National Cowgirl Museum Educational Initiative Enters Fifth Year of Innovative Programming

The National Cowgirl Museum’s Cowgirl U enters its fifth year of providing one of the nation’s most distinctive educational programs when it begins its series of events in February at the thrilling San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo

Launched in 2005, the Museum’s Cowgirl University has touched the lives of more than 300 alumni, mostly women, but also men, who desire to learn more about the “guts and grit” of the American West and the women who forged a path through art, literature, government and plain hard work.

“Cowgirl U events will offer the same opportunity to interact with current National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees as they share their skills with students, ranging from trick riding to photography,” said Program Director Chad Isham. “The series has something to offer both women and men, as well as entire families, and focuses on the extraordinary heritage we all share through the history of the American West.”

Rodeo U: San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, February 12, San Antonio, TX Rodeo U hits the road in its 3rd year as it heads to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and profiles Honoree Mary Nan West. She was the first female president of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, the first woman to serve on the Texas Animal Health Commission, and the first woman chairman of the Texas A &M Board of Regents. Rodeo U gives you the insider’s look on rodeo events and you’ll be treated like royalty by San Antonio Stock Show officials, with special private dining and the best seat in the house for an evening performance. Limited to 12.

Not Just a One Trick Pony, April 10, Cowtown Coliseum, Fort Worth, TX

You’ll know you’re in the presence of a true cowgirl when Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree Mitzi Lucas Riley shares her stories and techniques behind some of the best trick riding in the world. A daring rider, she routinely turned down offers from Hollywood, and performed in rodeos coast to coast for twenty years. She’ll be joined by the dynamic Cowgirl Chicks who will demonstrate the maneuvers that made them world famous. Limited to 20.

Equine Photography, May 15-16, Parker County, TX Cowgirl U brings back popular instructor and Hall of Fame Honoree Barbara Van Cleve to its line-up of events as this award-winning photographer joins you in Texas. Barbara taught English Literature and Photography at DePaul University in Chicago, becoming the youngest Dean of Women in the U.S. She retired from teaching to pursue photography full-time and has gained international acclaim. www.barbaravancleve.com. Limited to 15.

Before the West: Eastern Roots, August 27-29, Sparta, NJ Cowgirl U heads East where many Honorees first called home before the lure of the West drew them from their roots. Profiling expert sharpshooter and Honoree Annie Oakley, who was born in Ohio and performed in nearby New York City with the Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, Cowgirl U attendees will be able to bring their own horses to Cofrancesco Farms in Sparta, New Jersey, where AQHA world champion trainer and judge Jeffrey Pait and other instructors will provide lessons on recognizing good conformation, along with instruction on horsemanship and trail riding skills. Limited to 30.

Ranching 201, Sept 25, McFarland Ranch, Aledo, TX By popular request, Cowgirl U is offering an advanced course for those participants completing Cowgirl 101 or Ranching 101. You will rely on the information you gained in the previous courses and the elements of grass identification and branding identification to apply to real-life ranching situations. Held at the McFarland Ranch in Aledo, Texas, this companion course will provide an opportunity for you to hone and enrich your skills further. Pam Minick, a 2000 Honoree and host of RFD TV’s The American Rancher, will speak to students at this course about her background as a champion roper and her advocacy for the Western lifestyle. Limited to 30.

Family Day: Cowgirl U and the Doss Heritage Center, Oct 2, Parker County, TX Enjoy a great day of learning for the whole family, starting with hot biscuits and coffee, followed by workshops on roping, branding and chuck wagon cooking. Both young and old will enjoy hearing and learning about Hall of Fame Honoree Cynthia Ann Parker. Your family will also take in the sites of one of Parker County’s historical ranches. Instruction will be in cooperation with the Doss Heritage and Cultural Center of Weatherford, Texas. Limited to 40.

Enrollment is limited for each session and early registration is encouraged. To register, contact Chad Isham at [email protected] or call 817.509.8969. To see the full lineup, go to cowgirlu.org.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and documents the lives of women who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit of the American West. Located at 1720 Gendy Street in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, the museum includes interactive exhibit galleries, three theaters, a retail store and a grand rotunda housing the Hall of Fame. The museum is open seven days a week – 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Adult admission is $10 and $8 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors ages 60 and up. Please visit www.cowgirl.net or call 817/336-4475 or 800/476-FAME (3263) for more information.