CG Roundup & Show-deo kicks off New Year

Contributed

To renew your cowgirl spirit and celebrate women and their fantastic connection to the equine family, be at the Hill Country State Natural Area on Saturday, Jan. 2, for the 2010 Cowgirl Roundup and Show-deo.

At noon, the cowgirls will be astride their horses and all gussied up for a panoramic photograph at the lodge area arena, located at 10600 Bandera Creek Road, past the HCSNA Headquarters. Participants can pre-register for the photo at Lew’s Bunkhouse Leather or online at leanne.beauxbeannes@tpwd.state.tx.us.

Many cowgirls have already pre-registered for the annual event, which is sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
The women have created personas that highlight the skills and stories of the Texas cowgirls. During the Cowgirl Roundup and Show-deo expect to hear from women wranglers, trainers, pleasure riders and “her-storians,” among others who helped tame the Wild West.

The day’s entertainment will also include a gaited-horse drill team, women farriers, horse rescue organizations and artists and crafters, among others. New this year will be an exhibition of Cowgirl Costumes and the antics of a local stagecoach driver.

Everyone is invited to come out and explore the growing list of categories of cowgirls. All are urged to show and tell about their relationship with their equine partners. So far, the day includes cowgals ages six to 60, which proves it’s never too early or too late to become a cowgirl.

Last year, lots of women attempted the speed or timed events on horses that had never knocked over a barrel. This year, a group of experienced horsewomen will set up a competitive trail challenge in the area for all participants to attempt to navigate.

Cowgirls are reminded to bring their hats and Coggins-negative steeds to the natural area at 11 am and report to the arena by high noon to be immortalized in the panoramic picture.

Additionally, all county residents are urged to attend the free and family-friendly Cowgirl Roundup and Show-deo. This homespun event, which is guaranteed to charm everyone, serves as a great way to kick-off the New Year.

Throughout the day, volunteers with the friends’ group, HC-SNAP - Hill Country State Natural Area Partners - will offer snacks at the old-fashioned cook shack. Proceeds will benefit SNAP programs.

To get to the Cowgirl Roundup and Show-deo, follow signs from Bandera and take 173 South one mile to FM 1077 west to the park - where the pavement ends and the West begins.