Northern Cross Rodeo Company
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Cowgirl's
Cowgirls are the Rural American Women
in the 21st Century.
Cowgirls are wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and in many
cases the chief cook and ranch hand on many ranches and farms.
They are dedicated, confident, hardworking and tough.
Cowgirls have competed in rodeos since
the 1800’s and became a popular attraction for Wild West Shows.
Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show
in the early 1900’s was the most famous and the Wild West Show
participants were not limited to men.
Cowgirls were also a large part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West
Show. In fact
Annie Oakley, one of the show’s star attractions was a woman and
one of the best known Cowgirls in history.
Born Phoebe Ann Moses, She
was the star attraction of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show for 16
years. She was also
nicknamed “Little Sure Shot” by Chief Sitting Bull, who was also in
the show. Annie was renowned
for her trick shots.
Calamity Jane (or Martha Cannary) was another distinguished
Cowgirl of the show. She was
a skilled horsewoman and expert rifle and revolver handler. Calamity
Jane appeared in Wild West shows until 1902,
From the Wild West shows, dozens of talented Cowgirls went into
professional rodeo and were frequently allowed to compete against
men. Cowgirls excelled at all rodeo events until the late 1940s.
At this time women’s events
were cut in order to increase the winnings for the Cowboy’s.
Today’s
Cowgirls wear jeans, close-fitting shirts, boots, hats, and when
needed, chaps and gloves with a style that is known around the
world. When on the
ranch, they perform the same chores as Cowboys and dress in working
duds which are always in style.
They may be ranch hands or have an 8 to 5 job in town but
they are Cowgirls making history each day.
