Helpmates of the Rodeo

Abstract

This article provides an ethnographic account of women as supporting agents for professional cowboys and the rodeo enterprise. This research draws from participant observation, field interviews, western folklore and historical accounts, and Internet group discussions to provide a frame for and interpretation of women's patronage of rodeo cowboys. The primary data are derived from interviews with rodeo cowboys and women who are involved in rodeo life in various supporting roles. Interviews with professional cowboys provide validation of the vital nature of supporting roles for the success of rodeo careers. The analysis places women's supporting performances in historical and ideological contexts and illuminates the gendered nature of the rodeo as a professional sport.

Cowgirl poetics: Writing women in rodeo

“…According to Forsyth and Thompson (2007), the rodeo is a stage "where the image of the American cowboy is created, recreated, and glorified" (p. 394). During the early 1800s, many English-speaking settlers migrated to the American West and adopted the roping, riding, and cattle-driving techniques of Mexican cowboys, often called vaqueros or charros (TheStoryOfTexas.com, n.d.).…”

“…For instance, cowboy poetry that celebrates women often does this by portraying them as a "helpmate" (Stoeltje, 1975, p. 25). According to Forsyth and Thompson (2007), the ideal wife for a cowboy as portrayed in stories, song, and poetry is: a woman who could take care of the home, the ranch, the children, and do whatever was necessary to support her man and family. These images remain salient.…”