celebrating
cowgirls
The essence of Cowgirl Style...
contents Hot Off The Press ………………. 18 Wrangler launches new jean, ‘Booty Up’
Rodeo In Style …………………… 20 Finding the right barrel saddle
Up Close With Terri Clark ……... 29 Cowgirls In Style catches up with Terri while on tour…
How I Fell In Love With ………..38 Terri Clark
in every issue A Cowgirl’s Voice Cowgirls Entertainment Cowgirls In Business Cowgirls In Fashion Our Favorite Picks Rodeo Queen Corner Cowgirls Behind The Chutes The Western Wanderer Cowgirls Barn Boutique
On Our Cover Terri Clark Photo by: Ivan Otis Read more ……………….
29
6 8 10 12 13-17 22 24 32 36
City Slicker Tom Kelly talks of the night he saw Terri Clark in concert. You can click on the links in this magazine and automatically go directly to the business website. This makes it convenient to read more about the business or go shopping!
From The Editor A Cowgirl’s Voice Susan Lynn Gentry
the essence of cowgirl style
W
elcome to Cowgirls In Style Online Magazine! I am so excited to share with you some of our favorite Cowgirl fashions, stories, spotlights and more. We hope the end result of this magazine will inspire, entertain, and enlighten every person who reads it. It is meant to bring a voice to cowgirls all over the country and even world! It is the essence of Cowgirls lifestyle. Whether you are a cowgirl who rides, ropes and mends fence on the range every day or a country girl who loves cowgirl fashion, we hope that Cowgirls In Style online magazine will not only be informative, but touch the heart of each reader. I would like to thank country music artist, Terri Clark for taking time out of her busy schedule while back on tour to let us interview her. Terri is a beautiful, talented person who has a way of connecting with every person and makes them feel that they are an important part of her life. Take a minute and read the article about her. Her new album, “Roots and Wings” will be available on I-Tunes July 26th and in stores Sept 13th. We are also ‘Kickin’ It Up with Cowgirl Fashion. We have picked some of our favorite fashions from the Biggest Cowgirl Brands! Also, be the first to see the latest fashions hot off the shelves for those brands. Meet Katy Messersmith, founder of the Katydid Collection, our Cowgirl in Business. One of the stories that touched my heart was our spotlight cowgirl, Jennifer Bosley. She inspired me through her story of the loss of her father and the will to live her dream of barrel racing. I am excited to introduce our Cowgirl Up, Rodeo Royalty editor, Bobbie Hinds, former Miss Rodeo Kansas. She will write in each issue with a behind the scenes look of pageants of all sizes, giving you a glimpse of what it’s like to be a modern day rodeo queen. Travel the West reading our “The Western Wanderer” editorial and laugh and cry with our City Slicker Cowboy, Tom Kelly as he talks about the night he fell in love with Terri Clark. We look forward to bringing you the latest news, entertainment and fashion for the cowgirl. We hope to see you on the trail! 6
Susan Gentry Founder Editor-In-Chief Jeannie Flynn Robert Brian Assistant Editors Contributors Bobbie Hinds Cort Flynn Devanie Gentry Tom Kelly Country Productions Art/Production/Layout Quinn Charles Advertising
Send editorial submissions to: editor@cowgirlsinstyle.com For Advertising: advertising@cowgirlsinstyle.com Office: Country Productions P.O. Box 841 Washington, UT 84780 Email: info@countryproductions.com
Country Productions Country Productions/Cowgirls In Style magazine is not responsible for content in ads. Cowgirls In Style online magazine is protected by copyright. Please ask for permission if you would like to use any part of this magazine.
Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
W
hen Ty Murray and singer song writer wife, Jewel become parents any day now, Jewel says she is not going to freak out if she doesn’t lose the baby weight quickly when it’s all over. She says “I’m feeling really great and enjoying pregnancy much more than I thought I would,” the musician, 37, tells Fit Pregnancy“I didn’t know what to expect, every woman is different and you hear such horror stories. But I also heard that you should try to enjoy it, so I took that to heart and tried not to fret about weight gain or anything else.”And, she adds, despite its drawbacks, “Pregnancy is a privilege, and I feel lucky that I get to do it. It’s kind of sad that men don’t.”Jewel, host of Bravo’s music competition show Platinum Hit, also reveals she has a healthy attitude towards weight gain during pregnancy. “Well, you’re supposed to gain up to 35 pounds, and now I’m at 30 weeks and I’ve gained 30 pounds,” she explains during the interview, conducted in May.“The first several months I hardly gained anything, then it happened fast. I don’t know how I could control that
8
I have a healthy diet, I don’t eat sugar. I think your body has its own wisdom and as long as you are doing the best you can, you just have to find a balance.”The only post-baby diet she’s considering these days is the nursing plan — which some mothers find burns many extra calories — and says her first priority will be her newborn son. “As far as losing the weight, I’m hoping that breastfeeding does the job, but I won’t be neurotic about it, about working out right away,” she says. “I am capable of that but I’m going to cut myself lots of slack. I want to give myself time to rest and heal and tend to my new baby for a month or so, and then I will definitely get back into a workout routine.”Jewel also offers some advice for other first-time moms that she’s found to be helpful during her own pregnancy. “Knowledge really is power,” she says. “The more you can educate yourself, the better. Your body and your health are your responsibility. I love doctors, but I have to live with the decisions I make. Make sure you get your questions answered. – Sara Hammel
Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
