Latest news with #cowgirl
Al Arabiya
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Women Buck Trend, Look to Grow Rodeo Sport of Ranch Bronc Riding
Sophia Bunney launched the first time she tried ranch bronc riding, landing quite a ways away from the horse. 'I'm very stubborn and I don't like being defeated,' said the 18-year-old from Cessford, Alberta. In other words, the teenager was hooked on a sport that pits women against bucking horses for eight seconds. 'I always kind of wanted to hop on a bronc,' Bunney told the Canadian Press. 'In Grade 3 we did 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' and I said I wanted to be a female bronc rider.' Unlike saddle bronc riding, a rodeo mainstay, ranch bronc uses a regular western saddle–not a specialized one–and riders hang on with two hands instead of one. A hand is on a rein and the other on a strap wrapped around the saddle horn. Pearl Kersey, who won the Canadian women's ranch bronc title over the weekend in Ponoka, Alberta, is president of Women's Ranch Bronc Canada and teaches it at clinics. 'I've got teenagers, 20-year-olds, 30-year-olds and this year a woman in her 50s. I was like 'You sure?'' Kersey said. 'She doesn't want to compete. She wants to try it before she gets too old. We have bucking machines. She doesn't necessarily need to get on a horse. They can go through all the drills and the bucking machine and if they're comfortable enough they can get on a horse.' Getting used to it took a while for 19-year-old Blayne Bedard, who grew up cow riding in the Canadian Girls Rodeo Association, to master keeping her feet forward toward the horse's shoulders. 'If they come back, I'm like a pendulum and I just go head over teakettle,' Bedard said. 'For the longest time that was my biggest problem with riding ranch bronc and why I kept bucking off was because my feet weren't moving and they'd come behind me and I'd get lawn-darted right away.' She's improved to the point where Bedard has competed in the last two Canadian championships. 'I like the look of it too,' Bedard said. 'You get cool pictures.' One of the lessons Bedard picked up at a Kersey clinic had nothing to do with riding form–and everything to do with what goes inside a boot. 'I put baby powder in my boots every time before I ride and I wear my mom's boots that are a size too big for me because if you get your foot stuck in a stirrup–which I've had a few times–you need your boot to be able to come off so you're not being dragged by the horse,' she said. Women's ranch bronc isn't part of the $2.1 million Calgary Stampede starting Friday, but women's breakaway roping will debut at the 10-day rodeo. Breakaway and barrel racing are the two women's events on a program that also features men's bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling and tie-down roping. The Ponoka Stampede adding women's ranch bronc to its lineup in 2022 was a big step forward, Kersey said. Inclusion in the Calgary Stampede would be another milestone. 'The ultimate is the same with girls in breakaway roping, which is getting into pro rodeos because that's when you get the big money,' she said. 'We're way bigger with the added money than we were, but it takes time. … It takes a while to get contestant numbers up.' Kersey, 36, has qualified for the world finals July 19–20 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she won in 2019 and has twice finished second. Kersey intends to retire from competition after this year but continue teaching. One of her students, Calgary's Emma Eastwood, picked it up quickly thanks to years of riding horses and a stint as an amateur jockey. She attended Kersey's clinics last fall and this spring and won an event in just her third time competing. 'It is difficult to try and think through your ride and hang on through all that adrenaline,' said the 27-year-old massage therapist. 'Things kind of get a little blurry and it's hard to process everything going on so quickly.' Rodeo bucking events have traditionally been the domain of men. Kersey, Eastwood and Bedard say the cowboys have been welcoming, though Bunney's experience has been mixed. Kersey said she has heard from many. 'Women have come up to me and said 'Thank you for doing what you're doing.' They might not go into ranch broncs, but it just gave them the power in themselves to go pursue something that they wanted that they didn't think they could because they were women,' Kersey said. 'Other girls tell me 'I saw you ride at Ponoka' and they're like 'I want to try it.' Sometimes it's a confidence-booster thing. Sometimes they want to see if they'll like it and some are like 'Yeah, I'm doing this.''
