REGINA — Abbey Harty, a proud alumna of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, has recently been crowned Miss Rodeo Agribition 2025. Growing up in Edam, a small-town northwest of Saskatoon, Harty has always been passionate about health care and rodeo.
Harty's journey in health care began four years ago when she started working as a care aide. Last year, she decided to further her knowledge by enrolling in the certificate program at Sask Polytech in Saskatoon. Harty recalls the close-knit community of students and instructors, the invaluable knowledge gained about the health-care system and the meaningful connections made with people in care homes during her practicums.
"I've always been passionate about caring for people and patient care," Harty shares. "Sask Polytech’s CCA program was a great stepping stone in my health-care career. It allowed me to grow my knowledge and make a lot of new connections," she adds.
Making connections is what drives Harty, at work, on campus and as Miss Rodeo Agribition. "I enjoy connecting with people every day. It’s something I am able to do professionally and personally."
Working in healthcare with flexible hours allows Harty to balance her healthcare career and education, with her rodeo commitments, and pursue both passions simultaneously. "I love caring for people, and it works well with my hobbies," she explains.
Harty's love for rodeo has been a constant in her life. She has been involved in rodeo for as long as she can remember and competes with the Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association. Her rodeo events include barrel racing and pole bending, with her trusty horse, Connor.
Harty ventured into rodeo queening for the first time earlier in the year running for the North Battleford Rodeo Queen title. “I have always been passionate about queening, as a little girl I always looked up to the professional rodeo queens, to now be that inspiration to many little girls means so much to me.” Her dedication paid off when she was crowned Miss Rodeo Agribition 2025 at the Canadian Western Agribition last month. The competition, held over three days, tested contestants in horsemanship, a written exam, public speaking and personal interviews.
"It was surreal, honestly," Harty says of her win. "Agribition is a renowned international event, and Saskatchewan is so lucky to call it our own. I'm so grateful to represent Agribition in 2025."
As Miss Rodeo Agribition, Harty will spend the year attending various events across Saskatchewan and Canada, promoting Agribition and sharing its significance. She aims to get as much information out there about Agribition as possible, encouraging more people to attend and experience what it has to offer.
Harty is also pursuing a at North West College in North Battleford to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). This program is offered in co-operation with Sask Polytech.
For those interested in a career in health care, Harty has this advice: "It's a wonderful career where you make a lot of connections and help people who can't help themselves. Sask Polytech’s CCA program is a great stepping stone into healthcare, choosing a career that revolves around caring for people and making a positive impact was one of the best decisions I have made and I recommend this career choice to anyone.”
Harty’s journey is a testament to her dedication, passion and ability to balance her professional aspirations with her love for rodeo. Whether in health care or the rodeo arena, she continues to make a positive impact, connects with her community and inspires those around her. Learn more about Sask Polytech's program.
The 2024 Miss Rodeo Agribition was also a Sask Polytech learner. Read about and the parallels between welding and rodeo.
— Submitted by Sask Polytech Media Relations
