20% OFF 5-DAY PASS, EXTENDED THRU SEPT 1ST! USE CODE EARLYBIRD25 AT CHECKOUT.

2025 Event

New Location. Same Great Event.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of the spirit and artistry of the cowgirl at the seventh annual Art of the Cowgirl. Hosted at Rancho Rio in Wickenburg, Arizona, from February 25 to March 1, 2025, this extraordinary gathering will bring together cowgirls, artists, and Western enthusiasts for a multi-day event filled with competitions, workshops, and cultural experiences.

Check back often as we continue to add to this one-of-a-kind schedule of events. *The Art of the Cowgirl schedule/day of events is subject to change. Competition entries will open mid-November.

Elite All-Girl

Competitions

Exciting competitions will be taking place all week long including the Wrangler All-Women’s Ranch Rodeo presented by COWGIRL Magazine, the Kimes Ranch World’s Greatest Cowgirl presented by Western Horseman, the Merck Animal Health Breakaway Roping and the all new Invitational All-Girl Team Roping.

One-of-a-kind

Trade Show

Art of the Cowgirl welcomes more than 6,000 attendees from across the U.S., Canada, and around the world. The Art of the Cowgirl trade show supports over 75 vendors, with the majority being small, female-owned businesses. If you’re looking for the most unique, one-of-a-kind western art, jewelry, tack, gear and more, than this is the place for you!

*Vendor applications Open August 5, and Close October 31, 2024 or until "Sold Out".
Hands-on

Workshops & Clinics

The workshops and clinics at Art of the Cowgirl are designed to introduce and preserve traditional western arts and trades. The clinicians, presenters, and teachers have dedicated years, and even lifetimes, to honing their skills in their discipline of choice. From leather belt making to photography to cutting and more the workshop and clinic lineup has something for everyone.

All proceeds from the workshops and clinics help further the mission of the Art of the Cowgirl Foundation to promote and preserve the knowledge of a diverse and talented group of women.

*Registration Opens Wednesday, October 23

Join The AOTC Newsletter

Stay up to date on everything Art of the Cowgirl!

Photography Retreat

Cowgirls with Cameras
With Kimberly Beer & Phyllis Burchett
*Limited to 10 Participants

DATE:
Tuesday, Feb. 25th – Saturday, March 1st
9:00am-5:00pm Daily. Times May Vary.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Some experience recommended. Must bring your own camera and gear. Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging.

COST: $1,450
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Workshop Summary:

Spend five days with two professional equine photographers! Learn professional techniques for photographing equine events and the process of working with and photographing horses, models, and candid images alongside Kimberly Beer and Phyllis Burchett of Cowgirls with Cameras. 

Learn the Business of Photography:

In addition to photography techniques, you will also learn about the business of being a professional equine photographer! Instruction is given in both classroom and through mentorship at the event.

All-Access Press Pass:

This event includes an all-access press pass to Art of the Cowgirl where you will be one of the event photographers while you learn. Photographers are asked to provide a small number of photographs taken during the clinic to Art of the Cowgirl to be utilized for marketing — which will be an advantage for getting your name out there for your photography business.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Painting Class

With Master Artist Shawn Cameron and Cassie Waggoner
*Limited to 20 Participants

DATE:
Thursday, Feb. 27th
11:00am-2:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
All Levels Welcome

COST: $350
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Workshop Summary:

This class is a wonderful opportunity to spend three hours during Art of the Cowgirl learning hands on from these amazing artists.

The class will cover:

  • 1st hour: (covered area with seating) Introduction and presentation of workshop goals, demo and guidelines to draw a horse, go over color theory and how to apply to painting a horse. Pamphlets with information will be provided that students can take home, along with a color wheel each participant can take home. 
  • 2nd hour: (arena) Go to the arena where the horse is held on halter and have students draw him from life, with Cassie and I walking around assisting. Horse will change positions 2 times so 20 minutes per pose. Fun, quick sketches.
  • 3rd hour: (arena) Cassie will paint the horse from life and I will talk explaining how she applies color, manages shadows, etc…students can stand around her and watch asking questions.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Nice Job Cowgirl

With Judy Wagner, Western Lifestyle Advocate
and Former CMO of Montana Silversmiths
*Limited to 20 Participants

DATE:
Tuesday, Feb. 25th & Wednesday, Feb. 26th
9:00am-11:00am Both Days

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Open to everyone seeking inspiration & encouragement!

COST: $350
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Workshop Summary:

In this two-day workshop, participants will explore the foundations of turning an idea or a dream into a successful business or initiative, while developing leadership skills essential for navigating the process.

