The tradition of western heritage and community pride continued in Gunnison as the Cattlemen’s Days Royalty was officially crowned September 2025, in time for the 126th year of Cattlemen’s Days, one of the community’s most cherished annual celebrations.
“Their ‘reign’ [typically] starts in August and goes to the following August. But this year we’re kind of changing it up so that hopefully it will be like a mentorship program for the girls so that way it will turn into more interest,” said Sara Dobie, Cattlemen’s Days royalty coordinator. “The idea is hopefully in the next five years it’s this huge mentorship program for young ladies in the valley.”
This year’s royalty includes Queen Abigail Isham, who is also the 4-H state treasurer, and Junior Miss Dixie Sponable, who were selected for their poise, leadership, knowledge of rodeo and dedication to representing the values of Cattlemen’s Days. Throughout their reign, the royalty will serve as ambassadors for the event and the Gunnison-area ranching and agricultural community.
In addition to their ambassador roles, the 2026 Cattlemen’s Days Royalty has chosen to dedicate their year of service in memory of Brett Redden. Redden was known for teaching many youth throughout the valley how to ride horses, including Isham, and for generously sharing his passion for horsemanship with the next generation. One of Isham’s favorite memories of Redden was seeing him arrive at Monday night rides wearing his signature Hawaiian shirt, a reflection of his personality and the welcoming spirit he brought to every lesson.
Sponable also shared her appreciation for Redden’s lasting impact, stating, “Brett always helped me with my horsemanship and gave me guidance.”
Sponable said she especially enjoys participating in the poker ride held in his honor, a meaningful event that aims to celebrate Redden’s legacy and love for the riding and ranching community. Sponable is a multi-generational Gunnison girl and competes in barrel racing during the summer.
In honor of Redden, the royalty plans to donate the funds they raise during their reign to the 4-H horse project in his name, ensuring his legacy of mentorship, generosity and dedication to youth in agriculture continues.
“My hope is that in future years, there’ll be 10 or 15 girls that want to try out every single year, and it’s a place for girls to grow emotionally, spiritually and pursue their passions,” said Dobie. “It’s a good stepping stone to learn how to publicly speak and do interviews.”
Now in its 126th year, Cattlemen’s Days continues to celebrate the history, traditions and future of ranching and agriculture in Gunnison and the surrounding areas. The royalty program aims to highlight the importance of youth involvement, responsibility and respect for western traditions through interviews, horsemanship, public speaking and community service.
The young royals are also involved in fundraising for the Golden Circle of Champions. Typically within this program one local child with pediatric cancer is selected for sponsorship, but this year the Royals were lucky enough to have to “borrow” a child from another state to sponsor.
“These young individuals represent the future of our community and the traditions we value within the western heritage,” said Dobie. “Their decision to honor Brett Redden through service and giving speaks volumes about their character and the spirit of Cattlemen’s Days. This is a true inaugural year, filled with so many unique building blocks for the future.”
The Cattlemen’s Days royalty will make appearances at community events, parades and regional celebrations throughout the year, promoting the history and spirit of Cattlemen’s Days while honoring a legacy that continues to inspire.
For more information about Cattlemen’s Days and upcoming events, visit Cattlemensdays.com and follow along their journey via Facebook and Instagram.
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