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lainey Wilson's Surprise Concert Moment with Fan Goes Viral
Lainey Wilson's Surprise Concert Moment with Fan Goes Viral originally appeared on Parade. Country music has always been about storytelling and authentic connections, but Lainey Wilson just elevated the genre to a whole new level of heartwarming with a Summerfestmoment that's melting hearts across social media. During her Milwaukee performance, the 33-year-old "Bell Bottom Country" sensation spotted 13-year-old Violet from northern Michigan in the crowd and decided to create a moment that would change both their lives forever. According to Violet's sister, Lilly, 19, the young fan had been looking forward to this concert for months and even made a special sign hoping to get brought on stage. What happened next is the kind of pure, unscripted magic that reminds us why live music matters so much. Wilson brought the passionate barrel racer on stage and transformed the platform into an empowerment workshop that had the entire festival crowd cheering. "I am beautiful!" Wilson declared, encouraging Violet to repeat each phrase. "I am smart! I am talented! I can do anything!" The moment built to Wilson's signature declaration: "And, I'm cowgirl of the night!" – a title that came with the ultimate country music honor. In a gesture that Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year made look effortless, Wilson removed Violet's white cowboy hat and replaced it with her own black one, then placed the white hat back on top. The symbolic hat exchange created an instant "cowgirl of the night" coronation that had the crowd roaring approval. The connection between these two cowgirls felt especially authentic given Violet's own dedication to the western lifestyle. The teenager, who has her own horse and works incredibly hard caring for her beloved companion, clearly understood the significance of receiving Wilson's hat – a gesture that honored her genuine passion for the cowgirl way of life. The sweetest part? Wilson walked Violet off stage hand-in-hand, swinging their arms like two best friends, proving that sometimes the most powerful moments happen when celebrities remember what really official TikTok captured every second of the magic, with Lilly commenting that this moment "is something she definitely won't forget!" Other fans flooded the comments about Wilson's incredible role model energy, perfectly capturing why this authentic exchange resonated with so many people. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 This viral moment perfectly encapsulates why Wilson has become country music's brightest star – she understands that her platform is about more than entertainment. Sometimes the best performances happen when artists use their spotlight to lift others up, creating memories that last forever. Lainey Wilson's Surprise Concert Moment with Fan Goes Viral first appeared on Parade on Jun 28, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Country Queen Miranda Lambert Is a Real Cowgirl in New Fringe-Covered Outfit
Country Queen Miranda Lambert Is a Real Cowgirl in New Fringe-Covered Outfit originally appeared on Parade. never disappoints her fans when it comes to her chic cowgirl style. In her latest set of Instagram snaps, the country songstress turned up the heat for a scenic desert photoshoot, for which she was dressed head-to-toe in one of her signature fringe-covered outfits. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Wearing a brown suede dress from her clothing brand Idyllwind, Lambert, 41, stunned in the country-inspired look, made up of a matching brown suede jacket embroidered with a horse and horseshoe designs. She paired the outfit with a turquoise belt, as well as chunky teal jewelry and of course, a cowboy hat. The "Wranglers" songstress added even more color with her cowgirl boots, which were also a bright shade of teal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert) "Long live cowgirls," she captioned the post on Wednesday, which also included a short clip of Lambert twisting around in her dress and proclaiming, "I love fringe." "And long live fringe 🔥," the Instagram account for her Idyllwind clothing company commented under the pics, while her fans flocked to the comments to gush over the stunning look. "Yes ma'am 🔥," one commenter wrote, while another person said, "The outfit is so country." Someone else commented, "When doesn't she look gorgeous 🥰." "These looks just never miss!" another fan wrote to the country queen, while someone else added, "Fringe on sister!!!!🔥❤️👏🏼" Country Queen Miranda Lambert Is a Real Cowgirl in New Fringe-Covered Outfit first appeared on Parade on Jun 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Yorkshire cowgirls prepare to face world's best
Eloisa (pictured in action) says barrel racing is not only "fun" but "scary" [Supplied] "It's the adrenaline rush I love. It's the best", says Eloisa as she tacks up a pony called Peaches, before swinging into the saddle and trotting out from a barn into an arena dotted with metal barrels. As she and Peaches then set off at a gallop, kicking up dust as they go, the 14-year-old, in a wide-brimmed hat and jeans with a large silver-buckle belt, looks every inch the Wild West cowgirl - even though all this is taking place in the perhaps more mundane setting of Mirfield in West Yorkshire. Moments before, a tractor had sprayed water onto the soft surface of the arena before the three large barrels were rolled into place, arranged into a cloverleaf pattern. Advertisement Now, Eloisa and Peaches expertly and skilfully swerve around each of those obstacles before charging for the exit. The whole thing takes less than 20 seconds - and that is the aim of barrel racing: it is all about speed over style. "When you first experience the speed, it is quite scary when you're going towards a wall and you've got to spin round a barrel, but it's so much fun," explains Eloisa. It has taken a long time for barrel racing to get all the way to West Yorkshire. In the 1940s, it was a mainstay of the US rodeo scene, as women and girls sought to give cowboys a run for their money in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Advertisement Nowadays, top barrel racers can earn thousands of dollars in prize money, and one of the biggest annual competitions is the