What Makes a Cowgirl

It’s the topic of countless country songs. The good hearted women in love with good timing men. The hard working ladies in wranglers instead of pencil skirts and the strong, loving women that will not take shit from anybody. As the King George Straight famously sings, “How ‘bout them cowgirls?” But what is it that makes a cowgirl so rare and special? What defines a cowgirl? I have had the privilege of being around several amazing cowgirls in my years in the cattle industry and in the horse world. This has given me some insight on how incredible a cowgirl is. Between late nights, early mornings, and surviving through fortunes and famines, there isn’t anything a cowgirl can’t do.

A cowgirl possesses all of the same qualities of a good cowboy on the surface. She is the first one up the morning of a branding, brewing coffee for the crew and saddling the horses. She is the first one to ride out into the rough country, gathering pairs and spotting strays in the brush. Whether it is blazing hot, pouring down rain, storming, windy, or sunny, she works hard; giving it her all and not quitting until the job is done.

A cowgirl is a cattle woman. She can read cattle and anticipate their every move, putting herself in the right position. She sorts the cows from the calves in holding pens, either on a horse or with a paddle. Her presence is obvious in the branding pen as well. Being just as handy, she is found roping the big calves alongside the men. When a cowgirl is on the ground crew, she is making sure things run smoothly- giving shots, cutting teats, or notching ears. No task is too daunting and no job too dirty for a true cowgirl.

A cowgirl is an excellent horsewoman. With kind a heart and soft hands, she can look into the soul of a horse through their large brown eyes and know exactly how to bring out the best in them. She is not unnecessarily harsh. Patience is practiced by her and ingenuity often prevails. Because of this, she has multiple methods in her bag of tricks and she empowers rather than overpowers her horse companion. Have a difficult broncy horse? Hand the reins over to a cowgirl. She does not necessarily need to be a trainer to showcase her skills; she simply rides to get job done.

Below the surface, a cowgirl is the backbone to her family. She is strong and supportive for her family and friends. She frequently welcome guests with open arms and warm meals. She cook the meals; she can change a tire, and can repair virtually anything on the ranch. A cowgirl at home wears many (cowboy) hats. She isn't just a woman; she is a farmers’ almanac, the market day report, the midnight irrigator, hay bucker, the shrewd business woman, the loving wife and mother, and the list goes on indefinitely. When her loved ones are successful, she celebrates them. When the chips are down, she remains level headed; ready to carry the weight and uplift spirits when needed. Above all, she is tolerant yet firm, tough yet tender, relentless and hardworking.  It is often said that the success of a cowboy relies on the kind of cowgirl he has by his side.

At 89 yrs, Dorthy Lindsey manages the daily

functions of her ranch in San Luis Obispo, CA

Cowgirls can work just  as hard as the cowboys. she pulls her own weight and can run with the men, though she will not act like the men. She is refined and, above all, a lady. For this, she has the respect of anyone whose path crosses hers. A cowgirl is a gift from God. A rare treasure that makes her presence known in this world; which is cherished by anybody lucky to know her. That is the true essence of a cowgirl.