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Cowgirl Rodeo (1949)
The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Sound | 1949 | B/W | English

Categories:
Pecos County
Newsreels
1940s
Rodeos and Livestock Shows
NARA
Texas Locations:
Pecos County
Fort Stockton
Cowgirls compete in bronco and bull-riding events at an 'all-girl rodeo' in this pun-filled Universal Newsreel footage. This all-girl rodeo was held in Fort Stockton in 1949, near the birthplace of rodeo itself, and was sponsored by the Girls Rodeo Association, established in 1948. The Girls Rodeo Association, now the Women's Professional Rodeo Association, was an early group of women that consisted mainly of ranchers' wives and daughters who had been forced to take over the ranch when their husbands or fathers were called to service during World War II. After the war, they resented their role as merely rodeo beauty pageant contestants and sought to find a place for themselves alongside men. They determined to raise the standards of cowgirl contests and protect cowgirls from unfair practices. It is the oldest organization of women athletes in America.
Gordon Cathey
2022-10-24 20:42:36
I really wonder where the date of this rodeo and newsreel was documented. A figure who looks very much like my father, James Cathey, can be seen in the center of the action in the arena (25 seconds and 35 seconds into the film), yet he worked the 1950 All Girl Rodeo at Ft. Stockton, not the 1949. Our family has reliable documentation for the 1950 date, yet none for 1949. Photos from the 1950 rodeo, complete with contestants' identities can be found in our book, Powder Puff and Spurs, The Story of James Cathey and the Girls Rodeo Association. Find the book at www.jamescathey.com.
Gordon Cathey
2022-10-24 20:42:36
I really wonder where the date of this rodeo and newsreel was documented. A figure who looks very much like my father, James Cathey, can be seen in the center of the action in the arena (25 seconds and 35 seconds into the film), yet he worked the 1950 All Girl Rodeo at Ft. Stockton, not the 1949. Our family has reliable documentation for the 1950 date, yet none for 1949. Photos from the 1950 rodeo, complete with contestants' identities can be found in our book, Powder Puff and Spurs, The Story of James Cathey and the Girls Rodeo Association. Find the book at www.jamescathey.com.
South Texas CattleWomen
2013-02-28 22:58:14
I thought I tagged this earlier. I just sent tags again.Terry Chandler
South Texas CattleWomen
2013-02-28 22:58:14
I thought I tagged this earlier. I just sent tags again.Terry Chandler
South Texas CattleWomen
2013-02-21 03:10:29
we also got this information about stabling the horses for this rodeo: Ora Altizer ( older sister of Blanche and Jim Bob Altizer ) provided the bunking horses for this rodeo.
South Texas CattleWomen
2013-02-21 03:10:29
we also got this information about stabling the horses for this rodeo: Ora Altizer ( older sister of Blanche and Jim Bob Altizer ) provided the bunking horses for this rodeo.