Each year on August 30, we celebrate and recognize the women in the Western industry who never fail to amaze us with their unwavering strength, confidence, and dedication to their craft: The American Cowgirls. Whether you’re a rodeo queen, barrel racer, breakaway roper, ranch hand, or just a girl and her horse, we commend you for preserving and promoting the Western way of life.
The word ‘Cowgirl’ first made its appearance in the early 1900s. Teddy Roosevelt, 26th president of the United States, bestowed the affectionate name ‘Cowgirl’ upon Lucille Mulhall. Oklahoma native and acclaimed Wild West Performer, Lucille Mulhall paved the way for the cowgirls of today by displaying how women could rope, ride, shoot, and beat men at their own game. The emergence of cowgirls across the country aided in the progression of the women’s civil rights movement by providing visibility, breaking barriers, and inspiring empowerment.
Performers like Mulhall became role models for women and helped increase the visibility of the cowgirl and the idea of women in non-traditional roles. Cowgirls challenged societal stereotypes and became a symbol of individuality as they used their platform to advocate for equality and rights. Women continue to make their mark in traditionally male-dominated fields, and we have none other to thank except the Cowgirls themselves.
