In the early 1900s one rodeo cowgirl stood out because of her natural beauty and charm, and her abilities to ride and rope. Newspaper accounts called Mabel DeLong Strickland ‘the Lovely Lady of Rodeo’ and some said she looked more like a ‘Follies beauty’ than a champion cowgirl.

Her features were delicate, her hair was always done in the most attractive style and her western clothing fit perfectly and was always of the most flattering styles. Throughout her twenty-five year rodeo career she had the respect of all who knew her and later received honors from various Halls of Fame confirming her rodeo prowess.