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The Western Feminine Spirit

There is something special, almost sacred about what goes on in between a little girl and her horse. Even if her horse is a stick one and she’s standing on grandpa’s fire place yelling “ yeehaaww” or maybe it’s the pony she takes lessons on, or her father’s old broke roping pony she putts around on in the pasture.

Not many can deny that there is something unique about these little girls, and when they’re no longer riding around in youth saddles, their pony tails seen swinging with their horses as you watch them come back to the barn from a long day out riding in the brush.

When these little girls grow up, and start meeting boys with trucks, earning some money chasing cans, winning their first tiara’s and of course behind her, the whole time, her partner, first love, and one she tells all her secrets  too, her horse.

When these girls transform into ladies, then they sure are a force to be reckoned with.

I was once one of these children, playing with my breyer horse’s in the sand in the backyard, wishing it was filled with equine friends for me to visit with. Along the way growing older, a few of these little girls who have grown into strong women have been points of inspiration and strength to me. I believe that the feminine western spirit is not embraced to its full potential, and there are many cowgirls who may be historic or walking around your town today, but they all have stories to tell that you can learn and grow from.

One Christmas morning I received one of these tales from my father as a gift. This book contained the life story of Velma. B. Johnston, also known as Wild Horse Annie.  Annie was born in 1912, a time period where woman were not quite given equal rights, and we’re looked down upon for working. Ignoring these cultural gender roles, she worked anyways. As a child she contracted polio. Which forever changed her, in both physical appearance and mindset, as a result of this Annie was rather docile throughout her youth years. This Nevada ranch raised woman was lit on fire one day when she saw a truck full of bleeding mustangs being taken to a slaughter plant. Mustangs were being rounded up, semi tires thrown around their necks in order to wear them out. Then half alive dragged into slaughter plants, and killed without mercy for puppy chow.

This didn’t go over well with Velma B. Johnston who believed that her own father had been saved by the milk of a mustang mare and as a result mustang blood ran intertwined with her own.

This little lady, despite her difficulties, began to speak up against this, thus starting a grassroots campaign for the mustangs.  She followed by gaining support by raising awareness in civilians. She encouraged people of all kind; too write letters to people in power. Behind her at all times, were the children who she inspired, and her husband Charlie.

Annie possessed the feminine type fire that woman should admire. How women were looked upon, and the fact Velma’s physical appearance was different, played a part in her journey. Before she could save the mustangs, she had to be okay with herself. Velma overcame those difficulties and began attending every public meeting about issues regarding the mustangs. Ranchers were accusing the wild horses of grazing up all of their land, and labeled them as a nuisance animal. In reality though, ranchers were only seeking more land for their livestock to graze on.  

A bill for the mustangs was eventually written, and as a result, Annie went to Washington to speak on behalf of the mustangs. The bill ( give information on the bill and what it pertains) was passed and the mustangs were free.

Wild Horse Annie is just one example of a horse woman who is full of life, spirit and try. There are many more out there like her.

I’ve worked with some old school cowgirls, and boy do I have respect for them. Their skin might look as rough as the hide she’s riding in but her heart makes up for it. There is something unique about this breed of woman. In fact the gal I learned to ride from at a young age was one of these ladies. She was tough as nails, however did have some sort of softness about her. She was very strict with me, and she makes sure I did everything up to a high standard. If I did something entirely wrong, she would be blunt, and yell at me.

However, this put a foundation on me that I will always use. It also built character at a young age. I was taught to listen to every word she said, and then carefully execute whatever was being asked of me. This traditional cowgirl was the lady who laid down the rules for my future equine endeavors.

I had another old school cowgirl, who was a little younger, come into my life at a later time. I owe this woman so much for passing on her wisdom too me. This lady taught me to git er dun, also how to be efficient, and to leave my emotions out of the way. Cleaning stalls in 110 degree weather is never fun, but it’s necessary. I also learned from her that consistency and giving your all to what you love is essential to success.

Earlier this summer, I got into my first serious riding accident. My mare ran through a barbed wire fence and flipped over on top of me.  The next morning when I woke up feeling like a train wreck, the only thought that crossed my mind was to get back on. So I put on my boots and I went for a ride down the wash. I did this not only for myself, but because I want to be one of these women one day. I yearn to be able to pass my knowledge and life experience on to a little girl bitten by a horse bug. To help her grow into her full potential, just like the unique ladies who have taken me under their wing.

My wish is that all women realize the sacred connection we have with our equine friends. We should embrace this unique type of culture. These horse women who devote their lives to teaching others, or helping the animal they love the most. The feminine spirit that lives and plays inside of them is one to be sheltered and shared at the right moments. I encourage women to go out and seek this spirit. Women who possess it are something special; from the time they’re little, to when they grow up and get married. When it comes to horses it’s important to plow full speed ahead, and put all of your being into it. Having that spirit or passion inside is something special. To all of those tough ladies out there that have the western feminine sprit. My hat goes off to you.