Rodeo News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Cheyenne Frontier Days Celebrates 'The Year of the Cowgirl'

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Madison Richmann | Last updated Jul 14, 2024 5:10 PM ET

The 128th annual Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) has an important and fun theme this year. The Frontier Days are full of tradition and Western Heritage. This year, the events are set to honor a pivotal theme: "The Year of the Cowgirl."

Celebrating the contributions and resilience of women in the Western industry, CFD promises a blend of thrilling rodeo competitions, unique cultural showcases, and more all with a heartfelt tribute to the cowgirl spirit.

The Cheyenne Frontier Days website explains this years theme by saying, "We’re highlighting the spirit and strength of Western women throughout history.Their stories shape ours as we follow in their footsteps, both in the arena and out in the world."

On June 28, at Frontier Park, a large bronze statue was unveiled to kick off the Year of the Cowgirl. “How 'Bout Them Cowgirls” by Wyoming sculptor D. Michael Thomas, was created for this exact purpose in mind. This is not the first CFD statue that Thomas has created. His work titled, "“Just LeDoux It” was revealed in 2021 at the 125th annual Frontier Days. That statue honored the late Chris Ledoux.

In an interview with CBS, Thomas said, "If there were no cowgirls we wouldn't be here. It is very, very satisfying to have a piece like this come out like it did. It is one of my best composition pieces I have ever done."

Many had a part in this years theme, but Warren Livestocks, Susan Samuelson was big part of the inspiration. Susan's grandmother embraced the life of a cowgirl in the 1880s, making the theme particularly meaningful. Alongside her husband Doug, Susan played a pivotal role in establishing "The Year of the Cowgirl" theme and they came up with the idea for the statue. Three years later, Thomas was able to bring it to life.

This year, the three women who win the women's events at Cheyenne Frontier Days will receive a mini version of the bronze statue.

The statue portrays a woman bronc rider, which in itself is unique to the Frontier Days. In 1904, Bertha Kaepernik made history as the inaugural woman to ride a bucking horse at the Cheyenne Frontier Days. Initially gaining entry through persuasive negotiation for an exhibition event, her trailblazing ride paved the way for women's bronc riding to become an official event at Cheyenne just two years later. By 1916, over 20 rodeos nationwide featured women's competitions, marking a significant shift in the landscape of Western sports. CFD is one of the few places you can still watch women's bronc riding.

The official podcast of the Frontier Days started a series earlier this year called 'The Era of the Cowgirl,' in honor of this year's theme. They have interviewed and featured cowgirls of all different backgrounds, ages, and stories. You can listen to the podcast here.

The 128th annual Cheyenne Frontier Days is looking to be the best yet. Don't miss out on all of the action. Click here for your Ultimate Guide to all things CFD 2024.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: