CRC QUEEN

2025 MISS COLUMBIA RIVER CIRCUIT
Kaitlyn McKinsey

Kaitlyn McKinsey, the 21-year-old daughter of Matt and Kari McKinsey, from Poulsbo, WA. Coming from a multi-generational military family, she is deeply committed to supporting active service members and veterans. Kaitlyn’s love for horses began at the age of four, leading her to compete in Washington State High School Equestrian Team, Northwest Junior Rodeo Association, barrel racing and breakaway jackpots, and is a member of the Kitsap Stampede Starlets Drill Team.

Kaitlyn’s love of the sport of rodeo is what led her to the role of rodeo queen, a role which enables her to educate new and long time rodeo fans and especially younger generations about rodeo and the Western way of life. Kaitlyn’s pageant experience started back in 2011 as the Little Miss Viking Fest Queen, she later went on to hold the titles of Silver Spur Club Queen, Northwest Junior Rodeo Queen, and was 2024 Miss Kitsap Fair & Stampede. She is excited and honored to represent the Pacific Northwest and the Columbia River Circuit as your 2025 titleholder.

Although her favorite place to be is in the rodeo arena on horseback or behind the chutes, she is passionate about educating fans about the care, and welfare of our rodeo stock and equine competitors. Throughout her year, Kaitlyn aims to continue to educate rodeo fans about the sport of rodeo and the Western way of life, and promote her platform #ChooseKindness. Her main mount, “Winken Romeo” (aka Bo), a 17-year-old bay gelding known for his success as a queen horse, having carried Miss Rodeo Washingtons and Miss Rodeo Americas. In fact, Miss Rodeo America 2022 nominated Bo for the top 5 AQHA queen horses of the year. Her backup horses BR Murphy’s Law (aka Joey), a 16-year-old palomino gelding and Twistin Doc Miss, (aka Nellie), a 10-year-old sorrel mare will also support her throughout her reign as Miss Columbia River Circuit.

In her spare time, Kaitlyn is training her 2-year-old AQHA colt, “You Go Glen Coco” (aka Hugo), with aspirations to race him during his futurity year. She works as a behavioral para-educator at Wolfle Elementary and is passionate about pursuing her teaching degree. Kaitlyn still gives back to the organizations that helped her along the way by coaching cows and gaming for the Port Angeles WAHSET team, or hazing for NW JR Rodeo contestants, she is dedicated to helping young rodeo athletes.

Kaitlyn’s platform, #ChooseKindness, is a movement dedicated to inspiring the younger generations—both within the rodeo industry and beyond—to lead with compassion, empathy, and respect. In a world where social pressures and negativity can easily overwhelm, #ChooseKindness serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can create powerful ripple effects. By encouraging youth to treat others with dignity and understanding, we foster a more inclusive and supportive community that strengthens the character of future rodeo athletes and everyday leaders alike. Whether in the arena, the classroom, or online, #ChooseKindness empowers young people to be positive role models and make a lasting difference through their words and actions.