MabelStrickland

A Versatile Champion of Early Rodeo

Mabel Strickland Woodward was an accomplished rodeo horsewoman of the early twentieth century. Known for her remarkable versatility, athleticism, and horsemanship, she became famous throughout the American West as a champion trick rider, relay racer, bronc rider, and all-around rodeo competitor. During a period when women faced major barriers in professional rodeo, Strickland competed directly against men in many events and helped establish the reputation of women as elite horse athletes and horse trainers.

Mabel Strickland was born Mabel DeLong in 1897 near Wallula, Washington. Her father introduced her to horses when she was approximately three years old, and she quickly demonstrated exceptional natural riding ability. A nearby trick rider named Bill Donovan later helped train her in trick riding and performance techniques, launching her early competitive career.

Three Straight Championships at Walla Walla

Strickland first gained major public attention at the Walla Walla Frontier Days and Stampede in Washington. Beginning in 1913, she won the event's trick riding competition three consecutive years, establishing herself as one of the top young horsewomen in western rodeo. Her performances attracted widespread attention because of her courage, balance, and precision while performing difficult riding stunts at high speed.

Following her early success, Strickland joined traveling Wild West productions and rodeo shows, including Drumheller's Wild West Productions. These shows toured throughout the United States during the height of Wild West entertainment, showcasing horsemanship, trick riding, roping, and frontier skills. In 1918, she married rodeo champion Hugh Strickland, and the couple became well known in rodeo circles, traveling extensively competing and performing across the country.

All-Around in an Era When Women Were Excluded from Much of Rodeo

Madison Square Garden and Beyond

In addition to rodeo competition, Strickland performed at major entertainment venues including Madison Square Garden, where rodeo and Wild West shows drew enormous national audiences during the early twentieth century. Her performances helped popularize western riding, trick riding, and rodeo entertainment across the United States.

Beyond her competitive accomplishments, Strickland became admired for her horsemanship and ability to train and manage performance horses. Successful trick riding and relay racing required horses with exceptional athleticism, responsiveness, and trust in their riders. Her long career demonstrated not only athletic ability but also advanced horse training and handling skills.

Arizona, the Appaloosa Horse Club, and Five Halls of Fame

Later in life, Strickland moved to Arizona and remained active in the horse industry. She eventually became involved with the Appaloosa Horse Club and served as one of its directors, continuing her lifelong involvement with horses and western equestrian culture. Mabel Strickland Woodward died on January 3, 1976, in Phoenix, Arizona, near her longtime home in Buckeye, at age 79.

Accomplishments

• Walla Walla Frontier Days trick riding champion — three consecutive years beginning 1913
• Cheyenne Frontier Days all-around cowgirl — 1922 McAlpin Trophy
• Twenty-five years of professional rodeo competition
• Competed in nearly every event available to women — trick riding, relay racing, bronc riding, Roman riding, roping
• Performed at Madison Square Garden
• Toured with Drumheller's Wild West Productions
• Appaloosa Horse Club director
• National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame inductee
• Rodeo Hall of Fame — National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1981)
• ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee
• Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame inductee (1972)
• Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame inductee