Cowgirl Heart and Soul

Are you a cowgirl at heart?

Cowgirl Heart

So You Think You’re A Cowgirl?

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So You Think You’re A Cowgirl?
Yesterday I had the day off, so I headed out to Caldwell, Idaho to see an event that caught my attention on Facebook, So You Think You’re A Cowgirl? (gotta love that name, right?) I absolutely love local events, and this one did not disappoint!

So You Think You’re A Cowgirl”

So You Think You’re a Cowgirl is a three-day competitive event of women and their horses. Or, I should say ONE horse – no switching out and using multiple horses! There are five timed events: Barrel Racing, Heading, Heeling, Goat Tying, and Breakaway Roping. Five rounds of each over three days; all on one horse. The event was started several years ago by Michelle (Shelli) Scrivner in New Plymouth, Idaho. Recently it has been managed by Lisa Cunningham, who I met and snagged for a few questions.

Director Lisa Cunningham and grandsons

The roster showed 35 contestants. On day one and two of the event, contestants went through two rounds of all five events. On the third day, the winners are announced after one more round of the 5 events. (Are you still with me?)

Getting ready

Contestants gathered in the arena off to the side of the gates, waiting for their turn. Many cowboys were also on the field, as they were the partners for the Heading and Heeling events. No shortage of beautiful horses, handsome cowboys, and determined cowgirls on the field!

Waiting in the arena

I sat in the stands with the mother and grandmothers of four of the contestants. They were happy to share their daughter’s and granddaughter’s accomplishments and a little background of the event. The weather was perfect!

This is growing yearly; gathering sponsors, contestants, and publicity. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Soyouthinkyouareacowgirl to see the results and ranking of all who participated this year!
Well done, ladies!

The Pursuit of HAPPINESS!

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Today, I opened an email that took my breath away. Literally.
My daily routine (is yours similar?) is to casually stroll through my phone as I start my day. Facebook – check. A few rounds losing at Candy Crush – check. Yahoo email – nothing here, – check. Daily calendar – check. Business email (cowgirlheartandsoul@yahoo.com) – HOLD ON A MINUTE! WHAAAT???? After a year of submitting my application, I have finally received email confirmation that my business name, COWGIRL HEART, has been approved by the UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE. (Queue the fireworks!)
COWGIRL HEART is my business, my passion, and my purpose. The timing of this notice is the icing on the cake; like planting the American flag on the moon (in my mind!). I have just relocated to a new home in a new state. Starting over. All for the better, but what a lot of physical and emotional work. And, happy is a feeling that has been hard for me to reach in the past couple of years.
The email from the United States Patent and Trademark Office signifies and confirms my mission, forever in my heart. As stated in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by the Creator with certain, unalienable Rights, that among those are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
HAPPINESS. Exactly!
My eyes watered at the sight of this long-awaited email, and I had an “ah-ha” moment (you ever get one of those?). All of this hard work with my transition in life has been totally worth it. The trademark confirmation of my name, COWGIRL HEART, is my green light to continue working on my dream. Now I understand my emotional reaction to reading the email; I’ve made it through the dark tunnel of the past several years. I’m a warrior and I survived the journey. I’m in a better place. And I’m definitely happy!

Snake River Stampede Rodeo, Anyone?

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This week is the 107th Snake River Stampede Rodeo in Nampa, ID. The promoters call it “The Wildest Fastest Show On Earth”, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world! Now that I’ve relocated to Idaho, I am genuinely surprised and delighted and the number and caliber of local rodeos. I guess you can say I’ve found my happy place! I didn’t have anyone to go with me but found plenty of friendly people once I got there. So, put yourself out there, girl!

Last night’s theme was Patriot Night and focused on honoring those who are and have served in the military. The rodeo itself did not disappoint; there was the Pre competition mutton bustin’ and goat tie down featuring the kiddos, and the royal court of Rodeo Queens from far and wide including Miss Rodeo USA 2022, Hailey Frederiksen and Miss Rodeo Idaho 2022, Taylor Grace Hymas. (At this point, I must admit that I have an inner wish to be a rodeo queen, even at my age!)

Then came the Cowboys and Cowgirls and all of the wonderful horses! I am no stranger to the sport of Rodeo, but I wish I had taken a pen to keep score and record some of the times and scores of the contestants. This was not a small-time rodeo; there is a purse of $445,180 to be distributed and a total of 744 entries for 2022.

We all have our favorite events, but this was the first time I watched Breakaway Roping at a live event. Two of my favorites were there, Jackie Crawford and Lari Dee Guy.

Everyone performed well, and it was a thrill to watch the entire competition. I especially enjoyed the Snake River Stampeders Night Light Drill Team, who performed flawlessly in the dark with their lighted costumes and flawless formations to upbeat music.