The Life & Legacy of Arlene and Don Kensinger

You didn’t just meet Arlene Kensinger, you remembered her.

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Whether she was racing through the rodeo grounds in full western glam, leading the Dandys with discipline and grace, or riding horseback after an accident that would have sidelined most, Arlene carried a spark that lit up every room and every arena.

 

She believed in three things: Discipline, Love, and Fun, always in that order. And she lived it. From her early days as a trick rider to her decades of leadership in rodeo royalty, Arlene poured her energy into uplifting others, mentoring hundreds of young women, and giving back to the community she loved.

 

Her signature style wasn’t just flair; it was intentional.

Every hat, every outfit, every Dandy uniform was crafted to tell a story. And behind it all was a woman with unstoppable grit, an eye for detail, and a heart big enough to carry a legacy that still shines today.

Don Kensinger was the steady hand behind the scenes, a man whose presence made rodeo happen even if his name was never on the marquee. For more than 65 years, he gave his time, strength, and knowledge to Cheyenne Frontier Days™, helping it grow into the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. Don began his journey in Cheyenne as a jockey, but quickly became a trusted figure in professional rodeo, working with legendary stock contractors and eventually becoming a livestock superintendent, chute boss, and rodeo advisor.

 

He was calm, dependable, and always willing to do the hard work that no one saw but everyone relied on. He supported Arlene in everything she did, from rodeo production to building the Dandys, and he quietly shaped the experience of countless performers, riders, and volunteers. Don’s legacy is one of humility, strength, and service, and his impact continues to live on in the arena he helped build and the people he inspired.