Can Girls Do Bronc Riding? Yes, girls can ride bronc – and they’re revolutionizing rodeo! Discover how women are breaking barriers in ranch bronc riding, the key differences from saddle bronc, and the inspiring stories of female riders who are making history. Learn about the challenges, economic impact, and future of women in roughstock events.
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Yes, Women Can Bronc Ride: The Cowgirls Writing Rodeo History
Women are not only participating in bronc riding, but revolutionizing it through specific form bronc events, dedicated organizations, and record-breaking growth—proving gender is no barrier to mastering one of rodeo’s most dangerous disciplines.
The Resurgence of Women in Roughstock
After the tragic death of bronc rider Bonnie McCarroll at the 1929 Pendleton Roundup, rodeo organizations quietly erased women from roughstock events for generations – until a new wave of cowgirls took down the stable doors.
- Ranch Bronc Riding: Flips the traditional rules of rodeo: riders use everyday working saddles with a two-handed grip (one on the reins, one holding the saddle horn strap) – a style born from real farm emergencies when horses buck unexpectedly. This style reflects real farm work, where horses occasionally “blow up” and riders must stay on board.
- Organizational support: Groups like Women’s Ranch Bronc Canada (founded by champion Pearl Kersey) and the Texas Bronc Riders Association’s Women’s Division (featured on Ride TV’s Cowgirls) provide clinics, competitions and advocacy. Kersey’s clinics attract riders from teens to 50-year-olds, proving that it’s never too late to get started.
Case Study: Alberta’s Trailblazing Cowgirls
Emma Eastwood, a former amateur jockey from Calgary, stunned the rodeo world by winning the Ranch Bronc competition on just her third try – proving that horsemanship skills when combined with courage translate across disciplines. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Sophia Bani fulfilled her Grade 3 dream: “I said I wanted to be a female bronc rider.
- Blayne Bedard (19) mastered foot positioning to avoid being “lawn darted” headfirst. His safety hack? Baby powder in big boots ensures quick release when is dragged.
- Adrenaline management: Eastwood notes mental challenge: “Things get blurry… processing everything quickly”. Riders use visualization and mechanical booking machines before live mounts.
Ranch Bronc vs. Saddle Bronc – Key Differences For Can Girls Do Bronc Riding?
| Aspect | Ranch Bronc | Saddle Bronc |
|---|---|---|
| Saddle Type | Standard Western saddle | Specialized bronc saddle |
| Hand Grip | Two hands (rein + saddle horn strap) | One hand only |
| Rider Demographics | Primarily women | Primarily men |
| Origin | Mimics real ranch work | Rodeo-specific tradition |
The Economic & Cultural Impact
Women’s rodeo events aren’t just symbolic – they’re financial powerhouses:
- 69% of entries managed by NextGen Rodeo are women, pumping millions into the rodeo economy.
- Breakaway roping (added to major rodeos like the Calgary Stampede) has seen a 1,400% increase in events since 2019.
- The Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway sold out months ago, while the Women’s Rodeo World Championship will award $800,000+ in prizes in 2025.
Leadership is also shifting:
- Tiah DeGrofft became the first female president of the Pendleton Round-up, and Carrie Ann Sattler is leading the Reno Rodeo.
- Cheyenne Frontier Days declared 2024 the “Year of the Cowgirl,” unveiling a bronze statue of riding a cowgirl.
Challenges & The Road Ahead
Despite progress, hurdles persist:
- Mixed reception: While Kersey “welcomes” male competitors, Bunny has faced “rude comments” questioning the women’s 4th place finish.
- Injury risks: Wrecks can be brutal — one TBRA rider suffered a broken spine, another dislocated shoulder.
- Mainstreaming: Women’s farm broncs still haven’t been featured at the Calgary Stampede, though Kersey’s 2021 “Broncs After Dark” showcase proved her draw.
Pearl Kersey’s Vision: “The ultimate goal is to get into pro rodeos for the big bucks…it takes time to build up the number of competitors”. With Kersey retiring to focus on coaching, her legacy aims to accelerate participation.
Beyond the 8 Seconds for Can Girls Do Bronc Riding?
Women’s rodeo is more than just a sport – it’s about reclaiming agency. As Kersey notes, women thank her not for teaching rodeo, but for showing them that “they could pursue something they didn’t think was possible because they were women.”
“Why even live if you can’t do what you love?” — Duke Wimberly, TBRA Bronc Rider