Since 1987, Women's History Month has been celebrated in March, a month meant for celebrating the vital contributions of women in history and modern society.
To further celebrate, we spoke to each of our seven amazing women athletes to share their thoughts and advice on being women in rodeo.
Jordon Briggs
Barrel Racer
Do you have any advice for women going into the rodeo industry?
"My advice to women in the rodeo industry is to work hard and never give up but know the difference between when it's your turn and when it's not. When it's not your turn, that's when you do all of your learning and become better to appreciate it even more when it is your turn."
What is it like being a woman in the rodeo industry?
"Being a woman in the rodeo industry is a very empowering feeling. Cowgirls are just a different breed and I've been lucky to be around them my whole life whole. Cowgirls are strong, independent women who can work just as hard as any cowboy."
What women have you looked up to in your life who helped you along the way or impacted your life in a positive way?
"My mom, Kristie Peterson, has been the cowgirl I've looked up too. She showed me that it was possible to make a living with a horse. Being able to wake up and do what you love every day with who you love is the greatest gift of all."
Lisa Lockhart
Barrel Racer
Do you have any advice for women going into the rodeo industry?
"My advice to anybody in the industry is to take the steps necessary, to get where you're going. It can sometimes be a long staircase, but do everything in your power to jog up those steps! Stay grounded, and do what works for you!"
What is it like being a woman in the rodeo industry?
"I guess I don't give it much thought about being a woman in the industry, as we are just hard-working women set out to accomplish a goal, and work as hard as it takes to get there! Even the smallest things that give you self-satisfaction, can fuel your fire to do more."
What women have you looked up to in your life who helped you along the way?
"Of course, we all look up to those that have gone before us and created a path in various ways. I think our industry has a village of people that are always willing to help, encourage and share knowledge… women, empower women!"
Kelsie Domer
Breakaway Roper
Do you have any advice for women going into the rodeo industry?
"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. If you truly have the drive to accomplish a goal, then stay the course and don't back down!"
What is it like being a woman in the rodeo industry?
"I've always wanted to do the best I could, no matter what I was doing. Whether it was against the boys, or at an all girl roping, I just wanted to do my best and be a great roper no matter where I was at. "
What women have you looked up to in your life who helped you along the way or impacted your life in a positive way?
"I've always looked up to my mom and my aunt, Lori. They've always been hard-working and driven women who pushed me to be the same."
Martha Angelone
Breakaway Roper
Do you have any advice for women going into the rodeo industry?
"My advice for women going into the industry is to be strong and tough. Rodeo takes a toll on you, mentally, physically and financially. You can't be weak going into this life. Be strong and don't give up when the times get hard. There will be better days ahead. "
What is it like being a woman in the rodeo industry?
"Being a woman in this industry, to me, is a privilege. It's awesome to be where we are now with our sport. We've been here watching women's rodeo grow into what we've wanted for so long."
What women have you looked up to in your life who helped you along the way?
"Since I was little, I've always looked up to Lari Dee Guy and Jackie Crawford. Now I'm blessed to call them great friends of mine. Whenever I was growing up, my sister and my dad pushed me to be where I am today. I grew up back East so it wasn't the easiest to get roping help back there. I always dreamed of being in the place where I'm at today."
Josie Conner
Breakaway Roper
Do you have any advice for women going into the rodeo industry?
"My advice to women in the industry would be to keep working hard. We have a huge platform now, and if we keep working hard we will be able to maintain it."
What is it like being a woman in the rodeo industry?
"Being a woman in this industry is a spectacular thing. To be presented on huge platforms is amazing and I am blessed to be a part of an amazing group of women."
What women have you looked up to in your life who helped you along the way or impacted your life in a positive way?
"My mom has been the most influential woman in my life. She shows me hard work, determination, and how to present myself. She teaches me by example everyday."
Stevi Hillman
Barrel Racer
Do you have any advice for women going into the rodeo industry?
"Realize losing is a higher percentage than winning, that's just a fact. Don't be discouraged and never lose sight of who you are and why you do what you do."
What is it like being a woman in the rodeo industry?
"It's such a great reward being a part of the western heritage: it's history, traditions, morals and values of 'the cowboy/cowgirl way'. This is what we stand for and live by and I'm blessed to be living this life we get to live!"
What women have you looked up to in your life who helped you along the way?
"My aunts and the women I grew up with worked really hard, We were all raised on a farm and I got to see what teamwork looked like. There have been several women who encouraged me along my journey, to never give up on my dreams; to always be prepared and to look for opportunities to grow in life. There are so many women to thank even in such small moments or words. I am truly blessed to have had some incredible and hard-working women push me in my life that love and encourage me, not only when I win, but in failure as well."
Cheyanne Guillory
Breakaway Roper
Do you have any advice for women going into the rodeo industry?
"Work hard, always be the best you can be, and be authentic to yourself."
What is it like being a woman in the rodeo industry?
"The rodeo industry is a rollercoaster. There is a lot that you don't have control over, but you can always control showing up everyday, putting in the time, work, and your attitude."
What women have you looked up to in your life who helped you along the way or impacted your life in a positive way?
"Jenna Beaver always has words of encouragement rooted in faith for me. Tami Purcell-Burklund has always been an example that it doesn't matter the situation, hard work and a great attitude will get you where you want to be."