EVENTS
All-Around Champion Cowgirl, 1922
Rodeo Trick Rider
Steer Roper
In a 25-year career, Mabel Strickland came to be the sport’s “most beloved cowgirl.” In her day she won more titles than any other female hand. Born Mabel Delong in 1897, she was raised at Walla Walla, Washington. The girl began relay racing and trick riding while still in high school. Traveling on the circuit, she met and married top all-around hand Hugh Strickland in 1918.
Tiny, tough Mabel Strickland thrilled audiences with daring exhibitions. Trick riding was her “signature piece.” On her white Arabian, Buster, she could expertly pass under the belly of the galloping mare or jump her over an automobile. In 1922 Strickland captured the coveted McAlpin Trophy, awarded to the top all-around cowgirl at Cheyenne. She won the trick-riding title at Madison Square Garden in 1923 and 1924. Strickland also competed in steer riding and steer roping. Particularly adept at the latter, she turned in a personal best time of 18 seconds flat at Pendleton in 1922, almost beating the men’s world record.
When professional rodeos phased out women’s events, Mabel Strickland curtailed her appearances. She did stunt work in Hollywood and in 1941 retired from rodeo. Mabel Strickland died in 1976 in Arizona.
