Meet our 2026 Queen – Micaela Hidalgo

Micaela Hidalgo is 21 years old from Los Lunas, New Mexico, and proudly represents Rodeo de Santa Fe as their 2026 Queen. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2025 with her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, and is currently preparing for the MCAT while getting her medical school application ready, in order to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an anesthesiologist.

Growing up in a rural New Mexico community played a major role in shaping who she is today. Micaela hopes to one day serve rural and underserved communities as a physician, giving back to the places and people that have given her so much.

Deeply rooted in the western way of life, Micaela values hard work, tradition, and community. Being a rodeo queen allows her to combine those values with her love for rodeo, public service, and representing New Mexico. She looks forward to continuing her journey in the rodeo world while honoring the sport, the lifestyle, and the people who make it a family.

Meet our 2026 Princess – Kara Petersen

Kara Petersen proudly serves as the 2026 Rodeo de Santa Fe Princess, representing the tradition and spirit of professional rodeo. A student at East Mountain High School, Kara has a passion for team roping and hopes to rope at the NFR one day. She competes on her 16-year-old gelding, Bo, who is Kara’s long time best friend. 

She is excited to showcase the grit and determination of PRCA cowboys and cowgirls. One of Kara’s biggest goals as a rodeo queen is to be a positive role model for young girls. She hopes to show them the value of confidence, kindness, a little bit of glitter, hard work, and to encourage them to chase their goals while staying true to who they are.

Looking toward the future, Kara hopes to pursue a career in western media and videography. She is passionate about telling the stories of rodeo and the western lifestyle in a new way and wants to help preserve and share those stories through film and media.

Meet our 2026 Rodeo de Santa Fe Sweetheart – Kenzie Caldwell

The 2026 Rodeo De Santa Fe Sweetheart Kenzie is 12 years old and lives in Albuquerque New Mexico. She is very involved in the love for rodeo royalty, but besides that she attends horse shows with her horses Grace, and Charger. She also is a part of her local 4-H for the club Los Ranchos. Kenzie comes from a long line of horsewomen and is extremely grateful to not only carry on the tradition but be an active AQHA member herself. When Kenzie grows up she wants to be Miss Rodeo America and a veterinarian.

Contest Date: June 6th & 7th, 2026 (Schedule to be given at Orientation)

Orientation May 23rd, 2026-  Mandatory and Applications are due

**************WE HAVE ADDED A WRITTEN TEST TO THE CONTEST******************

          ********************Auditors are welcome for a minimal fee*******************

Application Deadline: May 23, 2026

Queen contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 25; Princess Contestants must be between the ages of 13-17;  Sweetheart age group 9 to 12.

Please continue to follow us for further details of the contest.

Candidates must be within 100 mile radius of Santa Fe and available for Rodeo, City promotions and various functions throughout their year of reign. The contest will be held in the Rodeo de Santa Fe arena. Contestants will be judged on knowledge of PRCA rodeo, animal welfare, horsemanship, outgoingness, appearance and public speaking.

The Queen will receive a $1000 monetary scholarship, or, custom saddle, custom made crown, buckle, and sash. The Queen will travel Statewide and beyond to represent RDSF at PRCA Sanctioned rodeos as well as any local area events. The Princess receives a custom made crown, buckle, and sash.

The Princess will represent along side the Queen locally and at Open Rodeos.

The Sweetheart will Represent RDSF at any local community events along with the Queen and or Princess. She is welcome to represent at any local rodeos but not PRCA Sanctioned unless PR appearances needed. The incoming royalty will be crowned Friday June 26th  at the luncheon of this year’s rodeo, their reign will begin on Saturday June 27th at that nights performance, through next years rodeo.

The incoming Queen will have the opportunity to compete for NM State Fair Queen in September 2027 or Miss Rodeo New Mexico in October 2027.

There is a $75 application fee and the last date for application is May 23rd, 2026. The contest will take place June 6th & 7th, 2026. Tentative and subject to change.

Any interested young ladies should contact Fiona at (505) 699-1527 or email fionamllr@yahoo.com.