The 19-year-old has joined outback beauties from across the country vying to for the title of National Rodeo Queen.

Miss Haines, who is from King Lake but is competing an advanced diploma of horse management at South West TAFE’s Glenormiston campus, was only introduced to the sport this year but immediately fell in love with it.

“I was doing equestrian and showjumping but then I go into cattle cutting and got introduced to rodeo,” she said.

“I just love the atmosphere of it.

“There’s a lot of travel but it’s worth it and you meet lots of great people.”

The National Rodeo Queen Quest is an annual event which aims to raise money for charity while promoting the sport.

Miss Haines competes in barrel racing, an event in which a horse and rider attempt to complete a pattern around barrels in the fastest time, and said she hoped through the quest she would be able to raise awareness about women in rodeo.

“There are a fair few women in the rodeo scene but there are a lot more men,” she said.

To take part in the final later this year Miss Haines must first raise at least $2500 through sponsorship from businesses and by selling raffle tickets.

Contestants can select a charity to contribute some of the fund-raising money to and Miss Haines has chosen the Riding for the Disabled Association, a voluntary organisation which provides opportunities for people with a disability to enjoy safe, healthy, stimulating, therapeutic, horse-related activities.

The week-long final competition will be held on the Gold Coast where contestants will participate in a range of activities to promote rodeo and be judged on criteria including etiquette, poise, presentation, personality and knowledge of Australia.

“I’m pretty excited, I think it will be a lot of fun,” Miss Haines said of the competition.

The lucky lass crowned Ms Rodeo Queen will then represent Australia on an overseas tour to the Calgary Stampede in Canada and Dallas, Fort Worth, Denver and the Cheyenne Frontier Days in the US to promote rodeo.