In the heart of the Arizona desert lives a woman whose gracious smile and kind soul have blessed everyone around her. With strong roots in faith, family, and freedom, Raylen Riggs is more than just a rodeo queen – she is a symbol of the Western spirit. Crowned as the first-ever Rodeo Queen of the Hondo Rodeo in 2025, Raylen brings authenticity, energy, and grace to the arena. A fourth-generation Arizonan, Raylen embodies the values of the West, and her journey has been anything but ordinary.
Rooted in Tradition
Raylen’s story is one of a legacy she didn’t just inherit—she helped write it. Raised in the saddle like her mother, Shanda, and surrounded by a family of rodeo royalty, Raylen’s path was set. Her family ties her to Harry Jacob Frost, who is in the Quarter Horse Legacy Hall of Fame, and Odile Frost Brady, who was the 1950 Reno Rodeo Queen. Yet, Raylen has forged her own remarkable journey. From being crowned Gilbert Days Rodeo Missy in 2018 alongside her sister, Kennadee, to her honor as Gilbert Days Teen Queen in 2022, her achievements are a testament to her dedication. The bond she shares with her sister has shaped her into the confident young woman she is today, carrying forward a powerful tradition of strength and grace. Raylen’s journey shows that a family legacy isn’t just about the past; it’s about how you carry it into your own future.
A Life Shaped by Rodeo & Faith
From cheerleading at Arizona State University to cheering on contestants in the arena, Raylen’s positive energy has always found a place to shine. Today, Raylen balances her responsibilities as Rodeo Queen with her work alongside her sister in their media business, Double K Digital, which covers rodeo events and more. Through this work, she shares her love for the sport and her appreciation for its traditions and people. You can check out Double K Digitals on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook to see the magic these sisters are making.
Clarity & Conviction
Raylen’s deep faith plays a central role in her journey. Raylen speaks with clarity and conviction – a testament to her spiritual grounding and the strength she draws from it. When asked about the values she brings into her role as Rodeo Queen, she answered with grace:
“Honestly, my biggest one would have to be faith. I think it’s super important to have a relationship with God before a relationship with anybody else. When you can be confident and trusting in God, that’s when everything can fall into place.”
Raylen Riggs
A New Era for Hondo Rodeo
The Hondo Rodeo is known for showcasing the best of the best, and selecting Raylen as their first Rodeo Queen sets a powerful precedent. With her charisma and values, she’s already making a meaningful impact. Making her first appearance as Hondo Rodeo Queen at an Arizona Diamondbacks game, she expresses admiration for the rodeo committee’s behind-the-scenes dedication and is honored to carry the standard they’ve set. Raylen views the role of Rodeo Queen as more than just a title-she sees it as a public relations position. She takes on the responsibility of networking, promoting the rodeo, and educating others about what the event represents. By being a visible ambassador, she helps build community connections and increase awareness about the rodeo’s traditions, values, and events. With her charisma and values, she’s already making a meaningful impact.
“Rodeo has taken my life for the better. I feel so grateful and blessed that I am able to represent this rodeo.”
Raylen Riggs
Hondo Rodeo Queen
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Raylen describes becoming a Rodeo Queen as one of the best things a young woman can do, emphasizing that the process is centered around building relationships and developing a sense of community. It’s not just about the crown and title-it’s about the friendships and bonds that come from being involved in something bigger than yourself. When asked what advice she’d give to young women dreaming of becoming Rodeo Queens, Raylen didn’t hesitate:
“Trust in God and have full faith in Him that everything will work out for the better. Rodeo queening is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a young woman because it truly helps you become well-rounded, improves your public speaking, and being poised.”
Raylen Riggs
Raylen’s story is more than just crowns and sashes. It’s about walking in faith, standing tall with your roots, and embracing every opportunity to lead with heart. As Raylen steps into the arena as Hondo Rodeo’s inaugural queen, there’s no doubt she will shine-with her family beside her, her faith within her, and the spirit of Arizona all around her.
Hondo Rodeo Fest Official Kick Off Party
Interested in meeting the Hondo Rodeo Queen? Join Cowboy Lifestyle Network at the Hondo Rodeo Fest Offical Kick Off Party on November 1, 2025 at 7PM. Come on out to the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, listen to music by Hillbilly Deluxe and meet various Hondo Rodeo Fest team members including Rodeo Queen Raylen Riggs. So slip on your boots, grab your hat, and let’s kick off this Hondo Rodeo Fest. See y’all there!
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
10438 Wekopa Way
Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
Last Updated on 10/21/2025 by Olivia Clements
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