Beyond The Rodeo Queen Crown

The here-and-theres of a rodeo queen and everything in between.

Lauren Fritzler | Oct 23, 2023

Photo by: Clay Gaurdipee

“A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for everyone else.” –Anonymous

Rodeo spectators are privileged with seeing a flash of beauty, sparkles and curled hair blowing in the wind, waving while she makes a lap on her trusty equine partner. Rodeo queens dedicate their time and effort to represent the sport that is rodeo.

Although they may only be seen taking a fast lap in the arena, rodeo queens deserve recognition for the work they do drawing attention to rodeo. This is their assumed job, but they do much more than ride their horse at the local round-up.

Similar to a beauty pageant, rodeo queens go through a series of intense interviews to be crowned. In addition to this, they must demonstrate horsemanship skills and intense passion for rodeo. They’re judged on style, personality and western flair.

Once crowned, rodeo queens visit various rodeos, sharpen their skills through workshops with other queens, travel to parades, attend required meetings, and complete so much more as assigned. These ladies travel many, many miles throughout their reign, all for the sport of rodeo.

Rodeo queens embrace knowledge, beauty, grit and determination. Their dazzled, fancy outfits, (topped with a crown of course) catch the eye of everyone in the audience. They may dress up in stunning outfits, but behind the scenes they are cowgirls to the core.

Rodeo queens don't just look pretty and carry a flag. Being a rodeo queen takes devotion to the sport of rodeo and dedication standing up for everyone that supports the rodeo lifestyle.

Published Oct 23, 2023

LAUREN FRITZLER

Originally from Northeastern Colorado, Lauren grew up on a farm and ranch where she was heavily involved in production ag. The small Colorado town allowed Lauren to flourish. Lauren’s family has a generational love for rodeo and she was naturally attracted to the western lifestyle. From an early age, she would compete in rodeos and travel with her mom to rodeos around the state while juggling school involvement. She prides herself in not only competing in rodeos, but winning rodeos on horses raised on the ranch. Lauren got to Texas as fast as she could. She currently attends West Texas A&M University where she studies Agricultural Media and Communication with a double minor in Ag Business and Economics and Broadcast Journalism. She is an Agricultural Ambassador for the Department and serves as the President for Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. When Lauren is not in the classroom, she is striving for excellence in her professional life. She has completed an internship at the College National Finals Rodeo and the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo, where she gained skills to make her mark on the western industry. She uses her graphic design skills to create logos for small businesses, travels to spend time with family, and immerses herself into the rodeo world. No matter where life takes her, Lauren is strong-willed and dedicated to her God-given purpose. Day by day, she aspires to be an advocate for agriculture and the western lifestyle. Lauren Fritzler believes we are all lifelong students, that the western lifestyle allots extensive learning opportunities throughout a lifetime. In efforts to teach others about rodeo, she is thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate with Sports Illustrated Rodeo Daily.