One Chandler resident went from a rookie to royalty.
10-year-old, Dilynn Schafer was named the 2021 National Little Britches Rodeo Princess at the National Little Britches Rodeo that was hosted in Guthrie from July 7 – 12.
“It’s exciting,” Dilynn said.
Dilynn has been riding for five years and has been competing in pageants for three years including holding the Miss Rodeo Oklahoma Sweetheart title, a variety of Drumright titles and a Rooster Days title.
“This is her first year to join Little Britches and compete in barrels and poles for the association,” mother Nicki Schafer said.
In order to qualify for Nationals, a participant needs to qualify in at least one event.
Dilynn qualified in barrel racing and pole bending at the Central Oklahoma Little Britches Rodeo that was in the middle of June.
In order to qualify, Dilynn needed to place in the top seven at the Little Britches Rodeo five times.
Dilynn has been preparing for the rodeo and pageant.
At Nationals, Dilynn competed in barrel racing and placed 100 out of 200 contestants.
She also competed in bole pending and placed 62 out of 186.
For the pageant portion of the contest, Dilynn had to give a speech, judged in modeling and appearance, given impromptu questions, had an interview, taken a written test, a pattern in horsemanship and cattle work, judged on her hot lap, wave and had to carry a flag.
Now as the princess, Dilynn will be required to spend 10 days in Las Vegas at the National Finals Rodeo, visiting sponsors, promoting the Little Britches Rodeo Association, attend the American Rodeo and represent at the World Champion Timed Event.
Dilynn said she is looking forward to attending the National Finals Rodeo and the American Rodeo where she can see Amberley Snyder, a championship barrel racer.