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A New Trail to Higher Education |
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by Danny Latham, Jr. |
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Ropes and reins are just a couple of classroom tools students learn to use at Cowgirl University, a full-fledged Western lifestyle program sponsored by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Cowgirl U, as it is dubbed by the cowboys and cowgirls who attend, in fact uses many tools to immerse students into cowgirl culture and relies on the expert knowledge of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees who serve as the program's educators. No other hands-on educational program of this kind is able to engage living legends as mentors like Cowgirl U
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Cowgirl U began in 2005 with a desire to extend the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame's mission - to honor and celebrate women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire - beyond the four walls of its building in Fort Worth, Texas. The idea was to design educational programming for adults and
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families who are interested in learning more about the Western lifestyle by offering a range of clinics, workshops and retreats on topics such as roping, horsemanship, chuck-wagon cooking, cowgirl spirit and more. |
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From the basic beginner to the experienced equestrian, Cowgirl U is sure to thrill you with its collection of classes. For example, one weekend in April earlier this year, Cowgirl U teamed up with the American Quarter Horse Association and organized two incredible horse events in North Texas on one of the oldest, working cattle ranches in the state, the McFarland Ranch. On Saturday, participants gathered for Cowgirl 101, a crash-course in basic horsemanship, roping, hat shaping, and learning about ranchland. Additionally, National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree Nita Brooks Lewallen spoke about her lifetime achievements and experiences with being a cowgirl. On Sunday, the more avid horse-enthusiasts were geared up for Cowgirl U's first Trail Trial, a challenging obstacle course where the horse and rider relationship was put to the test. The AQHA's Director of Education, Ward Stutz, was on hand to give participants semi-private instruction on horse care and horse behavior. |
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"This was one of the best experiences I have had with my horse," Danny Dunn of Aubrey, Texas said about the Trail Trial. "The Cowgirl U folks provided a fun, safe, non-threatening atmosphere. I would recommend this event to horse folks of all ages and experiences." |
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Check out the rest of Cowgirl U's 2008 schedule below and you just might see something that fits your style. |
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Photography Workshop, June 5-8
Big Timber, Montana
Spend three inspirational days with National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree Barbara Van Cleve. This workshop is designed for |
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photographers who want to experience new ways of seeing nature around them with their camera. Photograph opportunities include horse activities, sunrises, sunsets, clouds, landscapes, cowboys, cattle brandings and more. Additionally, there will be a bonus of two additional Hall of Fame Honorees: Georgie Sicking and Rhonda Stearns. Come learn photography and hear life stories through poetry and song from three amazing Honorees. Accommodations and meals will be provided by the Sweet Grass Ranch in Big Timber, Montana, a working cattle ranch secluded in the Crazy Mountains.
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Enrollment is limited to 20 participants and is open to men and women ages 18 and older. |
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Ranch Life California, July 18-20
Parkfield, California
Spend three days with National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree and California native Sheila Varian, the leading Arabian Horse breeder in the United States and Canada as you immerse yourself in California ranch life on the V6 Ranch. You will learn traditional Vaquero Horsemanship taught by Varian herself, as well as have plenty of time in the saddle riding, learning how to work cattle on horseback, team sorting and rope handling with working cowboys and cowgirls. Pitch your own tent at the camping facilities which include restrooms and showers, water hookups for your trailer or RV and a log-style indoor eating area where you will enjoy delicious ranch-style food. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants and is open to men, women and children. |
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A Cowgirl Adventure in the Colorado Rockies, August 7-10
Red Wing, Colorado
Join Cowgirl U for a private get-a-way to the High Mesa Ranch in rustic Colorado. This is an intimate excursion where trail rides start at 9,000 feet into the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Southern Colorado. You will dine on delicious meals prepared by an outstanding private chef, enjoy an outdoor hot tub overlooking exquisite scenery, hike, fly fish, and completely relax in comfortable accommodations after an on-site masseuse pampers your tired muscles. National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree Marlene Eddleman McRae will teach you the lifestyle of the American Cowgirl as you immerse yourself in the Western culture. Enrollment is limited to 10 women and riders must be experienced. |
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Ranching 101, September 27
Aledo, Texas
Ranching 101 is the perfect introduction to ranch life and takes participants inside the inner workings of an authentic cattle ranch. Co-hosted with the Cattle Raisers Museum, activities include a ranch tour while observing ranch hands work cattle, grass identification, roping and tying, brand identification with a Texas Southwestern Cattle Raiser Association Special Ranger, chuck wagon lunch, western music and more. Spend time with National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree Minnie Lou Bradley, owner of the Bradley 3 Ranch and a leader in the beef industry. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants and is open to men and women. |
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Jewelry Making, October 18
Fort Worth, Texas
National Cowgirl Museum
Tap into your creative cowgirl and learn the basics of bead stringing from jewelry artisans Christine Hudson and Amy Moorhouse. Bring your imagination to the beading table and craft your own Western masterpiece to wear. These talented jewelry-makers will teach you how to use tools of the trade and will share their favorite sources for beads and one-of-a-kind findings. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.
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Chuck Wagon Cooking, December 6
Fort Worth, Texas
Chuck wagon cooking was something that evolved purely out of basic necessity under difficult circumstances. You will be surprised at the wonderful meals that can be prepared out of the old Dutch oven. Be a part of this great piece of American history and learn the ways around a ranch kitchen from someone who competes avidly in chuck wagon competitions all across the Southwest. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants and is open to men and women. |
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Ropes and reins are just a couple of classroom tools students learn to use at Cowgirl University, a full-fledged Western lifestyle program sponsored by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Cowgirl U, as it is dubbed by the cowboys and cowgirls who attend, in fact uses many tools to immerse students into cowgirl culture and relies on the expert knowledge of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees who serve as the program's educators. No other hands-on educational program of this kind is able to engage living legends as mentors like Cowgirl U .
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Read comments or post your own comments to this article at the bottom of this page. |
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Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved. The above article is the property of the Author and may not be duplicated or redistributed in any way without permission. |
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