Generational Cowgirls
Some inherit the cowgirl way of life. Some find their way to it. And some are the beginning of a whole new generation.
Jessica Small
Being a cowgirl to me is more than just riding horses or being involved in rodeo. It’s a way of life. It means working hard, taking care of your animals, raising your kids with the same values, having faith in God, and showing up even on the hard days.
It’s about grit, responsibility, family, and having a deep love and respect for the western lifestyle. Being a cowgirl has taught me that things won’t always go as planned, but you get back up, keep going, and do the best you can.
There have been a few very special people who have influenced my cowgirl life.
It started with my grandpa, who had a small cow-calf operation in South Dakota. As a little girl, I always looked up to him and wanted to be like him. He would take me on rides, and I would giggle the whole time. I think he planted the seed for the life I have today, and it’s pretty special that now my husband and I run a small Angus beef herd of our own.
My mom’s friend Dara also played a big part in my love for horses. When I was young, she would pick me up from school on Fridays, and if I had a good report from my teacher, she would buy me a snack, and we would spend the afternoon riding her horse, Bobbi Ann. Those simple Friday afternoons are some of my favorite memories.
My mom was the one who convinced my dad to let me get my first horse when I was in grade school. She helped me take care of my horse, drove me to and from all the things I wanted to do, and put in countless hours so I could have those opportunities. Now that I’m a mom myself, I have an even greater appreciation for everything she did to support something I loved.
As an adult, my husband has been a huge part of allowing me to continue living the life I always dreamed about. Together, we raise our family, run our Angus cattle, and have built a life centered around horses and the western way of life.
I also team rope now, which has become another part of my love for this lifestyle. My husband’s hard work and support have given me the opportunity to continue growing as a horsewoman and cowgirl.
When I look at my life now, I can see a little piece of each of them in the cowgirl I’ve become. From wanting to be like my grandpa as a little girl, to my first rides and first horse, to now raising cattle, team roping, and sharing this lifestyle with my own family, it really has come full circle.
Lessons From the Cowgirl Life
One thing the cowgirl life has taught me is resilience.
With horses and cattle, things don’t always go according to plan. You can put in all the work and still have a bad run, a sick or injured animal, or a day where nothing seems to go right. You learn to take care of what needs taking care of, learn from it, and keep going.
This lifestyle has taught me that hard work doesn’t always guarantee an easy road, but there is always something to be learned from the hard days.
Never Give Up
The best advice I would pass on is to never give up.
The things in life that are truly worth having usually come with a lot of hard work, sweat, and even some tears. There will be days when you question yourself and days when it would be easier to quit, but keep showing up and keep trying.
Some of the hardest things you go through end up being the things you’re most proud of.
Never give up. Ever.
Where the Salt Comes In
I’m strong-willed, I’ve got a big mouth, and usually some pretty tough skin. I’m not afraid to speak my mind, stand my ground, or say what everyone else in the room is thinking.
Sometimes that gets me in a little trouble, but I guess that’s where the salt comes in!
And, Of Course, the Coffee
I like my coffee like I like my personality: a little sweet, a little salty, and sometimes just straight black.
Depends on the day!
The people behind the cowgirl.
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your story with us and for being part of Generational Cowgirls.
Stay Salty, Dara | Founder Salty Cowgirl Coffee Co.
