AFTER a long night of fighting fires, Kymba Edney picked up her shiny new sash for the 2011 Rodeo Queen Quest yesterday.

Miss Edney said she is a member of the Gladfield Maryvale Rural Fire Brigade which was called out to the blaze that destroyed a house on Freestone Rd on Monday night.

After two hours of hard work, Miss Edney went home to bed before getting up in the morning and heading to the Warwick Credit Union, where she has worked since 2008.

She said she had been involved in the rural fire brigade for years and took on administrative duties as well as heading out into the field and it was just one of the ways she liked to give back to the community - and hoped the quest would be another.

This year isn't the first time she will vie for the title of Rodeo Queen but she hopes it will be third time lucky.

"About five or six years ago I entered two years in a row," Miss Edney said.

"In the last two I entered at the last minute but this one I decided I would start early."

She said she gained a great deal from the competition and would recommend it to anyone who is old enough to join.

"I enjoyed it back then so much I guess that's just another reason why I decided to enter this time," she said.

"It built my confidence and helped me meet people."

The 27-year-old said her motivation was helping people - something she really enjoyed.

Born in Dubbo, Miss Edney's family moved to Brisbane before their love of horses brought them to Warwick 12 years ago. Miss Edney said she loved rodeos and while she didn't compete, she did own a horse, named Alby.

"He is a white gelding and I have had him all of his life - he is 22 years old," she said.

Miss Edney said she hoped Alby would be on his best behaviour this year.

"Last time he played up a bit. He doesn't play up usually but that day he just did," Miss Edney said.

She said she appreciated the support from her workplace and sponsor - the Warwick Credit Union - and local businesses which had donated goods to her first fundraising effort, a multi-draw raffle.

Quest co-ordinator Wendy Eisentrager said the entrants could learn a lot from the quest.

"It does put you in the community and opens up doors down the track - business see these young ones and their commitment and responsibility," she said.

Miss Eisentrager said there were great prizes to be won, including a holiday, and she would support entrants in the lead-up to the winner announcement on October 15.

Quest categories

• Rodeo Queen, 18-30 years, entrance fee $80.
• Rodeo Princess, 14-17 years, entrance fee $60.
• Junior Cowgirl, 8-13 years, entrance fee $40.
• Tiny Tot Boy and Girl, 5-7 years, entrance fee $20.
• Call the show office on 46619060 to nominate.