Meet Katy Messersmith, Self-Taught in Business and Fashion, founded Multi-Million Dollar Business, The Katydid Collection Katy Messersmith first arrived on the fashion scene in 2002 quite by accident. While volunteering at a women's prenatal clinic in Africa, her life took a turn – literally, her luggage was lost and she was soon collaborating with local seamstresses. Those first designs reflected the vibrant, local culture but lit a creative and entrepreneurial spark in Katy foreshadowing the bold Katydid creations to come. Forever the risk-taker, Katy was determined to succeed, despite being self-taught in the worlds of business and fashion. Today, the company is a multi-million dollar business based in the heart of the Dallas design district and was recently named in the 2010 Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The Katydid Collection lifestyle brand includes children's apparel, women's and men's clothing, and small accessories such as hats, belts and laptop cases. The youthful yet edgy styles, vibrant colors, and signature popular motifs mixed with unexpected patterns have become wardrobe staples for women of all ages. While clients are drawn to her products by the modern designs and creative embellishments, repeat customers return for the exceptional
quality of the garments. Katy insists on the highest standards for her label, and the entire apparel line is made in the USA. The label is sold in more than 10,000 boutiques across the nation. A firm believer in the power of giving back, Katy constantly looks for ways to make a difference in the community and empower emerging women. Dress for Success, Susan G. Komen, and Kidds Kids are a few of the charities Katydid Collection supports. "I love expressing my creativity through art, whether it's painting or apparel, and have always found the vibrant personalities of my customers to be my biggest inspiration - more than famous designers or bleedingedge fashion," says Katy. "I mix colors and patterns to reflect the latest trends, but the primary goal for my designs is to empower. I want Katydid women to feel sexy, feminine and confident." Katy is a true Texan, she graduated from Texas A & M and currently resides in Dallas. For more information or to see Katydid clothing go to:
www.KatyDidCollection.com
Cowgirl Fashion for Summer… By Devanie Gentry
What’s hot in Summer fashion for the Country Scene? Well, if you’re looking for something country with a feminine twist, let’s talk gingham and lace . Gingham has got to be the ultimate summer fabric. Longline shirts either tucked into your jeans or worn down loose over your favorite denim jeans or capris and can be layered and topped off with a belt .It is all the rage for country or the New York catwalks. The gingham comes in both pastel and bold prints. It’s a perfect way to wear a lightweight summer top or dress with a fine pair of boots or cowgirl flip flops. You can even find g i n gh a m trimmed with lace for an old fashioned feminine look. A perfect style for that summer rodeo or county fair.
12
Now let’s look at lace. One of my favorite styles for summer are the lace trimmed jeans, tshirts and dresses. A perfect look with a bold string of pearls. Lace trimmed jeans with a lace trimmed tank or t-shirt looks fabulous with a brown or tan pair of boot. You can also find lace trimmed capris, which look stunning with a pair of brown ‘Hide n’ Hair’ cowgirl flip flops. CowBooty Fashions offers gorgeous flip flops that will make an impact on any summer attire.
Cowgirl flip flops are all the rage and you can find them affordably priced at www.CowbootyFashions.com
Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
Summer Experience Katydid’s youthful yet edgy styles, vibrant colors and signature popular motifs mixed with unexpected patterns. They have become staples for women of all ages. With a touch of cowgirl style, these fashions are quickly becoming the popular brand worn by women and children. Check out their men’s line too. Pick out your favorite and be noticed! Refer to the Katydid ad on page 2. They are offering 15% off of your purchase!!
Cranberry S/S Large Leopard Fleur Shirt Large leopard fleur design with rhinestones on front only. Lot’s of bling!
Black Cowgirl Boots s/s Shirt Short sleeve round fitted neck Rhinestone and print design on front only. Sizes: S-XXXL Pink Western Concho Leather Genuine leather cuff with rhinestones and studs. Smooth black leather.
Zebra Fleur Di Lis Large zebra print fleur di lis design with rhinestones on the front. Lots of bling!! Sizes: S-XXL
Black Hair On Hide Western Concho Leather Cuff Genuine leather cuff with clear rhinestones and studs. Turquoise/Brown Sublimation V-neck dress Large color rhinestone embellishments on front. Elastic band under chest. Finish off with a turquoise necklace, turquoise and silver bangle bracelets with a Katydid cuff and a pair of brown cowboy boots!
Hot Pink S/S Zebra Horseshoe Shirt Large zebra horseshoe design with rhinestones on front only. Lot’s of bling!
www.KatydidCollection.com Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
13
Summer In 1998, Cruel Girl was created as a premium western brand that complimented every girl’s favorite features while maintaining a dedication to an active lifestyle. Stressing great fit, quality and attitude, the brand continued to grow. Fused with the original, rodeo-performance Cruel Girl brand, Crueldenim was born. As a more fashion forward call to action, Cruel adds retro attitude, feminine charm, and dramatic details to your most beloved fits. Their ideology speaks for itself
Alysa Jean Summer means, for the lucky few, that traveling is on the itinerary. The new Alysa jean sets you free with a universal medium stonewash accented with baked creases
Black Cruel University Tee This Cruel Girl t-shirt is a great shirt for summer or fall. The distressed screenprint is on front of shirt only.
Fashionable Blue Tee Light and dark blues make this shirt a hit for summer. Wear with jeans, shorts or capris.
Melissa Capri Denim The new Melissa Capri from CRUEL GIRL is great for it all. The skinny shape of this stretch Capri is a phenomenal fit, and the do-it-all dark stonewash and cool destruction only make it better. The brick-style embroidery stitch keeps things grounded but intriguing as you set off for the next great summer adventure.
U of C White Tee This white tee includes green and hot pink are a cute match with the U of C green hat. Perfect for summer!
Brown Cruel T-Shirt This brown Cruel Girl t-shirt is a must have staple in your cowgirl wardrobe. Perfect color for the cowgirl look.
www.CruelGirl.com 14
Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
Hide n’ Sole flip flop with turquoise beading, conchos and rhinestones. Back heel 1.5” front 1”. Real cowhide material.
