Ever dreamed of being a real cowgirl? Can
you picture yourself horseback riding through the open countryside?
If so, then Cowgirl University’s Kindle the Cowgirl Spirit
Retreat on May 8-11, 2008, in the Texas Hill Country, is perfect
for you.
This annual weekend adventure, made possible by the National
Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, is not just another themed
girl’s-getaway with a cowgirl twist. Cowgirl U’s Kindle the
Cowgirl Spirit Retreat is the real-deal, bringing National
Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame Honorees together for one
benefit – to share with you their stories and teach you skills
needed for Western life. Whether or not you have extensive
experience in the saddle, this retreat is for beginners and
seasoned horsewomen alike. Retreat-goers are welcome to bring
their own horse or rent one for the weekend.
Set on the Simmons’ Ranch, a sprawling 2,000 acre working
ranch in Burnet, Texas – located approximately one hour northwest
of Austin, Texas; one-and-a-half hours north of San Antonio,
Texas – Cowgirl U’s Kindle the Cowgirl Spirit centers on horsemanship
skills taught by the Honorees who embody that Cowgirl Spirit.
As this is a working-cowgirl retreat, women will learn inside
tips on how to assess, handle and care for a horse firsthand
from some of the nation’s top horsewomen. Retreat-goers will
dine on gourmet-ranch cuisine and sleep in comfortable guest
homes on the ranch conveniently located to activity and meal
areas.
This year’s Honorees are:
Wantha Davis, 2004 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree
A true pioneer of horse racing, Davis paved the way for female
jockeys of today. From the Great Depression through the 1950s,
she won more than 1,000 races, mostly competing against male
jockeys including Racing Hall of Fame jockey, Johnny Longden
and Jackie Westrope. Her feats on the racetrack were highlighted
in newspapers across the country and on newsreels in movie
houses. She was referred to by many major sports writers of
the time as one of the finest jockeys in the country.
Kathy Daughn, 2002 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree
Growing up in San Francisco, Daughn learned to ride on horses
she rented by the hour and volunteered at the Golden Gate
Park stables. Eventually, she began riding and showing hunter-jumpers
before moving to Texas where she learned to train and ride
cutting horses. Making her mark in the cutting arena, she
is the only woman to win two championship titles and is one
of the top cutting horse competitors in the country. Her success
in the arena is only amplified by her talent as a trainer
and recognized leader in the National Cutting Horse Association.
Sherri Mell, 2004 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree
- 2006 Appaloosa Horse Club Hall of Fame
While many cowgirls specialize in just one or two key rodeo
events, Mell enters and often wins an array of rodeo and horse
show competitions. However, she is best known for her success
as a calf roper. Mell is the only woman to win a championship
at the National and World shows in calf roping – an event
dominated by men. Since 1990 she has led the nation in non-pro
calf roping. She is the first woman to win a National Finals
Rodeo Championship title riding an Appaloosa, her only mount,
and has won more than 100 world and national rodeo and horse
titles throughout her career.
Carol Rose, 2001 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree
One of the first women to become a leader in the equine industry,
Rose began competing in horse events as a child. She inherited
her passion for horses from her mother, who taught her to
ride and care for them as a basis for life lessons. A world
champion in non-pro cutting horse competition, she has evolved
into one of the world's leading breeders and exhibitors of
Quarter Horses, dedicated to making a positive difference.
Hope Varner, 1988 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree
Born in Milwaukee, Varner always felt the lure of the West.
With her husband, Tex, she spent her life promoting Western
life. As talented musician and singer, Varner hosted a radio
show and served as the director of a working guest ranch.
She related stories and songs of the West to thousands of
children and adults, also teaching horsemanship to many. She
and her family produced rodeos (co-produced 1955 GRA rodeo)
and Wild West shows at their own arena.
Details:
Cost per participant is based upon accommodation request:
• $1,500 for shared room/shared bath with twin bed
• $1,800 for shared room/shared bath with double bed
• $2,000 for private room/shared bath with double bed
• $2,200 for private room/shared bath with king bed
• $1,200 if you bring own horse and sleeping trailer (hookups
provided)
• $300 for horse, gear and tack rental
To register, please call Brittany Bates at
817/509-8967 or download a registration for at: http://cowgirl.net/content/WomensRetreatRegistrationForm2008.pdf.
About us:
Cowgirl University is a dynamic series of educational programs
dedicated to sharing the western lifestyle with a broad audience
both inside and outside the museum utilizing the National
Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame’s most important resource:
the honorees. Proceeds from Cowgirl University benefit the
Museum’s education department.
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the only museum
in the world dedicated to honoring women of the American West
who have displayed extraordinary courage and a pioneering
spirit in their trail blazing efforts. Located in Fort Worth's
Cultural District, the museum includes interactive exhibit
galleries, three theaters, a retail store and a grand rotunda.
Open Monday thorough Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday
noon to 5 p.m., admission is $8 for adults ages 13 and up
and $7 for children ages 3 to 12. Group rates and docent tours
are available.
For more information please call 817/336-4475
or 800/476-FAME, or visit www.cowgirl.net.
For images or additional information, contact: Danny Latham,
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame dlatham@cowgirl.net
/ (817) 509-8991
