Naomi Bailey Crowned 2026 Sisters Rodeo Queen

Sisters, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The 2026 Sisters Rodeo is scheduled to begin Wednesday, June 11, with newly crowned rodeo queen Naomi Bailey leading the celebration. Bailey, who recently graduated from Oregon State University, will participate in the rodeo as part of a busy week.

KTVZ met with Bailey on Tuesday, to get to know the newly crowned Queen.

Beyond preparing for the rodeo, Bailey's schedule included graduating from OSU this week, and her upcoming birthday this weekend. But the rodeo is Bailey's primary focus. Her connection to the rodeo world is long-standing, having previously served as the Benton County Fair rodeo queen and participated in FFA and other equestrian clubs.

In her interview today, Bailey shared one of her major passions, the management of wild mustang heards on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.

Bailey expressed concern regarding the current state of wild mustang populations. "We have an overabundance of mustangs and a shrinking wilderness combined. That's not necessarily a good thing," Bailey said. "So we have a problem and I'm hoping to help solve that problem by promoting BLM mustangs to the public."

The queen did add she thought these mustangs did require handling experience, saying "I do not believe a black Mustang should be bought by a first time horse owner, but they're a great choice for a rodeo athlete or an equestrian that's experienced."

Bailey will ride one of these mustangs in the Sisters Rodeo. She also offered a message for those considering joining the rodeo world, Now is the time. Bailey encouraged people to chase their passions added that there is plenty of room for "future cowboys and cowgirls."

"You can do anything" Bailey said, "You can do hard things."