Maribeth Harrell
Miss Rodeo Indiana 2016, Maribeth Harrell, is a true cowgirl with deep ties to her Indiana roots. With a passion for the western lifestyle and an unwavering dedication to her community, Maribeth’s journey from a small-town girl in Wawaka, Indiana, to the title of Miss Rodeo Indiana is one of hard work, perseverance, and a love for the horses that have always been a central part of her life. At 25, Maribeth has achieved significant milestones in both her personal and professional life, all while staying true to the values that have shaped her upbringing in rural Indiana.
When she’s not out on the road traveling to rodeos or events, Maribeth enjoys returning to her hometown of Wawaka, a quiet, close-knit community where she finds peace and solace. Nestled in the northern part of Indiana, Wawaka is where Maribeth grew up and developed her love for the western lifestyle. Her family has deep roots in the area, and she cherishes the opportunity to reconnect with her friends, neighbors, and the land that has shaped her. For Maribeth, home is where the heart is, and it’s also where she finds her greatest joy in moments of quiet reflection. Whether she’s unwinding on the lake with a good book or enjoying a peaceful evening in the countryside, she always finds time to recharge.
Maribeth is not only a talented rodeo queen but also an accomplished cook. On weekends, she often spends her time in the kitchen, perfecting new recipes and preparing meals to share with family and friends. Cooking is a passion that has long been a part of her life, and it’s a way for her to connect with the people she loves. She believes that the act of preparing and sharing meals is one of the best ways to show appreciation and create lasting memories. Whether she’s cooking up a family favorite or experimenting with new dishes, Maribeth’s kitchen is always filled with warmth, love, and the scents of home-cooked goodness.
A 2014 graduate of South Dakota State University, Maribeth has always been a dedicated student, with a strong focus on academics and a passion for teaching. After completing her degree, she took a unique path that brought her to the classroom as a teacher of English to immigrant students. For the past two years, Maribeth has had the rewarding experience of working with students from around the world, helping them learn English and adapt to a new culture. It’s a job that requires patience, empathy, and a strong sense of dedication, qualities that Maribeth has in abundance. She finds joy in helping these students overcome language barriers and succeed in their new home, believing that education is a powerful tool for changing lives and creating opportunities.
Despite her success as a teacher and her role as a rodeo queen, Maribeth’s true passion lies in the world of horses. Growing up with horses and spending countless hours in the saddle, she has always had a deep connection to these majestic animals. Over the years, her love for horses has evolved into a desire to build a full-time career working with them. Maribeth is dedicated to training rescue horses, helping them rehabilitate and find new homes, and breaking colts with the goal of producing well-trained horses for both the rodeo arena and everyday life. She believes that every horse, no matter its past, has the potential for greatness with the right care, patience, and guidance.
In addition to her work with rescue horses, Maribeth has set her sights on competing in the Retired Racehorse Project, an initiative that aims to help retired racehorses transition into new careers. She believes in the potential of these horses and wants to show the world that with the right training, they can thrive in other disciplines, whether it’s rodeo, ranch work, or even pleasure riding. Her goal is to create a lasting impact on the lives of these horses, giving them a second chance to shine.
As Maribeth continues to build her career in the equine world, she remains committed to her roots in Indiana and the values that have guided her life. With her determination, passion, and love for horses, she is well on her way to achieving her dreams, and the rodeo community is sure to see much more from her in the years to come. From her quiet evenings on the lake in Wawaka to her dedication to helping rescue horses find new lives, Maribeth Harrell is a true cowgirl at heart—one who exemplifies the spirit of the western way of life in everything she does.
