2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen, Taryn Cantrell

Written by

Get ready to hit the rodeo trail with the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen, Taryn Cantrell!

Taryn is an Arizona native, who is proud to call Gilbert, Arizona home. Having lived in Gilbert for all her 22 years, Taryn is very excited and grateful to have the wonderful opportunity to give back to a community that has given her so much and to help celebrate one of Gilbert’s most exciting events – the Gilbert Days Rodeo!

Taryn’s love for horses began at a very young age when she first began riding at 4 years old. Since then, Taryn’s love for horses and the sport of rodeo has continued to grow. Taryn spent many years at the old Gilbert Rodeo Grounds barrel racing, helping push cattle during roping events, and celebrating the Gilbert Days Rodeo and Carnival with her friends and family. Having served as the Gilbert Days Legacy Rodeo Royalty Princess in 2011 and 2012, Taryn is grateful to represent her beautiful town, the exciting rodeo, and the incredibly hard-working Gilbert Promotional Corporation as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen.

Outside the world of rodeo, Taryn’s interests stretch far and wide. One of Taryn’s greatest loves is opera! Taryn graduated from Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) in 2016 with an Associate’s degree in the Arts. She currently attends Arizona State University where she is studying to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and training to become an opera singer. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree, Taryn plans to receive a Master’s degree in Opera Performance. Since the beginning of her collegiate musical studies, Taryn has performed in various musicals and operas. One of her favorite roles was Morticia Addams in CGCC’s production of The Addams Family.

As a Town of Gilbert employee and the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen, Taryn is immersed in all things “Gilbert.” She is proud of her ever-growing town and encourages Gilbert residents to celebrate Gilbert’s western heritage. She asks that we keep “Kickin’ up Kindness,” along each of our journeys.

Taryn hopes to see you at the Gilbert Days Rodeo this year!

Danny O'Donnell

Danny co-founded Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN), now a western media powerhouse with over 4 million fans. CLN’s success reflects his deep understanding of the western community—not just its spirit, but its economic heartbeat—connecting businesses, events, and enthusiasts in a thriving industry. With this massive reach, Danny has become a trusted voice on rodeo culture, horse care, and Western traditions, covering events from the Houston Livestock Show to the Super Bowl Party Trophy Bar. His journey to building this platform began in Arizona, where he spent eight years in Pinal County’s 4-H program, learning ranching by caring for lambs and getting to know the land like an old friend. At Arizona State University, Danny shone as a two-time "All American" diver and team captain, graduating with a business degree that sparked his entrepreneurial drive. After a decade in corporate management sharpening his leadership skills, he launched CLN. "Giving back has always mattered to me," Danny shares. His support for Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and a 25-year CLN Christmas Toy Drive proves it, building community trust through action.