National Barrel Horse Association Teen and Youth World Championships in Georgia. It is that contest, taking place in July, for which Eloisa, as well as 18-year-old Anna Turner, from East Yorkshire, are now making their final preparations. Eloisa, 14, pictured with Peaches, says barrel racing can be "exhilarating" [BBC] Sally Heron, who runs 4 Strides Equestrian UK in Lincolnshire, and who has put together the team including Eloisa and Anna, says the championships are "absolutely enormous". Once they arrive in Georgia, the Yorkshire pair will pitted against the "best in the world", she says. Advertisement "There will be 2,500 youths and teens between the ages of 13 and 18, racing for the entire week," Sally explains. "There'll be two arenas running, and they get through three every 60 seconds." Sally says she discovered barrel racing while living and working in America and realising she "wanted to be a cowgirl". "The Western way of training horses is very different to the English way," she says. "I love that way of training." "I love the American lifestyle and the cheering and the clapping and the support, and the warm fuzz that goes with that," she adds. Advertisement Back in the UK, Sally now has her own barrel-racing business and she introduces other riders to the sport. She says she is "now a fully-fledged cowgirl". 'Lot of effort' For Anna, from Bridlington, it will be her second time competing at the event, and she knows it will be tough. The last time she took part it was "unlike anything I've ever experienced", she says. "The atmosphere's huge, and the crowd really gets behind you - and the louder the crowd cheers, the faster the horses run." Although the sport is based purely on speed, many teams enjoy dressing up both riders and horses. Advertisement Anna says: "Bling is definitely part of it. We have our own team colours and dress up our horses. "You can get breastplates, boots and saddle pads. It's all part of the fun. "Including plaiting up, it can take up to an hour to get your horse ready. "Some of the kids even put glitter on their pony. A lot of effort goes into it." Anna Turner, 18, from Bridlington, says it will be her second time taking part in the championships in the USA [BBC] Practice over for another day, Eloisa goes back to the barn for Peaches to be untacked and loaded into a van for the return home. Peaches will not be going to the USA, with the team instead loaning ponies on which to compete. On arrival in Georgia, there will be only one day for Eloisa and Anna to acclimatise to their new steeds. Advertisement However, while she may be nervous, Eloisa says she is most certainly looking forward to taking part in the championships. For her, the excitement at being involved in such a fast-moving and spectacular sport is clear to see. "You come off and your legs are shaking. It's exhilarating," she smiles. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More like this
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sydney Sweeney strips off for hot new fashion shoot
posed for a risqué shoot for HEYDUDE shoes' country-themed campaign. The actress, 27, embraced her inner cowgirl in a series of snaps which were shared to hers and the brand's Instagram page. In one image, she flaunted her toned frame while wearing a tan-colored bodysuit as well as a dark brown cowgirl hat. Sydney slipped into a pair of $64.99 Stretch Sox shoes while spending time on the sandy shore of a scenic beach. The actress crouched down on a colorful towel while a radio was propped up directly behind her. She later posed in one of the chairs for a picture that had the words 'Wish You Were Here' printed in white lettering followed by 'In HEYDUDE Country.' Sydney was later pictured on top of a horse while wearing a white tank top and denim shorts. A short reel for the campaign showed the star about to drive a green tractor truck while a red bandana was tied around her neck. Her tank top also had the words 'Wish You Were Here' in red lettering as she began to drive on the sand. An additional clip showed the actress strolling towards the camera in a tan bodysuit as she said: 'You can take the dude out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the dude.' The camera then quickly zoomed out to show that the star was actually walking along the sandy shore of an ocean. Sweeney also filmed a selfie video near the water, she said: 'I'm such a country dude, I like to rev an engine wherever I go.' The video cut to the actress wearing a white shirt and a cream-colored hat as she added: 'I'm such a country dude, I taught my guy friends how to change a tire.' And while back by the water she continued: 'I'm such a country dude, I wear overalls more than dresses.' Horse girl: In other pics Sydney posed on top of a white horse in blue denim shorts Fury friend: Sydney's German Shepherd puppy Sully Bear was also on set for the shoot Sydney's German Shepherd puppy, Sully Bear, also joined the actress on the set of the lighthearted shoot. The adorable dog could be seen sitting on top of the star's lap as they lounged on the tractor in the shade. In the caption of her post, she wrote: 'Sully living his best life in @heydude country.' The actress adopted the dog a few months earlier in April after calling off her engagement with Jonathan Davino. Her appearance in the latest HEYDUDE campaign comes shortly after she opened up about filming nude scenes for her recent W Magazine cover. The actress has stripped down in shows such as Euphoria - where she plays the role of Cassie. However, Sydney revealed that she does not get nervous for those specific scenes and added that she feels the female body is a 'very powerful thing.' She said: 'I don't get nervous...I think that the female body is a very powerful thing. 'And I'm telling my character's story, so I owe it to them to tell it well and to do what needs to be done.' Sydney previously talked about filming nude scenes and being perceived as a 'sex symbol' during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2022. She said: 'People forget that I'm playing a character, they think, "Oh, she gets naked onscreen, she's a sex symbol". 'And I can't get past that. I have no problems with those scenes, and I won't stop doing them, but I wish there was an easier way to have an open conversation about what we're assuming about actors in the industry.'