“Never underestimate the power of planting a seed.” – Judy Wagner

Day 1: MAKE YOUR PLAN, WORK YOUR PLAN- Why Having a Plan is Essential

Have an idea or dream you want to build? Need inspiration and encouragement to find your next big idea or dream? This class is for you. You will dive into the importance of having a well-structured plan to bring your idea or business to life. Participants will review a sample plan, analyze its components, and engage in group assessments to understand the value of collective feedback and insights that customers value. This day sets the stage for effective planning and highlights the critical elements that drive successful ventures.

“If you follow your passions, we will ultimately find our purpose.” – Judy Wagner

Day 2: DOWIT- Bringing Your Ideas to Life

Building on Day 1, participants will learn how to take their idea and create a clear, actionable plan. This hands-on common-sense approach ( ranch grown logic)  will focus on crafting brand building cornerstones, with templates provided for marketing, branding, and value-added strategies. By the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with a personalized blueprint ready to implement in their journey toward purposeful leadership in value added marketing. The workshop includes a tactical guide to creating value-adding experiences around any product or service-whether the offering is candles or campfire tools. Storytelling delivery and creating a hands-on take away model for each attendee highlights value-based marketing at every touch point.

Never look at what we sell-or buy-the same way again. This workshop is perfect for those who are ready to take charge of their dreams/ideas, plant the seeds, and lead with confidence!

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Recreation Packing Clinic

With Lisa Barnes
*Limited to 8 Participants

DATE:
Tuesday, Feb. 25th – Thursday, Feb. 27th
9:00am-1:00pm Daily

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
No previous experience necessary. All levels welcome!

HORSE REQUIREMENTS:
You do not need to bring a horse to participate in this class. All students will learn on Lisa’s horses.

COST: $425
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Workshop Summary:

Come learn the ins and outs of backcountry packing with Lisa Barnes who has over 45 years of experience in the horse industry. In this clinic you will learn:

  • How to prepare a horse to pack
  • Safety and do’s and don’ts of packing
  • How to properly make loads 
  • Knot tying
  • Backcountry gear essentials, safety, and tips
  • And much more!

About Lisa Barnes:

Living in Alaska for over 30 years, Lisa worked as a farrier, an outfitter, and managed rodeo grounds. During her time managing the rodeo grounds in Alaska, Lisa found how important and efficient it was to have a good obedient stock dog to help move livestock during an event. After moving to Arizona, Lisa met Joe Escobar who became her mentor and encouraged her to show her dogs. Lisa currently works full time as a Certified Equine Dental Technician.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Colt Starting Clinic

With Tom and Trina Curtin
*Limited to 6 Riders

DATE:
Thursday, Feb. 27th – Saturday, March 1st
9:00am-12:00 Noon Daily

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
All Levels Welcome. *Must be 18 and Over

HORSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must bring your own colt to participate. Students are responsible for their own accommodations and stalls. Stalls available on-site. Please contact Jami at the Rancho Rio Stall & RV Office at 928-231-3331.

COST: $850
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Workshop Summary:

This colt starting clinic is a great way to start a young horse under saddle. Starting colts in a group atmosphere is a wonderful way to use a horses natural instincts to advance their training. With Tom and Trina’s instruction, in this group atmosphere, your colt will go from being a part  of the herd to relying on you for support. It is an amazing feeling when this interaction happens. Tom and Trina are very intuitive to both the horse and rider which makes this clinic impactful and fun for those participating.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Youth Cutting Clinic

With Cara Brewer, Sponsored by NCHA
*Limited to 8 Riders

DATE:
Saturday, March 1
1:00pm-4:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
All Levels Welcome. *Ages 8-18

HORSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must bring your own horse to participate. Students are responsible for their own accommodations and stalls. Stalls available on-site. Please contact Jami at the Rancho Rio Stall & RV Office at 928-231-3331.

COST: $175
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Workshop Summary:

This is a great opportunity for youth to learn and ride with Cara Brewer.  All levels welcome. Cara will meet each rider at their level- all levels welcome. This is a great environment for youth to learn the basics of cutting, as well as more advanced youth to improve their skills in the show pen.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Adult Cutting Clinic

With Cara Brewer, Sponsored by NCHA
*Limited to 10 Riders

DATE:
Wednesday, Feb. 26th & Thursday, Feb. 27th
1:00pm-5:00pm Both Days

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
All Levels Welcome. *Must be 18 and Over

HORSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must bring your own horse to participate. Students are responsible for their own accommodations and stalls. Stalls available on-site. Please contact Jami at the Rancho Rio Stall & RV Office at 928-231-3331.

