Cowgirl U Teaching Ladies the Ropes of Rodeo

Friday night was Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night at the Big Sky PRCA Rodeo, but before the actual rodeo began, ladies gathered right outside the arena to learn the ropes of rodeo. For the last two years, ladies have gathered at the Big Sky Rodeo, not only to watch the bucking broncs and the steer take-downs, but to learn more about the art of rodeo, all thanks to Cowgirl U. “So we have stations set up, much like what you would see at a rodeo, and the ladies that are involved are going around to each station, learning more about the event that are happening during the rodeo,” said Megan Helmer, Cowgirl Coordinator. “They hopefully will go to the rodeo tonight a little more well informed and can spread more knowledge about the sport of rodeo.” But the event more than just roping and barrel racing. “The Cowgirl U event in Great Falls is raising money for breast cancer awareness in the community of Great Falls so the money goes directly to local people who are somehow affected by breast cancer,” said Helmer. “So it might be a prosthetic, a wig, it might be fuel to get to a cancer treatment. That’s where this money goes directly to.” Whether you’re here to donate to an important cause, or if you came to learn something new about a popular sport, Cowgirl U has something for everyone. “Ladies want to get together and have a fun night out, and that’s what this is a ll about and the fact that it’s a part of rodeo - something that people are very curious about and get to learn more about every year,” said Helmer. “I think it just grows every year because of the word of mouth and that kind of thing.”