Abigail Benz was crowned Miss Rodeo Arkansas 2023 at Kay Rodgers Park in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Daughter of Stacy and Colonel Edward J Benz III, she was born in Oklahoma, learned to ride horses in North Carolina, fell in love with rodeo as a young Westernaire in Colorado, and spent her high school years in Georgia. Abigail is a graduate of Auburn University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Global Studies. As an undergraduate, Abigail studied abroad in Italy and completed an internship working to eradicate human trafficking in Nepal. Following graduation, she worked in the professional sports industry where she managed community engagement and foundation operations. Abigail is now a proud resident of the Natural State where she is furthering her education at the University of Arkansas, Abigail manages Glitter N’ Dirt, a brand that sparks empowerment and a passion for the western way of life and operates a western boutique in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Abigail is excited to continue to promote her platform, Cowgirl Courage, a registered nonprofit organization. The mission of Cowgirl Courage is to educate and empower everyone to “Speak Up, Stand Up, and Saddle Up” with courage in any situation. She supports advocacy centers that work to prevent injustices including human trafficking, bullying and increased suicide rates in Veterans from happening by inspiring a generation of confident and courageous cowboys and cowgirls. Abigail has a passion for helping others achieve their fullest potential and biggest dreams despite any obstacle life throws their way.

In the future, Abigail plans to attend a top tier law school with a joint MBA program. She hopes to continue to make a significant impact on the lives of men, women and children around the world through both Cowgirl Courage and Glitter N’ Dirt. Abigail is a lifelong equestrian who will continue to spend hours in the saddle barrel racing, roping and riding with her family on Glitter N’ Dirt Ranch.

As Miss Rodeo Arkansas 2023, Abigail will aid and promote the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the rodeo, equine and agricultural industries that encompass the western way of life. She will travel nearly 50,000 miles across the United States and will make appearances at rodeos, military installations, schools and clubs creating awareness about the sport of rodeo, as well as empowering everyone to have Cowgirl Courage. Abigail represented the Natural State very well at the 2024 Miss Rodeo America Pageant with a Top 10 placing.