What makes you a cowgirl

But how did Kathleen, even with her environmental science background and love for horses, make the transition from East Coast polo-playing equestrian to all-day ranch riding? The easy answer: she rode. A lot. At the Chico Ranch, she dabbled in functional roping, assisting with branding, weaning, pregnancy checks and other parts of ranch life everything from fixing fence to butchering cows. And now at the Twodot, Kathleen is more independent than ever, working on a small crew on the day-to-day management of the ranch: planning the grazing schedule, moving cows, doctoring cows, building and fixing fence, assisting in calving, branding, weaning, preconditioning and pregnancy checks.

She does most of this from horseback. Did Kathleen grow up thinking she would become, for all intents and purposes, a cowgirl? It is crazy to think that somehow this is where I ended up. Knowing what is appropriate to wear in different situations is important when it comes to cowgirl fashion. A cowgirl isn't going to wear a fancy dress out horseback riding or cattle-roping, just as she wouldn't wear dirty jeans and muddy boots out to a nice dinner.

Gauge what attire is appropriate for the situation. Variety is important. Buy plenty of jeans and shirts for everyday wear, but also have dresses, nice shirts, dress pants, nice jeans, and fancy shoes in your closet for nicer occasions. Make practicality your first concern with everyday dress, and style your second concern. Part 3. Learn to ride a horse. A horse is the cowgirl's closest companion, so an important step in acting like a cowgirl is learning to horseback ride.

Taking horse-riding lessons from a professional is the safest bet for beginners. Many cities offer a variety of horseback riding classes suited for every age and experience level.

Know which type of riding lessons you want to take. Some different styles of riding are Western, Endurance, Saddle seat, and Racing. Learn to rope cattle. After you've mastered Western style horseback riding, you can learn how to rope cattle while riding. Cowgirls spend time on the ranch maneuvering cattle. Using a lasso to rope cattle and wrangle them is sometimes necessary.

Often, professional horseback riding coaches will also train you how to ride and lasso. Learn to barrel race. Modern cowgirls often participate and compete in rodeos, and barrel racing is the most popular event for women.

Barrel racing can actually be a money-maker for an experienced cowgirl. Some cowgirls even compete in rodeos for millions of dollars. Cowgirls may also compete in cattle-related events like calf and steer roping. Rodeo competitions are for cowgirls at very high skill levels only, so if you're just starting out as a cowgirl, don't think about entering a competition.

Have fun with it. Being a cowgirl is about hard work, but it is also about having fun. Remember that horses are also pets, and you can have fun riding and caring for them. They offer companionship and love, just like any other pet, and can become your new furry best friend. Going to rodeos, taking lessons, and meeting girls with similar interests are all great parts about being a cowgirl. Making new friends and having fun doing what you love is a cowgirl necessity.

You don't need to be a certain age to be a cowgirl! If you're planning on riding horses, though, you need to take lessons so you can do so safely. Yes No. Not Helpful 8 Helpful Does it matter if I don't have hair that's long enough to do the traditional cowgirl plaits? Not Helpful 10 Helpful It really comes down to your interests. What do cowgirls like? There are a lot of different types of cowgirls. Some actually live on farms and ranches, some ride horses, and some live in the country.

Take a moment to think about the things you like to do and would like to do, and then think of how you would describe someone with those qualities. Not Helpful 2 Helpful Look for a barn that you can take lessons at; you might even be able to lease or buy a horse.

You could visit a cattle ranch for your vacation or a dairy farm, if they're close enough to where you live. Not Helpful 9 Helpful No, that is just an accessory.

It helps keep the sun out of your face, but if it falls off it could spook the horse. It's optional. Not Helpful 6 Helpful A cute short-sleeved graphic shirt is really good for riding! She would much rather spend a night at the barn than a night at a bar or club. When she does go out with her friends, she sometimes feels like she is betraying her horse! Sunday nights are for catching up on all of the household chores that multiplied during the week. Who drags herself into work Monday morning after surviving a long horse show weekend looking like a Raggedy Ann doll-zombie, with no make-up on and dirt and hay in her hair.

When she does have a few hours of free time, it almost seems like multiple days have passed. Who keeps a master calendar of work and horse events and multiple budgets for herself and her horses. Who barely spends time spoiling herself and would rather spend money spoiling her horses with pedicures, chiropractic, and massage appointments.

Who constantly wonders what non-horsey people do during their free time because it seems like they would have so much of it not to mention all the extra money they must have! Who, when she wins a tough horse competition class or jackpot that she has worked hard to achieve, is reminded of how much her hard work and dedication has paid off and how rewarding it is.

A life spent with horses is one that is very humbling and fulfilling! Christy Fleener is a small town farm girl with a passion for training and racing barrel horses. With 20 years of horse experience, she has trained and competed in numerous western and English disciplines with many different trainers. Christy Fleener.

September 28, Courtesy of the author. Courtesy of Christy Fleener. Pin 1. Share 2K. About the Author Read More. Follow Horse Network.