06/03/2026
This year's Girl of the West, Kaylee Gripentrog, made a presentation at Tuesday's Fountain City Council meeting
Her presentation was so professional it's hard to believe she's a high schooler.
The Girl of the West is the ambassador for the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. She will make about 150 appearances in and around the Pikes Peak area in the next few weeks to promote the rodeo.
Miss Gripentrog, is the daughter of Todd and Laura Gripentrog.
The program's bio of her includes: "Her passion for the rodeo community runs deep, beginning as a member of the Kit Carson Drill Team in 2022 and competing in their Gymkhana Buckle Series. In 2023, she joined the Pikes Peak Rangerettes, serving as Assistant Secretary in 2024 and Captain in 2025. She has also participated in the Latigo Winter Buckle Series in both English and Western disciplines for the past two years."
"Kaylee will graduate from Village High School in Colorado Springs in May 2026. She hopes to continue her education by studying animal science in college. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, horses, and other animals."
The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo will be held July 14-18 at the Norris Penrose Event Center.
The PPOB rodeo was started by Spencer Penrose in 1937. This year's is the 85th.
More information about Miss Gripentrog and the Girl of the West program see
https://www.pikespeakorbust.org/girls-of-the-west/ #:~:text=The%20Girl%20of%20the%20West
For more on the Rodeo
https://www.pikespeakorbust.org/
