Her horse, “Pretty Boy,” will have her new custom saddle on his back.

On all those items, the words Miss Rodeo Iowa 2020 will appear.

Gunn was selected to be Miss Rodeo Iowa a week after this year’s Dayton rodeo, at a rodeo in Fort Madison.

“We were tested on horsemanship, had interviews, gave a speech and took a written test,” Gunn said. “We also had to sell raffle tickets. I sold about 950. The requirement was 150.”

-Submitted photo
Miss Rodeo Iowa Brittany Gunn, of Jefferson, is all smiles in this portrait by Ches Calambas. Gunn will officially take the title on Jan. 1.

Gunn officially takes the title on Jan. 1.

As a rodeo queen, she will have a variety of roles to fill.

“It’s an active role,” she said. “We have a crown and horse, but the rodeo comes first. We’re there to offer a helping hand and do anything and everything that’s asked. It’s a service role.”

Gunn has held several other titles. She was first runner-up for the Dallas County Miss Rodeo and in August 2018 selected as the Pony Express Rodeo Queen.

The group, of which she’s still a very active member, helps raise funds for the Easter Seals and helps fund their Camp Sunnyside for children and adults with disabilities.

She also competed in the Iowa State Fair Cowgirl Queen contest “off and on” since 2013.

“That didn’t quite happen,” she said.

Gunn, who graduated from Graceland University in 2016, came to rodeo and the queen position later than most.

She wants to serve as an inspiration to others.

“They might think they’re too old,” she said. “I want to inspire them. It’s never too late to try something and to follow their dreams.”

During her year as queen, Gunn anticipates about 30,000 miles of travel. She will make appearances at rodeos and other events where she will promote the sport of rodeo, animal welfare, agriculture and Iowa’s “Western lifestyle.”

She’s also currently working on a fundraising event to help defray the costs. She said local individuals and businesses have been generous in their support.

The fundraiser will be part of her coronation celebration.

She will wrap up her reign in December of 2020 with a trip to Las Vegas to compete in Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

She’s not afraid of hard work.

“You can do great things if you put forth the effort,” she said.