THOMASVILLE- Allie Ann Wheeler stepped into the spotlight and accepted her crown on Saturday night, as she was named Miss Rodeo Georgia 2025.

Before the night’s festivities, Wheeler was considered a lady-in-waiting, as the 2024 Miss Rodeo Georgia competed for Miss Rodeo America in Las Vegas in December. However, as the night dwindled, Wheeler partook in a coronation ceremony, accepting her crown and newfound title gracefully.

Wheeler will now travel across the United States, speaking to young girls about rodeos and equestrian life, while also partaking in local rodeos as a featured guest.

“I’ll get to go to clubs and schools and promote the sport of rodeo and the western way of life,” she said.

The sport of rodeo across Georgia has seen a huge growth in the past few years, as noted in Wheeler’s coronation ceremony, and opened up many doors for her.

The Miss Rodeo Georgia Association was re-created three years ago by a group of Miss Rodeo alumni said Miss Rodeo Georgia President Emily Taylor.

“We could not figure out why this state did not have a representative since it has such strong agricultural roots,” she said. “There are several rodeos locally, and I think we can all attest that rodeo does run deep in this great state.”

After contacting the Miss Rodeo America Foundation, the association was formed and began promoting the Western way of life once again.

Wheeler is the ideal candidate to showcase not only the Western way of life but also the skills gained through rodeo and other equestrian-related organizations.

“She is a two-time master 4-H’er, she has won more too many buckles and awards to mention, she is multiple time world champion, a member of the UGA Equestrian team and now she is being crowned Miss Rodeo Georgia,” said Cindy Wynn, Miss Rodeo Georgia 1981. “This year is absolutely going to change your life.”

During her reign, Wheeler will be tasked with giving many speeches, something she is now familiar with after competing at Miss Rodeo Georgia. As part of the pageant, Wheeler was asked to give an impromptu speech on a topic chosen by the judges.

“She did a wonderful job,” Taylor said. “She will not only be the spokesperson for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association of Georgia, but she will also be first and foremost the first lady of rodeo and an ambassador for agriculture.”

Taylor has confidence in Wheeler’s knowledge, though, saying everyone can rest easy as Wheeler knows equine like the back of her hand.

Having shown horses in the American Stock Horse Association, the American Ranch Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Organization, and the National Reining Horse Association, Wheeler is well-equipped to handle any question thrown her way.

“It’s now her job to turn every individual she comes in contact with into a life-long rodeo fan, and to educate them,” Taylor explained.

Acknowledging the tasks ahead of her, Wheeler accepted her new sash, as Wynn crowned her cowgirl hat.

“I’m so excited to travel across the United States, serving as an ambassador for the state of Georgia,” Wheeler said. “It is my passion to educate spectators and fans about the great sport of rodeo and the Western way of life.”

Wheeler will have help along the way with her fellow “Rodeo Royalty,” who were present at her coronation.

The visiting queens included Miss Teen Rodeo Georgia 2025 Addison Williams, Miss Rodeo Georgia Princess 2025 Payson King, Miss Rodeo Georgia Sweetheart 2025 Paisley Parette, Miss Rodeo Florida Lacie Stark, Miss 5 Wynn Horse Company Natalie Ross, Little Miss 5 Wynn Horse Company Taylor Steinberg, Tiny Miss Sunbelt Rodeo Princess Laine Ross, Junior Miss Sunbelt Rodeo Princess Sara Morgan Sapp, Miss Sunbelt Cowgirl Up Princess Ava Rich, Miss Sunbelt Rodeo Princess Autumn Ramie, and Miss Sunbelt Rodeo Queen Lainey Posey.

Wheeler thanked all the rodeo queens for being there to make the night special, along with the former Miss Rodeo Georgias.

She concluded by thanking her parents who have been supportive of her journey into rodeo and her late brother Cannon Wheeler, who she said believed in her no matter what.

With a rousing round of applause and standing ovation, Wheeler began the celebration with dinner and dancing, followed by a silent and live auction.