Well-behaved women rarely make history.

Early American ranch women defied convention and risked social rejection simply by wearing pants to do chores, but they paved the way for a new level of freedom women had yet to enjoy. In a way, cowgirls were the first feminists. It's no coincidence that women's suffrage made its first gains in the West. Wyoming was the first to grant us the right to vote in 1869.

As we head into rodeo season in North Idaho, celebrating the cowgirl is apropos.

It was the cowgirl whose need to ride astride led to the split skirt or gaucho. A girl can't rope cattle riding sidesaddle. Ranch work required women to learn certain skills; on some 19th century ranches women were even in charge, perhaps because of aging fathers or widowhood. It took some time, but eventually cowgirls earned some respect, even if it wasn't as equals.

It was entertainment, rather than need, which coined the term, "cowgirl" (OK ... first it was "cowboy girl"). Rodeo shows welcomed women riders and soon thereafter, competitors. The first woman to be called a cowgirl was Lucille Mulhall; after reporters struggled with various descriptions one finally settled on the one-word term.

This daughter of an Oklahoma rancher and "Queen of the Range" could rope when she was 8 years old. She was the only woman to compete in men's steer roping competitions (which she repeatedly won). Will Rogers, her friend and teacher, called Lucille the world's greatest rider.

Cowgirl Adele von Ohl Parker was raised by aristocratic parents in New Jersey. When she was young the family owned a successful horse breeding and training operation. Some of their scout horses were used by George Washington's army.

When high society lost interest in fine horses, Adele and her sister had to use them to plow neighboring farms for money. From there Adele became an expert horsewoman and later joined Buffalo Bill's show circuit as daredevil stunt rider. She became famous for stunts like picking coins up off the floor with her teeth, while riding a galloping horse. In later years her ranch became a safe haven and help center for recovering animals, Indians, and fellow ranchers in need.

Around the 1940s the rodeo circuit disqualified women from competing with men. The excuse was to save money, diverting it to the men's purse. The girls would have none of it; they created their own women's circuit so they could keep riding.

Even if you're not into roping, riding, or ranching, anyone can appreciate the contribution these trail-blazers made to American society. They redefined society's expectations of women, and showed that gender roles must be adaptable to both need and skills.

To see modern cowgirls, mosey on over to the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Aug. 25-29. They're also hosting a "Cowgirls at Heart" school on Aug. 27 for women interested in rodeo sports. Call (208) 765-4969 for fair information.

Sholeh Patrick, J.D. is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email sholehjo@hotmail.com

Sholeh

Patrick