Summer CowBooty Fashions are accessories that are stylish and affordable! They have something to match every outfit, from their cowgirl flip flops, bling belts, purses and jewelry. Buy from CowBooty Fashions and you won’t regret it. Belts, purses, jewelry and flip flops are all at low prices.
1” wide belt with rhinestones. Ornaments and metal studs. Comes in S-XXL Leather material
Big Bling Flip Flops with crystal rhinestones and conchos. 3” wedge flip flop
Bone color with pastel designs with rhinestones. Side pockets.
Genuine brindle cowhide leather belt strap with barrel racer conchos and rhinestones. M-XL
Western Cowiglrl West bran. Leatherette material with star rhinestone conchos. Genuine rhinestone crystals.
“Go Cowgirls” turquoise and silver necklace with matching turquoise earrings. A great addition to your rodeo attire.
Beautiful blue feather earrings with silver. Only $3.95!!
www.CowBootyFashions.com Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
15
Summer Launched in 1976, phenomenal growth for the Rockies brand began in the early 1980s, when barrel racers discovered jeans that not only fit perfectly, but looked sensational in the arena as well. Created to fit the authentic western heritage at the core of the traditional western female, the brand's explosive success is due to the great fit and distinctive look of the clothing. Made for women of all ages.
Sonora Slim Stretch This fabulous dark rinse jean is adorned with a symphony of embroidery on the back pockets. The combination of pewter hues and a frosty blue add a thrill to a flattering boot cut style.
Yellow Shirt with Print Long sleeve, cotton shirt perfect for the summer. Light weight material in a cool yellow pastel color makes this shirt a match for any denim or Capri. Add a brown, rhinestone belt and you’re ready for any event!
Bright Blue Shirt LIGHT BLUE - Sunset Short sleeve shirt, 100% Cotton, with plain weave solid with embroidered yokes . Beautiful color.
Dayton Capri The Dayton denim Capri is both stylish and comfortable. Looks good with heels, boots or a pair of wedge flip flops.
White Tee WHITE - Raw Edge Short sleeve jersey , 100% Cotton, Roping Academy Art Print
Cody Khaki The Cody jean is now being offered in a timeless khaki finish. With exceptional mass appeal, this best selling jean style will be sought after by barrel racers, horse show ladies, cattlewomen and by individuals seeking classy 'uniform' jeans. So be sure to stock up on this great khaki bull denim.
www.RockiesJeans.com 16
Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
Summer When we think of Cowboys and Cowgirls, we think of Wrangler. Whether you’re looking for the traditional cowgirl riding jean, or the upbeat, innovative cowgirl fashion jean and clothing, you can find it at Wrangler!
White T-Shirt Rock 47™ Collection. V-Neck tee with short, tabbed sleeves. Front distressed star screenprint with studs. Wear belted or alone and accentuate with bangle bracelets and beaded necklace.
Moonlit Night Rock 47™ Collection. Low rise jean with exaggerated boot cut. Five pocket styling, with button flap and hip pockets with embroidery. Tinted blackened indigo with Voodoo Stretch.
Lightning Bolt Rock 47™ Collection. Ultra low rise jean. Exaggerated boot cut, narrow through the thigh. Five pocket styling with button flap and hip pockets with embroidery. Detailed embroidery on front of jean gives the western yoke look and is a slimming feature.
The White Long Sleeve Dobby Shirt is from Wrangler Rock 47™ collection with a tailored fit , fancy front and back yokes with studs and embroidery. Wear it alone or layer it with a black tank.
The Rock 47™ Low Rise Star Zebra Jean has stylish back pockets with the zebra star. The perfect jean to wear with the Dobby Shirt. Accent them with a bling black or zebra print belt, boots or flip flops.
From the Tough Enough To Wear Pink Collection this soft, pastel pink long sleeve oxford plaid shirt has back vintage yokes with snap pockets. Wear alone, or layered with the pink tank below. Add a crystal rhinestone belt.
From the Tough Enough To Wear Pink Collection this tank top says it all. It has a distressed ribbon screenprint down the side. Can be worn alone or layered with the pink oxford shirt above. Accent with silver jewelry.
www.wranglerwestern.com Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
17
Hot Off The Press
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The iconic American denim maker and leader in western apparel – Wrangler® Western Wear – announced the launch of Booty Up™ by Wrangler®. Designed to satisfy today’s cowgirl’s most important denim requirement – a great-looking booty – Booty Up™ by Wrangler® features unique darts, seams, stitching patterns and fabrics, all designed to visually lift the rear for the shape women desire. An addition to the Premium Wrangler ® Patch™ collection, the Booty Up™ by Wrangler® jean is the result of extensive market research, fittesting sessions and indepth, in-home discussions conducted to study shopping and purchasing drivers, met and unmet jean needs, and the overall role of clothing in women’s lives. Wrangler found one common desire: what women want more than anything in a jean is a fit that makes her butt look its best. “We discovered a real void in the women’s jean market when it comes to jeans specifically made to flatter your butt,” said Kelly Warren, merchandise manager, Wrangler Specialty Apparel. ®
Wrangler Western is first to bring women in U.S. “Up-lifting” denim design technology. Booty Up™, an innovative jean with neverbefore-seen benefits for the behind.
18
“With Booty Up™ by Wrangler®, we’re filling that void by providing women with an innovative, flattering, great-looking pair of jeans that will help make you look and feel your best. There’s no other jean like it.” Armed with intimate insight into the minds of the female consumer, Wrangler is incorporating never-before-seen technology in the U.S. designed to visually lift the behind for a more flattering appearance. Booty Up™ by Wrangler® gives women a lift with the following design techniques:
Under-sewn seams Slanted side darts Repositioned back pockets
The fits, fabrics and flattering technology of Booty Up™ by Wrangler® make it the perfect choice for the fashionconscious female shopper looking for a jean to compliment their shape. Booty Up™ by Wrangler® officially hit shelves nationwide May 2011.
