SALINAS — Maddi Borland was crowned Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2026 following two days of competition at the Salinas Sports Complex and Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds.
Borland, the reigning Miss California High School Rodeo State Queen, will spend the next year representing the California Rodeo Salinas at rodeos, parades, community events and appearances throughout the state.
Five contestants competed July 1-2 for the title: Borland; Lillian Crummey, Miss Rodeo Oakdale; Emily Drost, Miss San Benito Rodeo; Melody Gist, Miss Cal Poly Rodeo; and Lilly Kier, Miss Rodeo Glennville. Hayley DeMartin, Miss Wine Country Rodeo, withdrew from the competition before it began.
Crummey was named first runner-up, while Drost earned second runner-up honors.
Contestants were judged on personality, appearance, scholarship and horsemanship. Borland received top honors in personality and appearance, Crummey earned the highest horsemanship score, and Gist received the top scholarship score.
The Congeniality Award, selected by the contestants, ended in a tie between Kier and Crummey in recognition of their friendship, sportsmanship and support of their fellow competitors throughout the contest.
As the new titleholder, Borland received a $3,000 educational scholarship, a custom gold-and-silver belt buckle, a tiara sponsored by the Harden Foundation, use of a two-horse trailer for one year, and additional prizes and awards.
The Miss California Rodeo Salinas contest recognizes young women for their horsemanship, communication skills, leadership, academic achievement and commitment to representing the Western way of life.
During her reign, Borland will serve as an ambassador for the California Rodeo Salinas, promoting rodeo, agriculture and Western heritage at events across California.
The 2026 Miss California Rodeo Salinas Contest was sponsored by Holiday Inn Express and Suites.
