The Legacy of Women at Prescott Frontier Days® – World’s Oldest Rodeo®
Written by Donna Werking
The history of women in rodeo at Prescott Frontier Days® – World’s Oldest Rodeo® is rich with trailblazers, traditions, and transformative milestones, marking the significant roles women have played in rodeo culture from its earliest days. Known as a proving ground for the best riders, ropers, and racers, Prescott’s rodeo set the stage for female competitors to showcase their talent and courage, carving out spaces for women in a largely male-dominated sport.
1889: Female Cowboy Pony Racers Debut
The history of women competing at Prescott Frontier Days® began in 1889 with the introduction of female cowboy pony racers. At a time when many women’s athletic activities were limited, this pioneering move opened doors, setting a precedent that women could not only participate but excel in competitive rodeo events.
1915-1927: Female Bronc Riders Take the Spotlight
By 1915, female bronc riders entered the scene, marking another groundbreaking moment in rodeo history. These women exhibited the same grit and determination as their male counterparts, riding bucking broncos in the arena. Although this thrilling event concluded in 1927, it established an early legacy of resilience among female riders at the rodeo.
1939: Introduction of Rodeo Queens
The Prescott Frontier Days® Rodeo Queens program began in 1939, honoring young women who exemplified Western values, rodeo knowledge, and horsemanship. The queen competition elevated women’s visibility and involvement in the rodeo, fostering a sense of pride and tradition that has remained integral to the event’s identity.
1941: The First Twin Rodeo Queens
In 1941, the rodeo made history by crowning twin sisters as the Prescott Frontier Days® Rodeo Queens. This unique event underscored the diverse ways women could represent the rodeo, highlighting family connections and community roots that continue to be celebrated today.
1942: The First Women’s Team Roping Competition
Another milestone came in 1942 with the introduction of the first women’s team roping competition. As an iconic rodeo skill, team roping showcased the coordination and talent of women competitors, further embedding their skills in the broader rodeo community.
1948: Juanita Howell, First Female Trick Rider
Juanita Howell’s debut as Prescott’s first female trick rider in 1948 captivated audiences with daring stunts and impeccable skill. Her performances solidified trick riding as a staple event for female rodeo participants.
1958: Karen Womack, Trick Rider and Queen
Karen Womack, now known as Karen Vold, emerged as an accomplished trick rider in 1958, later earning the title of Queen at Phoenix’s Rodeo of Rodeos. Womack’s success illustrated how women could excel both in athletic skill and as representatives of the rodeo’s spirit and community.
1959: First Female Barrel Racers
Barrel racing debuted for female competitors in 1959, and it has since become one of the most popular and enduring events. The high-speed, skillful races embody the agility and tenacity that define female rodeo competitors.
1976: Laurel Foraker Crowned Ms. Arizona Rodeo
In 1976, Prescott Frontier Days® Rodeo Queen Laurel Foraker was crowned Ms. Arizona Rodeo, a title that recognized her for outstanding representation of the rodeo’s values across Arizona. This achievement reflected how far women’s roles in rodeo had come and the prestige they had earned.
2021: Breakaway Roping Debut
Most recently, in 2021, the World’s Oldest Rodeo® introduced women’s breakaway roping, a timed event emphasizing skill and precision. This addition signifies the rodeo’s commitment to evolving with the times and continually expanding women’s opportunities.
Through over a century of achievements, female participants in Prescott Frontier Days® have not only competed but have become icons, ambassadors, and symbols of Western heritage and resilience. Their contributions are celebrated and woven into the fabric of the rodeo’s longstanding history. To learn more about the World’s Oldest Rodeo, visit www.worldsoldestrodeo.com. Prescott’s renown rodeo tickets go on sale in March 17, 2025. Be sure to mark your calendars. Source: Danny Rogers, World’s Oldest Rodeo Historian Source: World’s Oldest Rodeo: 100-year history, 1888-1988 by Danny Freeman.