The Icons Behind The 2024 Fall Fashion Photoshoot — Mariah Strongin

Model, actress, health coach, and cowgirl Mariah Strongin wears many hats. The Oregon-native booked a plane to New York City to pursue a career in modeling at age 15 and hasn’t looked back since.

Mariah stopped by to chat with C&I during our 2024 fall fashion photoshoot on TR9 Ranch. We covered it all: her journey from junior champion barrel racer to model, her visits to Texas, New Yorkers embracing western culture (including the sport she shares with friends on her roof in Manhattan), and her goals in her newer ventures as an actress and health coach.

Cowboys & Indians: Welcome to Texas! Is this your first adventure in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex?
Mariah Strongin: It’s not my first and won't be my last. I love it here. My friend Jessica Feiner’s family has a ranch nearby called SMF & ABPH where they compete in cutting. The last time I was in Fort Worth, which was earlier this year, I attended a cutting show with her and it was incredible. In 2023, I came to The American Rodeo and saw her brother Adan Banuelos win at cutting, which was cool because it was the first time I had seen cutting live. I also saw Lisa Lockhart win on barrels at The American, which was special because I have looked up to her from the time I was a junior barrel racer. Also during that 2023 trip, I tried cutting on a flag on a cutting horse for the first time while being guided by one of the amazing trainers at SMF & ABPH Ranch. It was such a rush! I’m now dying to cut on a cow.

C&I: We’re so happy to feature you in our 2024 fall fashion photoshoot! It’s been a long time coming
Strongin: I’m so glad to be shooting with C&I. I admire what you are doing in the fashion industry, including your representation of so many beautiful brands both in your magazine and during NYFW.

C&I: Seems like everyone is interested in the cowgirl lifestyle nowadays.
Strongin: I feel like I can’t walk down the streets of New York without seeing at least three people in cowboy boots. And it’s so funny because, growing up a cowgirl, I was like “Oh, these fake cowgirls have no idea, and whatever.” But now, as an adult, I love how much everyone is embracing the culture.

C&I: How did the cowgirl lifestyle find you?
Strongin: I grew up in Medford, Oregon, but we had a ranch in White City. I had about 13 horses and my Papa Bob taught me how to ride and train them. I competed in 4H and used to barrel race all over the West Coast. I was going to go into high school rodeo, but instead found modeling and left home to begin my career. Modeling has been amazing, but I miss the ranch life every day (don’t tell my husband). I have a roping dummy on my roof in New York City, which brings me just a little bit back home when my friends and I grab the horns!

C&I: So, you left home pretty early to pursue your dream in the Big City.
Strongin: Yes, I’ve been modeling since I was 15. I left home to compete at IMTA and won Model and Actor of the Year. Following that, I signed to Wilhelmina Models (who I am signed with today) and immediately started working. While my life took many amazing twist and turns, today I live in New York and have for 11 years. I took a deep interest in acting after having the opportunity to focus on studying during COVID, and am now with Creative Talent Company. I was most recently in Season 2 of And Just Like That…, which is a Sex and the City spinoff. By the time this is published, fingers crossed I'll be filming Season 3. My character’s name is Anastasia and she is a Gallerina. I can also be spotted playing someone I admire in a show coming out this September called American Sports Story.

C&I: Any Western shows you’d love to have a role in?
Strongin: 1,000%. What Taylor Sheridan has done and continues to do has influenced not only Western culture, but all genres of scripted projects — as well as the fashion industry. I love his work and, casually, I look forward to being cast on one of his shows in the future — especially if that role would allow me to ride. I’d also like to mention Tim McGraw’s new production company, Down Home. I was a big fan of his growing up and loved his acting on 1883. I look forward to seeing his future scripted projects — again with me riding a horse in them, of course.

C&I: Aside from being a model, actress, and kickbutt cowgirl, what else do you have going on?
Strongin: I’m also a health coach. I recently gave an interactive talk about general food knowledge as well as my career at a berganPAC’s performing arts summer camp. The kids were so engaged and inspiring and I look forward to doing more of this work in the near future.

Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to the team at SMF & ABPH Ranch, who have a documentary coming out in September. I can't wait to see it!