American lore has slighted the cowgirl, although at least one can still be found in nearly every ranching community. Like her male counterpart, she rides and ropes, understands land and stock, and confronts the elements. The writer and photographer Teresa Jordan traveled sixty thousand miles in the American West, talking with more than a hundred authentic cowgirls running ranches and performing in rodeos. The result is a fascinating book that also situates the cowgirl in history and literature. A new preface and updated bibliography have been added to this Bison Book edition.

In this first substantial study of rodeo women, Mary Lou Lecompte surveys the early rodeo cowgirls' achievements as professional athletes, the near demise of women's rodeo events during World War II, and the phenomenal success of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association in regaining lost ground for rodeo cowgirls. Recalling an extraordinary chapter in women's history as well as the history of American sport, Cowgirls of the Rodeo contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges facing women in the American West and in American sport.

For the rebel in every girl's heart, this series presents the achievements of extraordinary, relevant, and inspiring women throughout history. Through quotes, narratives, photographs, illustrations, and fact-filled side-bars, each book tells the story of twelve bold and courageous women. The Wild West and the rodeo are not the only places where the cowgirl spirit can be found. From the sharpshooting Annie Oakley to the legendary Calamity Jane, these female cowgirls came from all walks of life, but share an irrepressible spirit and dedication to pushing the boundaries. Featured cowgirls include Georgie Sicking (cowboy poet), Charley Parkhurst (stagecoach driver), Tillie Baldwin (rodeo cowgirl), Tad Lucas (rodeo's First Lady), Lucille Mulhall (steer roper), Charmayne James (barrel racer), Lillian Riggs (rancher), Sally Skull (horse trader), Johanna July (horse tamer), and Mary Fields (pioneer and mail driver).

At rodeos in the 1940s, Gene Autry sang and jumped his horse, Champion, through a flaming hoop. In 1960s rodeo arenas, Lorne Greene and Dan Blocker acted out a skit from their hit television show Bonanza. In the same era familiar rodeo personalities like Hoot Gibson and Slim Pickens could be seen in movies or television shows. This book profiles performers who crossed over between film studio and rodeo arena when Hollywood and the rodeo circuit were closely linked. The first part traces the careers of rodeo participants who also contributed to film or television. The next two sections describe rodeo appearances of Western screen stars who entertained at rodeos. Some appeared solo and others with a television co-star or two. A fourth section summarizes rodeo-related films. Appendices introduce golden age rodeo personalities and outline rodeos known for presenting Western stars.

Celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of this premier museum in Oklahoma City, offering both an institutional history and a captivating collection of photographs representing its extensive holdings. Simultaneous.

Traces the history of the rodeo and describes rodeos in small towns and big cities