by Rynaldo Stoltz

Created on: June 29, 2009   Last Updated: July 05, 2009

The history of women in rodeo

"Mama don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys" goes the refrain. But singer, Willie Nelson could have easily been singing about the women as the men. Rodeo was originally invented to test the skills of a cowboy, since the late 1800's, but as the Wild West shows days gone by, women's rodeo has grown a couple of heroines as well as everyday competitors aiming to tough it out on the pro-rodeo circuit every week. Some of the women in the beginning of rodeo consisted of Tad Lucas, Alice Van Springsteen, Florence Hughes Randolph, Lucille Mulhall, Annie Oakley, Tillie Baldwin, Fern Sawyer, Marie Gress, Mabel Strickland Woodward, and Mildred Douglas Chrisman.

Tad Lucas (1902-1990)

Born in Texas, she was the youngest of 24 children. Tad made her debut in 1917 and was known to be the world's best female rodeo performer for more then a decade. During her career, she collected all of the major titles and trophies available to cowgirls. She also toured with Wild West Shows.

Alice Van Springsteen (1918-2008)

Born Alice Grace Van Der Veen. She was known to be one of Hollywood's most prolific stuntwoman. Alice made her debut in 1930 and started her career as a fancy, relay, and professional trick rider. Alice was also the second women to ever receive a trainer's licence. After her career as a rodeo performer, Alice began working in the movie industry. This is where she became one of Hollywood's most prolific stuntwoman.

Florence Hughes Randolph (1898-1971)

Florence Randolph started trick riding at the age of 13, and up to date, she has made more than 500 rodeo appearances. She is also a ten time World Champion Cowgirl Trick Rider and Bronc Rider and hosted her own Wild West Show, "Princess Mohawk's Wild West Hippodrome"

Lucille Mulhall (1885-1940)

Lucille Mulhall was seen as the world's first cowgirl, and the best female rodeo performer in her era. She grew up in Oklahoma where she started to ride and rope in her father's Wild West Show. She has competed and frequently beat male competitors in several roping events. Lucille Mulhall helped to make women an integral part of rodeo.

Annie Oakley (1860-1926)

Also known as

Phoebe Ann Moses Butler. She was an international legend and the best in her era. Annie joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in 1885 as the only female rodeo performer. She traveled the world as the World Champion Markswoman, shooting and performing on stage.

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