About Wrangler® For more news from the Wrangler Western brand, please visit www.wranglerwestern.com and find Wrangler Western on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ wranglerwestern.For more information on the Wrangler family of products visit www.wrangler.com or call 888.784.8571.
Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
Why Your Barrel Saddle Needs To Fit To Avoid These Issues Written by Arman Hansen
When most people begin to start out with barrel racing, they think that just any barrel saddle will do. But the case is, that if your barrel saddle does not fit your equine athlete properly you are not going to do well in barrel racing, you may have behavior problems, and you can actually damage your horse irreparably.
are many reasons for this, saddle fit can also affect how they take a corner. It's much better to select a well done barrel saddle and maybe even a used barrel saddle for your first barrel racing know-how. If you are not entirely aware of how a barrel saddle should fit your horse, ask for professional assistance.
Barrel saddles come in a variety of designs Also, you may disstyles. In fact, barrels cover that your saddle fashion also is horse is unwilling to available, the latest barrel race all. If you styles in fashion may have went through include colored seats, barrel training with different fendors, and a your worse then difference in cinch posiyour horse not only tion. It's critical that if knows what you're you're shopping for a going to be doing, barrel saddle that you but they as well will do not go for one which be aware that you're It's critical that if you're shopping for a barrel saddle that do not go for one which is the most updated style. is the most updated style. you going to ask a lot from Many times, unless you're willing to spend thousands of Many times, unless you're dollars getting the latest fashion statement in saddles, them during this pewilling to spend thousands they're not going to help your barrel racing out very much. riod. With the proper of dollars getting the latfitting saddle your est fashion statement in saddles, they're not going horse may dive into those barrels and give you a good run. When the saddle does not fit corto help your barrel racing out very much. rectly, all that your horse has look forward to in the barrel arena is anguish and pain while It's much better to choose a well made barrel sadthey're attempting to do their best. dle, and perhaps even a used barrel saddle for your first barrel racing know-how. If you are not entirely aware of how a barrel saddle should fit your horse, So before you go for a fashion statement with your barrel saddle, find someone who knows ask for professional assistance. how a barrel saddle should fit and can help you find either a good well-made used barrel A barrel saddle which is too tight in the withers is saddle, or a good one that doesn't cost as going to pinch the shoulders of your barrel horse. much. Find out more tips about barrel saddles As you go into the barrel turn, you might notice at saddles.relatedtips.com that your horse will not take the barrel as tight as they can, but instead are going wide. While there
As a young girl growing up in Eastern Kansas my life was filled with ponies. Not always the most cooperative ponies but they had four legs, a mane and a tail and all I wanted to do was to ride them. I have vivid memories of riding my Shetland pony as I followed my mother down the road to the nearby arena as she practiced barrel racing on my great-uncle’s massive black Quarter Horse Stallion, San Dee San. She and I entered the lead-line class and Snow White and I would be turned loose to “run” the barrels and poles (we rarely broke into a trot let alone a run!). As I grew older the ponies grew bigger and eventually I graduated to horses. I became a member of our local 4-H club and during the next nine years, I learned an incredible amount of skills and knowledge with my pony and horses. My first foray into the world of rodeo queen pageantry was a local pageant and like most first timers I was clueless! Back then rodeo queens wore polyester suits, or some sort of semblance to a polyester suit and we managed to piece something together. I don’t remember much about the competition itself but I do remember having a lot of fun. As a college sophomore at Kansas State I said why not and entered the Miss Rodeo K-State pageant. Much to my surprise I was the winner and was off to the National Miss College Rodeo Pageant in Bozeman, Montana. From that moment on I was hooked! Twentyone years ago this August I was selected to reign as Miss Rodeo Kansas 1991 and my life was forever changed.
22
Over the past 20 years, I have served as judge, coordinator and committee member of local, regional and state pageants. My website, RodeoRoyalty.com, began as a monthly feature on another rodeo related site and has morphed into its present day blog form. My hope is that by sharing the knowledge that I, and others, have gained through our involvement with rodeo queen pageants so today’s first-timers aren’t nearly as clueless as I was. Through this involvement not only have I grown personally but I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring some of the most amazing young women our country has to offer. A mix of intelligence, strength, horse sense and beauty, today’s modern day rodeo queens serve as ambassadors for America’s richest and wildest tradition. Cowgirls to the core, these young women may be born into multi-generational ranching and rodeo families or they may be the first in their families to own and ride a horse. Either way they share a love for the Western lifestyle, rodeo and horses. I am excited to share with you this unique aspect of the West. I’ll be taking you behind the scenes of pageants of all sizes and giving you a glimpse of what it’s like to be a modern day rodeo queen.
Read more of Bobbie’s writing on her blog at: www.RodeoRoyalty.com
Jennifer Bosley Age: 40 Augusta, KS Barrel Racer NBHA
DMV Photography
DMV Photography
Read stories of everyday Cowgirls as they inspire, teach and enlighten us . If you dream it, you can achieve it! Cowgirl Up!!
How many horses do you own?
Hobbies:
Right now, I own two horses and one pony but there is at least one more horse (a barrel horse) in my future. Do you participate in any equestrian events? I barrel race in the NBHA. I also like to trail ride, team pen, and would love to try an extreme cowboy race sometime.
When I have time for them, I like to cross-stitch and have been trying to learn to crochet. I managed to crochet a fairly respectable hat and scarf for my youngest stepdaughter last winter. A lesson or two might be good for me, however. I can really only do about one or two different stitches.
Tell about them: Barrel racing has been a lifelong dream of mine. I’m currently in my second year with the NBHA and having a blast! As much as I love barrel racing, however, I think it’s important to do other things with your horse as well. Trail rides are a fun way to be able to just ride without any pressure and team penning is great for learning to communicate with your horse. I haven’t tried an extreme cowboy race yet, but the saddle club I currently belong to is thinking about having a series of clinics, followed by a race. I’m really looking forward to trying that out!
