Saddle Up for Success: The Journey to Utah Cowgirl Collective
By Mikyla Bagley
From buckaroo brims and cattleman crowns to brick tops, the Utah Cowgirl Collective is unlike any rodeo pageant or equine competition. You’ll find deep-seated cutting saddles and study-built ropers. Light-weight barrel saddles and hefty Colorado’s with three-foot tie strings.
Diversity is evident not only in tack and apparel, but in the experience and personalities of each horsewoman at the reins. This is a Utah Cowgirl Collective tryout. A diverse group of cowgirls from all walks of western life.
Becoming a Utah Cowgirl Collective Ambassador
Becoming part of the Utah Cowgirl Collective starts with one small step: the decisions to try.
I have a small confession to make. When the year started I had no idea that the Utah Cowgirl Collective even existed, but in early spring I was introduced to the collective, did some digging and fell in love with what this organization stands for, so I decided to throw my trusty Resistol into the ring.
Online Application
When the application period opened I was at my computer framing a lifetime of passion into a handful of keystrokes.
The online application consists of basic questions about yourself–your name, education, and riding experience–and a handful of open essay questions, but don’t be intimidated. Each question focuses on your experiences in the western industry and areas of your community where you would like to serve. The hardest part is finding a way to summarize such an integral part of your life into a few short sentences.
Along with the application, it is important to submit a headshot, horsemanship video and letter of recommendation. I jumped on my trusty rope horses and recruited my brother and husband to help with photography and videography, but the videos can include more than basic horsemanship. This is the cowgirl collective, so feel free to include glimpses into any western sports, hobbies and work that you do on the back of the horse or on the ground.
Virtual Interview
A few days after submitting the application my journey continued. I received an email notification inviting me to schedule a time for a virtual interview with the Cowgirl Collective selection committee.
With a burst of excitement, I shook out the jitters and accepted my Zoom invitation. For 10-20 minutes I was able to introduce myself to the committee, talk about my experience with horses and ranching and get to know more about the Utah Cowgirl Collective.
Like most people, I despise talking about myself as much as my horse dislikes waiting to be fed, but the interview is a great time to interact with professionals in the western industry. Come prepared with any questions about the collective, ambassador duties or the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo and most of all, just be your genuine self!
Top 12 In-Person Tryout: Horsemanship and Project Proposals
When I was invited to join the top-12 Utah Cowgirl Collective applicants for an in-person tryout, I was ecstatic. In the weeks leading up to tryouts I racked up hours in the saddle, making sure my trusty partners were legged-up and that we were ready to showcase our skills and style. In those two weeks I also spent many hours at my computer and speaking with friends about my Cowgirl Collective Service Project Proposal.
Each top-12 cowgirl prepares and presents a service project proposal that she would like to complete if selected to serve as an ambassador. With a little thought, I had a list of service ideas and partner organizations that I felt inspired to help. I ultimately decided to present a project that I felt a true connection to and hoped that my passion for this project would shine through.
The day of tryouts came and I made the breathtaking drive through blooming orchards and green fields to the Dan Shaw Ranch in Elk Ridge, Utah. I knocked the dust from Ralph’s sorrel coat and then saddled up to join the other 11 girls warming up. Instantly, I was blown away by the beautiful horses and the talented riders. There were cutters and barrel horses, ropers and ranch horses and each girl masterfully showcased their skills while sharing a friendly smile with fellow contestants and spectators.
The 12 cowgirls all complete an individual horsemanship pattern followed by cow work. When My turn came I rode into the arena with a smile locked on my face, hoping no one would notice the quiver in my hands. I asked Ralph for a trot and then a lope. We stopped, completed a full turn and then continued to the center of the arena where we changed leads..
When we completed the pattern I called for my steer. The high-headed Corriente trotted down the fence straight to the catchpen like shift work. Ralph and I worked the steer on the fence, rolling left and right and staying at the steer’s head. Then, we got behind and pushed the steer back down the fence toward the chute where he started, but like a well-trained rope steer, the Corriente tried to double back. Ralph and I worked, pushing the steer back to the fence until he was running down the alley.
I patted Ralph’s neck with pride as we rode up to the judges. They asked questions about my tack, my trusty red mount and what being a cowgirl means to me. I rode from the pen with a relieving breath, ready to cheer on the next few cowgirls.
After a group lunch, we tightened our cinches and broke into groups for flag runs. Hooves pounded the dirt and the flags streamed behind each cowgirl as we lined up and presented the rodeo sponsors. When the flags were retired the crowds dispersed and the top-12 applicants awaited their turn with the selection committee.
“You’re up next.”
My heartbeat sounded in my ears and my mind raced over my service project. I walked into the room and dove in, explaining my project, my personal connection to it and how the Utah Cowgirl Collective was the perfect organization to help me see it through.
The Golden Ticket: Introduction of New Collective Members
When you rope your first calf in the branding pen, you become part of something. When you turn the final barrel and surge for home, you become part of something. When you pull on your boots, snatch up your trusty winter coat and help a newborn calf in the dead of night you become part of something.
The moment that I became a Utah Cowgirl Collective Ambassador I became a part of something. The Utah Cowgirl Collective and the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo are helping preserve western heritage and educate others about the industry. Being able to serve as an ambassador for these brands is an honor that shines bright in my mind in part because of the dust and sweat accompanying the journey.
For me, the journey to Cowgirl Collective began before any applications, interviews or riding tryouts. My journey began in the mountain valleys of central Utah in a town where the cows outnumber the people, the winters are harsh but breathtaking and the people wear calloused hands like a badge of honor.
The Grass Valley in central Utah’s mountains is home to many hard working men and women with a grit that is only matched by their love for helping others. I was born and raised here, surrounded by sage brush and cattle. It was here that I learned to ride, drive a tractor and to love the western way of life. It is here that I learned and developed the values that the Utah Cowgirl Collective exemplifies: grit, grace and connection.
I am honored to serve alongside exceptional cowgirls who embody these traits. Our western lifestyles and backgrounds may be very different, but that’s what makes us a Cowgirl Collective.
Meet the 2024 Utah Cowgirl Collective Ambassadors >>
Stay In the Loop: Follow Our Utah Cowgirl Collective Journey
Stay in the loop about upcoming events and come along with us on this journey by checking out the Utah Cowgirl Collective website. You can also keep up with our adventures as Utah Cowgirl Collective Ambassadors by following the Utah Cowgirl Collective on Instagram and Facebook.
We look forward to this year of service and rodeo. Catch us at the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo July 19-20, 22-24–tickets are going fast so don’t delay. We hope to see you there!