Grinnell teen named runner up in the ISF Cowgirl Queen Contest

​       Rylee Mauss and her horse, Splash of Fancy, center, was named a 2026 Iowa State Fair Cowgirl Queen Contest runner up. She is joined by her family, from left: (bottom left) Colin Kelley and Megan Mauss; (Top left) Brooke and Spencer Mauss; parents, Dan and Nicole Mauss, right of the horse; and friend, Cole Hotchkin, on far right. Submitted photo.

​By J.O. Parker
 
      A Grinnell teen is all smiles these days after being named one of the five runner ups in the Iowa State Fair Cowgirl Queen Contest.
      Rylee Mauss, 17, the daughter of Dan and Nicole Mauss, is a senior at Grinnell High School.
      The competition was held on Friday, Aug. 14.
      Mauss was among 57 cowgirls in the senior division seeking the cowgirl queen title this year.
Lola Svec was named the Cowgirl Queen for 2026. 
     This was Mauss’ second year to seek the queen title. She competed in 2025, and was called back by judges, but didn’t place.
       "The event includes multiple cuts because there are so many participants,” she said.
       Competitors are judged on western horsemanship, showmanship and riding skill.
       Mauss competed on her horse, Splash of Fancy.
       When asked about competing this year, Mauss said she is very happy with the outcome.
       “It was a goal this year,” she said.
       Mauss plans to compete in the contest in 2027. She is allowed to compete through age 26.
     “I plan to keep doing the cowgirl contest until I win or age out,” she said. “I have plenty of years to keep going.”
      Mauss has been showing horses for five to six years and has won a number of top honors at the Poweshiek County Fair. She showed in the FFA and open shows at this year’s state fair, winning several ribbons.
      “We had a lot of fun in the FFA and open shows this year,” said Mauss. “I earned a lot blue and purple ribbons in those shows. I got a couple seconds in some of my classes including bareback pleasure and showmanship.”
        When not studying, Mauss enjoys working with her horses.
     As for the future, Mauss’ plans are to learn medical coding and take some courses to do equine message therapy. When she graduates high school in May 2027, she will have earned an AA Degree in Liberal Arts along with her diploma.
        “As for now, I want to stay close to home and be with my horses and family,” she said.