The National Cowgirl Museum’s Cowgirl University enters its fourth year of providing one of the nation’s most distinctive educational programs when it begins its series of events in January at the famed Southwestern Livestock Exposition and Rodeo in Fort Worth, Texas.

Launched in 2005, the Museum’s Cowgirl University has touched the lives of more than 300 alumni who desire to learn more about the “guts and grit” of the American West and the women who forged a path through art, agriculture, literature, government and plain hard work.

“Cowgirl U offers an unequaled level of exposure to the trade secrets and skills of some extraordinary women and I am thrilled with this year’s line up,” said Program Director Chad Isham. “The series has something to offer both women and men, as well as entire families, and focuses on the extraordinary heritage we all share through the history of the American West.”

Each session of the series includes the unrivaled opportunity to interact with current National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees as they share their skills and knowledge with students, ranging from roping to ranching to stories of the West. Enrollment is limited for each session, so early registration is encouraged. Registration and course information is available at cowgirlu.net.

Rodeo U - January 30
Rodeo U is back and this time with one of the most dynamic women to ever enter the rodeo arena; 1991 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Inductee Jonnie Jonckowski. Jonnie's competitive spirit helped her overcome many barriers to become a two-time world champion bull rider, and she also eliminated these same barriers for the women who followed her. In addition, at Rodeo U, learn about rodeo events and how to score rides from a PRCA judge.  Registration also includes lunch at the museum, and dinner by REATATM at The Backstage Club. Furthermore, you will have the best seat in the house for an evening performance at the world’s original indoor rodeo! A package special is offered when registering for Rodeo U’s partner course below, The Other Rodeo Contestant: Livestock. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.

The Other Rodeo Contestant: Livestock - January 31Students will have the opportunity to hear from 1978 Hall of Fame Honoree Karen Vold of Pueblo, Colo., valued partner to husband and professional rodeo contractor, Harry Vold, as she shares the life of the rodeo family and the many elements that go into caring for the livestock necessary for professional competition. The daughter of a rodeo clown, Karen began trick riding at age 11 and started a 12-year career. She was instrumental in forming "The Flying Cimarrons," a group that brought trick riding back into prominence for several years. The day will include box seats at a morning rodeo performance and lunch with REATATM at The Backstage Club, and a tour of the Museum. This course is ideal as a follow-up to Rodeo U, above. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.

Legendary Ranch Series, Part I
6666 and Tongue River Ranch
March 13-15

Join the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame as it begins its newly developed Legendary Ranch Series.  Each course in the series will focus on ranches that you have read or heard about – and that were instrumental in the shaping and definition of the identity of the West. Students will have the opportunity to learn about Hall of Fame Honorees whose lives and families are often intertwined with these historic ranches. This first course focuses on the renowned Four Sixes in Guthrie, Texas, and Tongue River Ranch in Paducah, Texas. Participants will experience a real working cattle and horse ranch while getting an inside look at some of the top breeding programs in the world for American Quarter Horses and beef cattle breeds. Hall of Fame Honoree Ann Marion and her family’s impact on the ranching and breeding industry will be profiled at this event. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.

Trail Trials - April 18-19
Back by popular demand is Trail Trials, the fun and educational Cowgirl U event that tests the abilities of students and their horses in a natural setting outside an arena. In addition to hearing from a Hall of Fame Honoree, students take part in a trail clinic prior to the trials through a partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association. Both days include a trail ride, with the trail clinic held April 25 and Trail Trials held April 26. Buckles will be awarded. As one past student said, "Trail Trials was a wonderful experience. The planning and dedication that went into providing an excellent educational experience was obvious. The clinician and support staff made it enjoyable for all riders no matter their level of skill." No hookups or camping available. Enrollment is limited to 30.

Saddle Making - June 6
Explore the art of saddle making during an exclusive, non-public tour of one of the nation’s most celebrated saddle makers: M.L. Leddy and Sons of Fort Worth. Since 1922, this family-owned company continues to set the standard in handmade western boots and saddles. Saddles from this shop are hand-built in Texas with the finest leathers and materials, include decades of craftsmanship, uncompromised quality, and are good enough for the President of the United States to give as gifts to dignitaries. Additionally, students who will enjoy coffee and pastries in the morning will see the different stages involved in saddle making, create a coaster out of leather and finish with lunch in the Stockyards. Registration is limited to 10

“The remainder of the 2009 series is equally as exciting and will include a women’s retreat to Paw’s Up ranch in Montana, as well as the second in our Legendary Ranch series,” said Isham. “Our primary goal is to bring to life the Museum’s catchphrase ‘Women Who Shape the West, Change the World.’ We encourage those interested to visit our web site at www.cowgirlu.net for more information.”

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates 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. 

Located at 1720 Gendy Street in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, the museum includes interactive exhibit galleries, three theaters, a retail store and a grand rotunda housing the Hall of Fame. The museum is open seven days a week – 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Adult admission is $8 and $7 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors ages 60 and up. Please visit www.cowgirl.net or call 817/336-4475 or 800/476-FAME (3263) for more information.