Western Women Who Dared to Be Different

When the subject of the West comes to mind most of the images tend to be masculine. Tough men who worked as cowboys, trappers, lawmen and hard-nosed businessmen. But women have also played a major role in the West. Now, Gail Hughbanks Woerner shines the spotlight on women who played major roles in rodeo, ranching, business and more.

Gail brings to life the women and their accomplishments that set them apart and makes them unique. She has spent a lifetime documenting the history of professional rodeo, but now tells stories that are much more personal to her. During her career she has had the opportunity to cross paths with and in some cases become friends with women who have unique stories. She even has the opportunity to tell the story of her pioneer great-grandmother.

The women coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and many have overcome hardships that would stop most people. Their accomplishments have come in a variety of fields, normally dominated by men. Some succeeded in the rodeo arena, while others found success in farming and ranching. Many of the women found their success in the business world and even the movie industry. Most of the women have similar strengths such as hard work, determination and belief in family. But all of their stories are unique and inspiring.