PINK COWGIRL LONGHORN STYLE

As a photographer from Oregon, my heart has always been tethered to the rugged beauty of the western ranches. To capture the essence of the cowgirl – strong, brave, and loyal to the art of horses and the ranch life. Their journey may begin as early as 2 years old when they are put on a horse for the first time. It begins with a vision: to encapsulate the spirit of a cowgirl, standing tall no matter how small, to make friends with animal acres larger than her.

I used the blaze of a  Longhorn as the 'W' in "woman," showcasing the indomitable spirit of women in this tough world. Longhorns are known to be tough, even in the worst of times. Cowgirls weather the thick scent of fresh hay and the earthy aroma of cattle. The sun blazed overhead, casting long shadows that dance as the cowgirls move with purpose wrangling cattle or pitching hay.

True cowgirls work under the open blues sky where the weather bakes them in the sun or freezes them to the bone, but wouldn't want to be doing anything else. The work cowgirls do isn't much different from what was done a hundred years ago.

As they hit the trail,  the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the dry earth, the sharp whistles of cowgirls herding cattle, and the occasional lowing of a steer fills the air. The sight of dust rising in swirling clouds as cattle move is  mesmerizing. The cowgirls' hands get calloused and worn, deftly handling the reins, guiding their horses with a grace that speaks of years of dedication and respect.

Yet, the life of a cowgirl is not without its trials. The cowboys, though respectful, sometimes doubt the cowgirls' abilities. But it is the cowgirls who keep the wheels turning, their knowledge and skills are crucial to the ranch's survival. There are legendary cowgirls like Annie Oakley, who defied societal norms and proved that women could match, if not surpass, men in skill and tenacity.

The history of these remarkable women seemed to come alive and stand true today with a new generation of cowgirls carrying on traditions and needs of the western way of life. One can almost imagine hearing the echoes of the past, the laughter, and the yells of cowgirls who had blazed trails and shattered barriers.

The taste of dust mingling with sweat, the smell of leather saddles warmed by the sun, and the sound of cattle lowing as they moved in a unified, living wave. It was a symphony of the West, with cowgirls at its heart, conducting with a rhythm born from generations of grit and grace.

I aimed to capture more than just an image, a word; I wanted to convey the essence of what it means to be a cowgirl. To show that the strength of a woman is not measured by her ability to stand beside a man but by her ability to stand on her own, to carve her path through the rugged terrain of life. The Longhorn, with its imposing presence, was the perfect symbol. Together, they painted a picture of resilience and power.

The cowgirls, with their unwavering spirit, had overcome biases and challenges. They stood tall in their boots, kicking up the dirt, and carving their stories into the land.  I feel a deep sense of gratitude. There is an unyielding spirit of the cowgirl – a testament to the power of women in the world of horses and ranching and their journey through life.

The word 'cowgirl'  holds a deeper meaning, a symbol of strength, courage, and an unbreakable bond they have with the land that it gives to them.  The western world is alive and thriving, thanks to the cowgirls who embrace their heritage with pride and determination.