Oklahoma’s central location and ranching tradition gave it a unique connection to the rodeo industry as it grew from a local pastime to an internationally popular sport. From the very beginning, Oklahoma cowgirls played a significant role in developing the institution and the businesses that grew up in its shadow. Lucille Mulhall’s pioneering roping carved out a place for women in the actual competition, while Mildred Chrisman’s promotional efforts kept rodeo chutes open during the Great Depression. Modern ranchers like Terry Stuart produced the quarter horses sought by professional athletes around the world. From Guymon to Pawhuska and from stock contractors to rodeo clowns, Tracey Hanshew follows the trail that Oklahoma women blazed across this rough-and-tumble sport.
Dr. Tracey Hanshew is a clinical assistant professor at Washington State University, Tri-Cities. She is a Muriel H. Wright Award winner from the Oklahoma Historical Society for her article “Rodeo in Oklahoma Is Women’s Business,” published in the Chronicles of Oklahoma. She serves on the advisory board to Americana: The Journal of American Popular Culture, 1900 and is the membership and communication coordinator for the United States for the Rural Women’s Studies Association.