Other animals you own? We own a Chihuahua named Carlos.
Tell a little bit about your family: My husband and I have each been married before and, between us, we have 7 children (ages 5-23) and 1 grandchild (age 2). My father is deceased, but my mother still lives in the town where I grew up. My husband’s parents are still living and so is one of his grandmothers. She’s 98 and still lives on her own.
Do you live in the country? Explain Not yet. I grew up in the country, however, and really miss it. My husband and I plan on finding a house and small acreage within the next couple years. We live in town and board our horses right now, but I really miss being able to just walk outside and see them.
Why do you love the country lifestyle? I love it for its simplicity. I spent my childhood exploring pastures, riding horses, and climbing trees and haystacks. I miss the slower pace and the quiet. I’m definitely not a city girl. 24
Favorite places to visit? I love visiting anyplace that has to do with cowboys, horses, rodeo, and history. I’ve been to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and would love to visit them both again.
Greatest accomplishments: I don’t know if I have a greatest accomplishment. After the death of my father and a very good family friend, I learned to find the joy in everything. There are a few things that I’m really proud of, however. I’m sure that I’m rusty now but, at one time, I worked with visually impaired children and learned Braille. I’m currently a senior in college and am two semesters away from a Sociology degree. I’m also really proud of my 25 year old horse and our successful first year in the NBHA.
What are your goals: I want to finish my degree and I want to barrel race in rodeos. I have one year of school left before I finish my first goal. The other goal, however, is going to take a little longer because it’s going to be at least a year before I can start barrel horse shopping. Once I find one, however, I would love to start competing in rodeos!
I am an only child and there was a 20-year age difference between my parents. My dad doted on me and is the reason I ride. He was an old-school , Oklahoma cowboy from head to toe. He pretty much always worked for a farmer/rancher and horses were a vital part of who he was and what he did. When I was growing up, I helped
him on countless cattle drives and would go with him when people called him to go catch a stray for them. He broke his own horses and always had his one good horse. “Buck” is the most recent one and he was born when I was 15. Buck and Dad chased a lot of cattle in their day and they were probably the best team around. Dad used Buck in the feedlot where he worked, but he would also go on trail rides with the saddle club we belonged to and he would participate in the club’s fun shows as well. Everybody knew who they were and everybody knew they were tough to beat. I would borrow Buck from time to time at the fun shows and my dad always got a big kick out of watching me use his horse. I can remember once, I was going to run barrels on Buck at a county fair and the arena was a sloppy mess. A lot of people pulled out because of the arena conditions but I knew Buck would take care of me out there. As I rounded the third barrel and headed for home, I heard “Turn him loose!!” from the stands. It was, of course, my dad and I still laugh when I remember that day. He was always my biggest fan. From the day I knew what barrel racing was, I wanted to do it. It’s hard for me to go to rodeos because I want to be IN them, not watching them. I barrel raced as much as I could at local shows, but that wasn’t very often and I always wanted to do more. I wanted to join the NBHA, but my life circumstances never lined up quite right for that to happen. I always thought I would get to “someday” but never really knew if that someday would happen. In 2006, my dad was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer at age 76. He spent almost three weeks hospitalized in Denver before we realized there was nothing more that could be done.
Our last conversation took place in the hospital and it consisted of my dad saying, “How are the horses?” I replied, “Fine.” Then he asked, “They got enough hay?” And I said, “Yup.” I wish I had known that was going to be our last conversation, but none of us knew he was going to decline so rapidly. Once we realized how truly sick he was, we began trying to find a way to get him home to KS. I called the president of the saddle club we belonged to, told him the situation, and said that if the club wanted to help o ut, this was a way to do it. The saddle club president was on the ambulance crew loaded up my Dad and brought him back to Kansas.
I took the opportunity to tell my dad how much I loved him and that he was leaving a legacy. I also told him I was going to barrel race and that I was going to use his horse, Buck, to do it. At the time, I had no idea how was going to make it happen but I wanted him to know it was definitely in my plans. Dad died at 8:15 AM on Monday, March 133th and the funeral was a celebration of who he was. My youngest daughter was a rodeo princess at the time and she wore her “official” rodeo princess outfit, including crown and sash, to his funeral. The saddle club wore their matching shirts and it made me feel good to know how many lives my dad had touched. My husband and I divorced shortly after my dad died and my life circumstances wouldn’t allow me to barrel race. I also lost interest in horses after my dad died It was just too painful to without him. Nothing was the same without him and I hadn’t realized how much of an influence he was on me. I stopped going to rodeos and saddle club.
I started dating a wonderful man who I shared all of this with. For my birthday that year, he paid my NBHA membership fees. About a year later, we got married and my horses and I moved to Augusta, KS. My dad’s horse was 24 by this time but his health was good and he still acted like a horse half his age when I rode him. We loaded up and went to our first NBHA race. It was a double show and, after our first run, I came out of the arena, headed straight for the trailer, hopped off of Buck, hugged him, and cried. We ended up placing third in 4D in the second race that day and I was thrilled! We continued to run the rest of the year and, when the dust settled, that old cow pony and I won the 4D buckle and the 4D saddle! My dad would have been busting at the seams to see that happen. Ironically, the awards ceremony where I received my saddle was on the 5th anniversary of my dad’s death; March 13. We also qualified for State Finals, which was in May of this year in Topeka, KS. Buck ran his heart out for me and we made it through two go-rounds and into the finals. We placed 13th in 4D in the finals and even won a little money! I had the time of my life and I know my dad was with me every step of the way. Buck is retired from barrel racing now, at age 25, and I am so very grateful for the year he gave me. There is a barrel horse in my future. It’s going to be at least another year before I can start looking, I want to barrel race more than I want to breathe. I love barrel racing and I love carrying on my dad’s legacy of passion for horses and for life.
