Newly crowned Sweetheart Josie Pancoast and Miss Lyla Isberg pose with MHES Queen and Princess Mila Stuut and Joleigh Wood for a portrait.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The Dunmore Equestrian Centre welcomed its new royalty this weekend, and the young duo is looking forward to a reign to remember.
Taking over from Dunmore Equestrian Miss Emma Baedke and Sweetheart Meadow Van Maarion, the 2025 winners were crowned on Saturday morning at the outdoor arena.
2025 Dunmore Equestrian Miss Lyla Isberg and Dunmore Equestrian Sweetheart Josie Pancoast expressed to the News gratitude and surprise for their victory, but above all thanks to their communities for giving them the push they needed to consider competing in the first place.
“I never, ever thought I would be in these shoes. It all started when I decided to do Grand Entry for Medicine Hat Stampede, because it looked like a blast, and I had so much fun,” said Isberg. “I actually was just walking to the stall, and someone caught me and said I need to try out. I didn’t know there was an opportunity like this for me, and I’m here now because someone gave me that push, and I’m so grateful.”
For 11-year-old Pancoast, the push was even more personal, coming from her direct predecessor for the crown. Knowing Van Maarion personally inspired her to throw her name in for the title, and she expressed her thanks for the encouragement to push herself.
Pancoast is from Seven Persons and can be found barrel racing her horse Bully on most days. Isberg meanwhile, is from Medicine Hat, though she is currently a student at Eagle Butte and enrolled in the Trades Academy as she pursues a passion for the family steel business. She and her horse Guy are also barrel racers.
For Baedke and Van Maarion, the event was somewhat bittersweet, but they are looking toward the future with high spirits.
“A little bit sad, because now I’m done with the Dunmore Equestrian Society, but I’m super grateful for all the opportunities they have given me, and I’m super excited for the future,” said Baedke.
Van Maarion says running for Miss is in her future, but she will always look back on her time as Sweetheart fondly, before giving the new royals some last-minute advice.
The pair has a quick turnaround for their first event, Irvine 20 Mile Post days starting on Aug. 29, before returning to their home arena for Little Britches Rodeo and the grand opening of the Dunmore Equestrian indoor arena on Sept. 6.
