Educational Media Reviews Online

This video examines the history of the cowgirl and of women in Canadian rodeo, especially the Calgary Stampede. Women have never been allowed to participate in the sport, but have had other roles within the Canadian rodeo scene that have helped them to establish a history and a tradition for cowgirls. Trick riding is one rodeo sport that women are allowed to participate in, and at present there are five cowgirls who do this as a profession in Calgary. Barrel racing is the only rodeo event open to women; men do not compete. In 1996, women were able to establish a $50,000 yearly prize for the winner of the barrel racing event. The cutter event involves working with a horse to separate and herd cattle, and it is the only event that both men and women are allowed to compete in head-to-head competition. The rodeo queen and her entourage are also a long established and prestigious event for women in Calgary. Finally, the senior pro events gained popularity in the 1980's, in which the events listed above are provided for women 40 years and over. The video focuses on one lady who is 72 years old and still participating in rodeo events.

This is a very interesting video on the status of women in an event that is typically dominated by men, and the life of the cowgirl in Canadian rodeo history. It also illustrates both the progress and the work still remaining for women who participate in this activity in a culture and organization that has typically downplayed the status of women in the sport.