Have a story to tell? Email: editor@cowgirlsinstyle.com
Join us on Facebook!
Up Close with
Terri Clark By Susan Gentry
Photos by: Ivan Otis
Terri Clark talks beauty tips, exercise, what it’s like to be back on the road and the debut of her new album... With more than five million albums sold and nearly a dozen Top 10 hits to her credit, Terri Clark has emerged as a singular voice on the country music landscape—driving, passionate, spirited—and every bit her own woman. A dynamic, no-holds-barred live performer—and on of the rare female country artists capable of throwing down some impressive guitar work—the Alberta, Canada native has toured with such superstars as Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, and George Strait on her way to becoming a eighttime, fan-voted Canadian Country music Association E nte rta ine r of the Y ea r Cowgirls In Style Magazine was able to catch up with Terri while on her tour. Here is a bit of our interview... Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
C.I.S.: Over the years, you have traveled many miles on tour and we notice that you always seem to be in great shape. How do you stay in shape and do you have a daily fitness routine? Terri: I try to get in some kind of cardio workout at least 4 times per week (usually running or biking), as well as upper body weight training every 3-4 days. Sometimes I do what I call Circuit training, or cross training, and I will combine my weight training with cardio training and knock it all out at once. A heart rate monitor is the best workout tool (besides an iPod).... C.I.S..: Your skin seems to be flawless. Any tips on how you keep your face looking this way? Is there a skin product you can't live without? 29
Terri: I NEVER wear makeup to bed, and use a skin Terri: Depends on my mood, and the record. I am and under eye moisturizer in the AM and PM, and keen on doing the unplugged shows a little more try to stay out of the sun or wear protection. I use hatless because to be quite honest, the lighting different products, and find your skin will get used isn't quite as good, and the rooms are smaller and to the same one used consistently so I switch it up alsodarker, so I put the hat on towards the end, so from time to time. I do like the Biocream made by people can see my face, but it signifies the fact NEOCUTIS......occasionally I get facials and mi- that the unplugged show is more "revealing" and croderm abrasion treatments. I also have very good intimate, so leaving the hat off for a portion of it genes, as my Mom’s side of the family has flawless feels fitting to me. The hat is ever present at some skin, so part of this is just luck of the draw, but I do point in every show I do, and is there on my newtry to take care of it. WATER is super important, oh, est CD cover. I go back and forth with it, but will and no smoking!! always love to wear it, and I know that it is someC.I.S.: Tell us a little bit about your fashion thing people still associate me with in many ways. style? We see you on your album covers, media C.I.S.: Speaking of hats, how many do you events and music videos. Is this how the real Terri own? Terri: at any given time, anywhere between 5 and Clark dresses when she's not in the spotlight? Terri: No...when I am out of the spotlight, it is 20.... generally t shirt and shorts and sans makeup.....or C.I.S..: What is the first thing you like to do when cargo pants, and a ball cap... The makeup, cowboy, you get off of a long tour? hat, jeans, and stage look is what I consider Terri: absolutely NOTHING.... "dressing up"...scary I know. C.I.S.: What are your hobbies? C.I.S.: We have been to your acoustic concert and Terri: Bass fishing, boating, working out, dinner it was wonderful! You connect so well with your parties with friends, bonfires, visiting with family. audience. Do you like performing with a full band CI.S.: You have a new album coming out and I love or the more personal atmosphere of an acoustic your new song, "Smile". Could you tell us a little concert with just you and your guitar? bit about that song? Terri: I enjoy both for different reasons. Honestly Terri: The song is about my relationship with my doing equal amounts of both kinds of touring helps mom, Linda, who I lost to Cancer at the age of 60 keep things fresh for me and for my fans as well. It in April of 2010. We had an extraordinary and esdiversifies my "portfolio" in that I am not feeling as pecially close relationship, and the song travels though I am a "one trick pony". The acoustic shows through our life together and how we had to let go take more of a toll on me physically and emotion- of each other many times during our life together ally, and even though I am sitting in a chair for all of here on earth, and also, how the bond is NEVER it, I am giving a lot more of myself as a guitar player, broken, not even in death. Alison Krauss was so person, vocalist, and emotionally revealing more in kind in lending her phenomenal voice to this song, my banter. It takes a ton of energy to hold an audi- and it just added an angelic quality that only she ence captive for two hours all alone. The full band can bring. shows are all about the camaraderie between me, C.I.S..: When can we expect your album out in the band, and crowd, and it's just full on rockin’ fun. stores? It is a complete 360 from the acoustic set, but Terri: In the USA it will be out on iTunes July 26 equally as fulfilling, and usually in front of bigger and in stores September 13. crowds, and more beer goggles.... C.I.S.: We noticed you took your hat off in that Terri’s new album, “Roots and concert. Is this something we are going to see Wings”, will be on I-Tunes July 26th more of? and in stores September 13th! 30
Cowgirls In Style /Summer 2011
The Western Wanderer in Custer City, Idaho
Bonanza City
Custer City
By Cort Flynn Saddle up your SUV, pack up your possee and load your cameras! The Western Wanderer is a road trip wrangler scouting out western towns and adventures of all kinds. Hope you can tie on and come along!
