SO YOU WANT TO BE A COWGIRL? THE STEAMBOAT PRO RODEO IS BACK, AND ALL EYES ARE ON THE LADIES

SO YOU WANT TO BE A COWGIRL? THE STEAMBOAT PRO RODEO IS BACK, AND ALL EYES ARE ON THE LADIES

When the Steamboat Pro Rodeo was canceled last year for the first time in its 117-year history, it was time for the town to take stock, so to speak, in the events that define the town’s culture and history. Now, more than ever, after its one-year absence, the rodeo is at the heart of Steamboat’s summer events calendar. “Rodeo isn’t just something you do; it’s who you are,” says John Shipley, board president and rodeo announcer.

That’s especially true for the cowgirls, who have a long history of participation in rodeo, one that has always been inclusive and supportive of its female athletes. “Women’s sports have come a long way, but we have always been treated as equals,” says Carla Beckett, Mountain States Circuit Director for the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. “That’s why our organization exists, to make sure women get equal pay and can participate in pro rodeo. Everyone is very open-minded, and the men are really encouraging and supportive,” she says. In fact, rodeo is one of the first sports in the U.S. to include women; the WPRA was founded in 1948, making it the oldest women’s sports organization in the country.

Barrel racing, a timed event that has the horse and rider race around barrels set up in a clover-leaf pattern, requires skill and agility that are well suited to cowgirls and their horses. “They are rodeo athletes, all of them, regardless of their gender,” Shipley says. “You have to be one hell of a horsewoman to be a good barrel rider. In addition to providing an opportunity for women to compete at the professional level, it’s also integral in the rodeo production because it’s fast and wild.”

It’s just as much about the horse as the rider. “It takes years to make a good horse. The barrel races are so fast, if your horse doesn’t want to it, you’re never going to win. Women are good trainers. It’s not about strength, but about timing. It takes a long time to get to the point where you can succeed at a pro rodeo,” Beckett says.

After an unprecedented 21 month break due to the pandemic, Shipley says he can’t predict who might reemerge as Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series new barrel racing champion, but some cowgirls to watch are longtime local favorite and Wendy McKee, from Craig, and 2019 barrel racing champ Dani Brownell, a second-generation barrel racer from Carbondale whose mother Belinda won the same title 25 years ago. Another family tie belongs to Cammie Haskins, the 2016 Steamboat champion, whose father, Dale, was a former bronc riding champion.

The future for women in rodeo is promising. In recent years, the number of women who have joined the professional rodeo circuit has increased significantly. According to the WPRA, there were about 2,600 members in the organization in 2013. That number increased to more than 3,000 members today, with over 1,500 events and payouts totaling over $5 million.

While women are limited to competing in barrel racing at the SSPRS, two dozen women have joined the Texas Bronc Riders Association, established a circuit, and signed contracts with RIDE TV to be featured on a documentary series called Cowgirls. “If women want to ride broncs, they should have the opportunity to do that,” Shipley says. But at least for now, Steamboat’s rodeo has more than enough action to keep everyone—including those cowgirls—riding high. // steamboatprorodeo.com


For more information on real estate or Steamboat Springs in general please don't hesitate to call or email me at 970.819.5581 or sarah.peterson@steamboatsir.com





 

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