A Beautiful Champion Wyoming Rodeo Legend Has Died

In Wyoming, rodeo is a way of life. It's the official state sport, a family entertainment outlet, and sometimes a family business, and it's taken very seriously.

Wyoming has produced rodeo champions in all facets of the sport, including riders, ropers, wranglers, and some of the toughest animals the sport has ever seen.

One of those animals was named Miss Congeniality.

The champion saddle bronc, known by many as Miss C, came out of the gate on a hot streak and never looked back. She went to her first NFR in 2002 and was named top 5 Saddle Cronc of the Year in 2003. 2004, she was named Reserve Champion Saddle Bronc of the Year and won her first world title in 2005. That was just the first four years of her championship-filled career.

Not only did she capture championships, but she consistently scored in the '90s, went to every NFR from 2002 to 2012, and, after retirement, produced champion-caliber offspring.

Miss C was raised in Wyoming. For 26 years, she lived at the Powder River Rodeo Company in Riverton.

This week, the Franzen family, ranch owners and caretakers of the legend, announced that the legendary Miss Congeniality now roams the wild plains in the sky.

Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of our beloved mare Miss Congeniality, she was 26.

Losing any animal is a hard pill to swallow, but losing one that has been a part of your life and family for 26 years is a loss that will take time to recover.

These animal athletes are part of our family and truly why we love what we do. Rest easy Champ.