you are anywhere near the I state of Idaho, pack up and f
get ready for a taste of the real West. North of Sun Valley on Highway 75, 13 miles east of Stanley, Idaho and right along the Salmon River you will find Sunbeam Village. (Don’t blink or you will miss it!) Turn North there onto the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River. Destination? The ghost towns of Bonanza City and Custer City. Bonanza City is 8.5 miles ahead and Custer City is just a mile and a half beyond that in this beautiful canyon. Bonanza City was established in 1877. Here you will find a dozen or so abandoned wooden and log structures, one has been restored and is apparently occupied. In its heyday the town included a dentist, tin shop, newspaper, watchmaker, hotels, post office, boarding house and of course a number of saloons. Bonanza also had its share of shoot-outs and you can visit those participants residing at Boot Hill nearby. As you continue your drive up the canyon you will see huge piles of river rock all along the side of the road. These piles of rocks are evidence of the now quiet Yankee Fork Gold Dredge. This huge machine is the reason for the devastation of the river valley. It was built on-site in 1940 and over the next 12 years, with a 3 year break for the war, it worked its way up the valley about 5.5 miles to the the spot it now sits. You can take a tour of this magnificent machine, which includes a museum and gift shop. As you tour this old beast, you can almost hear the roar it must have made coming from its huge turning gears, the two enormous diesel engines and the boulders it tore from the river valley. It is said to have produced millions of dollars of gold bars delivered to the US government in Denver. Next up is the prize, Custer City, at about the 10 mile mark. This town was established a few years after the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1879, and is named in honor of General George Custer. In its glory days there were over 100 structures standing. The now remaining buildings in this ghost town have been taken over by the National Forest Service and Idaho Dept. of Parks and Recreation and have been or are being restored and furnished with period furniture and other articles of the time. The old Empire Saloon has been turned into a gift shop and is open daily along with all the buildings, from Memorial Day through Labor day. Take special
note of the Phiefer home with the ingenious roofing of smashed-flat tin cans. You may want to plan your trip around the annual Custer celebration that occurs each year on the second Saturday of July. This is when the town really comes alive with old west shoot-outs, dutch oven cooking, melodramas, along with lots of activities for the family. You can make your base if you are camping, at one of the many camp grounds in the lower part of Yankee Fork or at one of the campgrounds along the Salmon River. We stayed at O’Briens Campground about 3 miles east of Sunbeam. You can also find nice accomodations in Stanley. If you have time you may want to take a river run down the Salmon. You will find plenty of outfitters in Stanley. If possible when leaving, drive south out of Stanley through the Sawtooth Mountain range. It is rare to find a more beautiful range of mountains anywhere in the world. See you next time on another western discovery… just over the skyline!
Bonanza City
Custer City
Cowgirls In Style Needs You! Like to write, but no place to show your work? Cowgirls In Style magazine is looking for freelance articles and more. Is there an event happening in your area and you would like to write about it, let us know! We also need cowgirls who would like to share their stories. Join our Cowgirls In Style Focus Group on Facebook. This is where we will be discussing ideas that you would like to see . You can also give and get feedback about our magazine. Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook. This page is a totally different page than our focus group.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
You Heard About It Here First… BEFORE You Saw It On Oprah! It’s Time to EVOLV with Chopper Girl! Take the EVOLV Challenge today… Just 2-3 bottles a day for 21 days and you can feel the difference! This REVOLUTIONARY product is backed by science and has been tested by two of the most prestigious facilities in the country! EVOLV helps people overcome many health challenges from plantar fasciitis to respiratory issues. EVOLV works by adding oxygen on the cellular level to promote a healthy inflammatory response. Promotion of Healthy Cells communicates to and improves unhealthy cells via bioremediation. (For More Information on the science, go to www.archaeaactive.com) GET STARTED TODAY! Go To http://choppergirl.myevolv.com for details… click on ORDER, and then choose your country and language. Then select “add more EVOLV products” and select your cases of EVOLV water.
And be sure to check out the new EVOLV gel and E84 products for promotion of a healthy lifestyle! For more info: go to http://choppergirl.myevolv.com or call Laura at (972) 3075889. Or you can email questions to laurahouston29@tx.rr.com.
www.BestEquineNaturals.com
Fictional Equestrian Novels By Carmel Rowley (804) 883-2062 Rider853@aol.com www.CarmelRowley.com
Call Laura at (972) 307-5889. http://choppergirl.myevolv.com
Space only $25.00!
advertising@cowgirlsinstyle.com
By Tom Kelly
How I Fell In Love With Terri Clark
I have not always been a Country Music fan. I was born just as Beatlemania hit the US. During High School, all my friends were listening to Heavy Medal. Groups like Queen, ACDC, Led Zepplin and others were all the rage. However, these groups, these songs, did little for me. The problem was that I couldn’t understand what they were singing about, I’m not sure that singing is the right word. I was firmly on the side of the lyrics in the great lyrics versus music debate. Seems most of my friends liked the music, the beat, and the noise. I was into the words, the rhymes, the meanings, and what they were singing about. Even though Heavy Medal and Rock dominated the charts, when I was in High School, my record collection was made up Beatle albums, story telling songs from the 60’s and 70’s, and even though it’s still hard to admit Barry Manilow. When I began dating I discovered live concerts. They were pretty cool. Not only did you get to see the artist perform, it was never difficult to find a date to go with you to a concert. One of my first dates was to a Barry Manilow concert. He appeared alone, with just his piano on a stage that rotated through the whole show. He sang, he danced, he joked, and he told stories. It worked. I was sold. It felt like Barry was performing his songs and speaking to me. I began collecting Barry Manilow records and still enjoy his music, all because of one special night when he put on a concert for me, along with 14 or 15 thousand other people. . I was married in the late eighties and my wife was on the side of music, while I was on the lyrics side. So there we were, I would listen to the words, and she would be dancing to the beat. The lyrics lost me. Nothing was off limit. Sex, drugs, violence, not to mention foul language was running rampant in pop music. So I stayed locked in the past, while my wife craved new music. She began listening to the “new wave” of country music that was crossing over at the time and reaching out to fans of other genre’s of music. Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Tim Mcgraw, the Dixie Chicks, and others appealed to both of us in the music versus lyrics debate. She would dance about to the upbeat sound, while I enjoyed the words they used and what they said. I now call myself a fan of country music. My iPod is full of country songs as well as my beloved Beatles. On the first of April of 2011 a friend called and said that they had two extra tickets to the Terri Clark concert that night and asked if my wife and I would
