2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Page 4 of 4

other than subjecting men who love to race horses to ridicule.

Fast Horses and Pretty Girls

"Fast Horses and Pretty Girls" is the main reason rodeo gives for keeping cowboy barrel racers from competing. They say that the crowd only wants to see women barrel race. Now I find that hard to believe, because when I talk to spectators at rodeos most are unaware of why cowboys don't barrel race. Cowgirls not only offer up that reason but they add, "Can't we keep something just for the girls?" While I am fond of my cowgirl competitors, I simply can't agree with them. Cowgirls compete in PRCA rodeos all over the country. The PRCA does not discriminate in their events, yet the cowboys were quick to further discrimination when they created the Women's Barrel Racing Association in the fall of 2006.

What I find most amazing is that cowgirls cling to these arguments when they as women have spent the majority of history facing unfair discrimination. Women were viewed as property, not allowed to vote, and only smart enough to participate in household duties. So I find it amazing that women could possibly fight against men.

They claim it is about tradition and keeping something for the girls, when in actuality it is simply a horse race. A horse race that cowboys started and a horse race that they now label guys who do it as sissies.

All across this country there are young cowboys run out of this sport because of redneck attitudes: kids being hurt and kept from their dreams for no real reason than it makes the cowboys and cowgirls feel superior when they label someone a sissy. I ran away 22 years ago and came back hoping to see changes, but as with all trailer trash redneck traditions this one has stuck.

Even for the guys who run the open barrel races or the futurity barrel races, there is talk of them being girly boys. What a sad commentary on a country that prides itself on freedom and equality.

One day this horse race will open up at the rodeos because everything does change and progress is made in all areas of civil rights. But today I leave all the ignorant rednecks with this question: Who is hurt when guys run barrels at rodeos? It is the only question that matters. The answer is simple, no one. Barrel racing is the last equestrian sport to be fully integrated. Hopefully this debate moves integration and equality forward.

The funny thing about the issue of cowboys barrel racing at rodeos is that the issue is so sensitive that not one cowboy, rodeo, or barrel racing publication will even give space in their magazines or newspapers to open this issue up for discussion or reporting on.

The cowboys and cowgirls have succeeded in keeping this issue at quite by typical conservative attack methods. They publishers are afraid of backlash from readers and advertisers so this issue remains unchallenged. What a sad commentary on free press and equality in America. Let's take this issue to the press cowgirls and see how traditons hold up under the scrutiny of equality.

This is not my first time at the rodeo, so saddle up cowgirls and rednecks, the race is on, and us barrel racing cowboys are coming to the rodeo and we are going to win!

Learn more about this author, William Sawyer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Add your voice

Know something about Rodeo: Sex discrimination in barrel racing?
We want to hear your view. Write now!