region.

What It Means to Be a Girl of the West

The Girl of the West represents the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo during her reign. She promotes the Pikes Peak region and the rodeo by making numerous appearances within the region and out of town. She is always accompanied by her aide and an escort.

Who Is the Girl of the West?

The Girl of the West and her aide are young women who represent the West through their horsemanship ability. They symbolize the youth of our region who wish to further promote the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, and in so doing, promote the western way of life and the ideal western-type American girl. They represent a long tradition of young women who have represented the rodeo as queen since 1922. It offers them the experience of meeting many people through public appearances at the numerous civic organizations, military installations, and other rodeos and parades in the state.

Escort/Scheduling

Corliss Palmer is a volunteer for the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. As such, she has a unique occupation, escorting and scheduling over 150 appearances each summer for the Girls of the West. The trio mostly travels around the Front Range of Colorado promoting the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. They visit all five military installations in the Colorado Springs area, speak at many service clubs, ride in parades and rodeo grand entries, and many other opportunities, including TV and radio interviews.

Corliss also chooses the fabrics and styles of the outfits the girls wear, which are made by a custom seamstress. She then arranges for professional portraits to be taken and writes the seven-minute speech the girls give. Arranging for all the appearances is quite time-consuming: emailing many contacts and calling many others. Then making up the schedule for everyone to have, including all the details for what, when, where, who.

She ended a 30-year career with Western Horseman magazine, as Advertising Director of the World’s Largest Horse Publication, in January 2002. Since then, she has held her present position with the Girls of the West for the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.

For more information, contact: Corliss Palmer