like to go. I said sure. At the time all Terri Clark meant to me was the lady with the hat that sang Poor, Poor Pitiful Me, and Girls Lie To. I knew she was a Country Star and would recognize her in a video on CMT, but could probably walk right by her on the street and not recognize her. However, I doubt she would recognize me either. My wife was excited for the show as she knew who Terri Clark was and had followed her career. The concert started off with Eric Dodge and his band. He had some sort of local connection to the area. It seemed like there was a lot of family and friends there to hear him sing. He sang some songs and I was fairly impressed. He got the crowd going pretty good. He sang five or six songs and then Keri Noble came out to perform with her keyboard. She told us she enjoys performing that way as that is how she writes her songs, and how she first gets to know them. I really enjoyed Keri’s show. Her way of interacting with the with the audience was superb. Her songs were all original, and she shared a little about each song. Keri did tell us that Kelly Clarkson recorded one of her songs called “If no one will listen.” She was very entertaining and is definitely on my list of someone to see again. Finally she stage was cleared as we awaited Terri. All that remained on the stage was; a comfortable looking red chair, an end table, with what appeared to be a well worn, quite famous white hat, along with guitars on stands. The Cox auditorium was nearly full. An excitement was buzzing through the arena. My group was about ten rows up and slightly left of center stage. This turned out to be a blessing as we were just to the left of that group of folks who are at every concert who stand and dance through the whole thing, usually right in front of me. My friends and I were all in our forties, pretty conservative to say the least. We were the types that will stand up when we can’t see and would at least clap along to the songs. I am no dancer. I am lucky to find, or to clap on the beat. I have learned over the years to time my clapping a milla-second behind my wife’s and pray that I don’t to far off the beat. As Terri walked onto the stage, the first thing I noticed was she was wearing cowboy boots but not a cowboy hat. I guess real, is the best way to describe it. She looked like a real person, and I mean that in the nicest way. She didn’t look all flashy, diva-esque where the outfit is a major part of the show. She was a real person. Even when she started talking to us, she was real. She told how she enjoys these acoustic concerts
where she is alone with her guitar. She joked about being in Utah in the past and made some jokes about alcohol, and how that was a bigger part of life on tour back when she was younger. She made some reference to growing older and having a different outlook on life now. She mentioned how she had switched record labels in order to get away from mass producing simple country hits and how her new freedom lets her express herself and her values in her music. Then she started strumming on her guitar and told us her first song was about passionate relationships. All through this opening the sense of realness stayed with me. Then she started singing “If you want fire – better be worth the burn.” I was hooked. I felt just like that 18 year old at the Barry Manilow concert. Terri Clark came all the way to St. George, Utah just to sing and talk to me. She put on a great concert for me, and I loved every bit of it. There were so many high lights that I couldn’t list them all. One of my favorites was when Terri impersonated Johnny Cash and sang “Folsum Prison Blues.” It was incredibly entertaining when she sang as Johnny, and she switched back to being Terri, she owned that song and made it hers. There was a personal connection here, as my grand father would put on an old record of “Folsum Prison Blues” when it was nap time and I spent the summers with him. It was my only memory of country music as a child. I remember Terri singing a Lorreta Lynn song, and then she put on her white cowboy hat and sang some of her hits like “I just want to be mad for a while” and “ Poor, Poor, Pitiful me”. She sang songs from her new album, “The Long Way Home.” My personal favorites were “Gypsy Boots” and the previously mentioned, “If You Want Fire.” In between every song Terri told stories of where the songs came from, made jokes about the music, being on the road, and even other performers. She did a great routine about the Judd’s and recommended a new song for Winnona. I sat in amazement at how personal she made the whole event feel. I know I was not the only one who felt Terri Clark performed for them that night. The obvious highlight of the evening was when Terri shared with us the story of losing her mother to cancer on Easter Sunday of last year. Her mom was only 60
years old. Again this touched me personally as I lost my mother when she was a young 60, to cancer as well. Terri shared an amazing story that night. She described her mother as her biggest fan, her biggest cheerleader. She was someone who had enough faith, in a young 18 most amazing, inspirational, year old Canadian, to send her to Nashville without a Green Card. Terri went on describing how her mother fought so hard for her life, and that it was the “thing to witness, ever.” She told how she tried to not break down in front of her mother and how one time her mom caught her crying, when she thought her mom was asleep. Even though her mother was in intense pain at the end, she was worried about her child, and shared a special moment with Terri that turned into the song “Smile.” Now this is an incredible song, one that I will buy as soon as it is released. It talks of a mother sending her child off to the first day of school, and then sending a child off to Tennessee, and finally leaving that child after being sick for three years. I’m not sure about the words being exactly right as I tried to memorize them that night and jotted them down several hours later, but it went something like this. “I want you to smile and know your not alone. Dry those little eyes, I’ll be there when you come home. I’m always in your heart even when we are apart. It’s only for a while, It’ll only be a while. So I want you to Smile.” During the final stanza to the song, I had to choke back a lump in my throat as I was so moved by this song. When Terri finished for a split second I wasn’t sure if it I should applaud or not. I am one of those proud Utahn’s who belong to the areas predominate religion. Now we LDS folk, have music in our worship services on Sunday, however, we don’t clap or applaud. We sit there reverently and smile at the person who just worshipped with their voice and talent. That was how I felt that night during that song. The song touched me on many levels. It was a story of a girl and her mother growing up together, it was the story of Terri Clark an incredibly talented and brave woman for sharing it with all of us, and it is a story that we will all live through or have lived through if we are blessed with children. And, that is how I fell in love with Terri Clark.