Ms Geisler, from The Rock, was crowned Miss Rodeo Australia in October.

She will remain in the role for 18 months, travelling from rodeo to rodeo, and representing Australia in events in the US, Canada and New Zealand.

Her job is to promote the sport and raise money to support the Make-A-Wish foundation and Barnados Australia, which supports disadvantaged children.

It’s a Cinderella story for the Riverina cowgirl, who was orphaned at five when her mother died and her father “just left”.

Raised by her grandfather, aunt and uncle, Ms Geisler said she found comfort in her horses as she was growing up.

“They gave me a place away from the darkness, it basically gave me someone to talk to, my horses were my best friends,” she said.

“I hope to eventually have my own horse breeding and training business where I can use equine therapy to help disadvantaged kids.”

After being crowned Miss Rodeo Tumbarumba on New Year’s Day, Ms Geisler went on to defeat two other finalists in the race for the national crown in the competition that was revived last year for the first time since 1981.

Ms Geisler said she is now a role model to up-and-coming cowgirls and cowboys, and the face of the sport in Australia.

When it comes to looking the part, the rodeo queen said she believed denim jeans trumped skimpy shorts every time.

“I’m a jeans and T-shirt girl all the way,” Ms Geisler said.

“You’ve got to be comfortable. It’s jeans, a long-sleeved shirt and of course the hat.”

Ms Geisler was due to attend the Yarrawonga rodeo today but has been sidelined by a stomach bug.

Before her job wraps up in June 2013, she will probably attend more than 30 rodeos around Australia.