COST: $525
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Workshop Summary:

Spend two afternoons in the cutting pen with Cara Brewer.  All levels welcome. You will work on the flag as well as on live cattle. Some areas you will focus on are herd work, setting up cuts, how to control a cow, positioning while working, and going over things judges are looking for.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Bosal Building Workshop

With Teresa and Bill Black
*Limited to 10 Participants

DATE:
Tuesday, Feb. 25th – Thursday, Feb. 27th
9:00am-5:00pm Daily

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
No previous experience necessary.

COST: $795
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Workshop Summary:

Spend three days during the Art of the Cowgirl event braiding a two rein bosal with Bill and Teresa Black. All materials provided. Some basic knowledge of tying spanish ring knots is helpful. 

Participants will braid a 8 braid bosal body with rawhide and a 24 braid nose button with kangaroo leather. You will have a bosal to take home after the workshop!

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Leather Belt Making Class

With Chelsea Sazama of Rocking S Saddle Shop
*Limited to 6 Participants

DATE:
Tuesday, Feb. 25th: 9:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday, Feb. 26th 9:00am-3:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
This class is for adults or experienced/older youth.
*Disclaimer: There is a lot of hammering. Please be aware of this when signing up for the class.

COST: $795
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Workshop Summary:

Learn how to floral tool and construct your own western belt with Chelsea Sazama, owner and operator of Rocking S Saddle Shop. This class will be beneficial for both beginners and experienced makers!

Class Will Cover:

  • How to measure out a belt for custom sizing
  • Pattern Drawing
  • Types of leather that are good for different belts
  • Parts of the hides that are best suited for different uses
  • Floral tooling and tools
  • Edging and burnishing
  • Dying, painting and antiquing
  • Hole punching


Leather, dyes, tooling slabs and hole punches will be provided.

What you need to bring (if possible):

  • Swivel knife
  • Tooling maul or mallet
  • Bevelers
  • Pear shaders
  • Leaf liners
  • Any other tooling stamps you have or prefer


***IF YOU DON’T have anything, please let me know so I can bring extras that you can borrow.
If you have questions on which tools to purchase/bring to class, please call me at the number/email below. I will have a list of all suggested tools needed and where to purchase them.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! I look forward to meeting you! Chelsea’s cell: 406-939-2277 or email: RockingS2018@hotmail.com

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Be Unstoppable Clinic

Two-Day Classroom & Riding Session
Take Your Showing to the Next Level
Sponsored by Yonder Horse
*Limited to 15 Participants

DATE:
Monday, Feb. 24th – 8:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday, Feb. 25th – 8:00am – 5:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
All experience levels are welcome.

HORSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must bring your own horse to participate in the two-day session. Students are responsible for their own accommodations and stalls. Stalls available on-site. Please contact Jami at the Rancho Rio Stall & RV Office at 928-231-3331.

COST: $925
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025
*Light lunch and beverages included on day one only.

Workshop Summary:

Improve your knowledge of what the judge is looking for in the show pen in the disciplines of cutting/herdwork, boxing and box/drive/box, reined work, and fence work.

Learn how to get you and your horse to the next level—technically, mentally, and showmanship-wise.

1:1 Coaching Opportunity!

When you sign up, Barb and Sandy want to get to know you before the Workshop. They would also like to know what you want them to focus on during the clinic.

Please feel free to submit a show or practice video in advance with requests for coaching in specific areas. If you grant permission and time permits, Barb and Sandy will collaborate and review your video in depth during the clinic.

Day One - Classroom Session

This class will cover:

  • What the judge is looking for 
    • Reining
    • Box and Box/Drive
    • Fence
    • Herd Work
  • Common show ring error to avoid reducing your score 
    • Reining
    • Box and Box/Drive
    • Fence
    • Herd Work
  • The most relevant technical skills you need to ensure you avoid the common pitfalls and how to cultivate them
    • Reining
    • Box and Box/Drive
    • Fence
    • Herd Work
  • Mental skills for preparing to show, showing, and post-showing review.
  • How to prepare in simple ways that increase connection with your horse and maintain it as you ride (including when things go South!) 
  • How to present your horse (and yourself) in the show pen and maintain poise throughout your ride
  • How to earn credit on the judge’s scorecard
  • How to sharpen your eye to glean your next steps to improve from watching your video and also help you support your friends.

Day Two - Riding Session

MORNING SESSION: 8:00am – NOON with Barbra Schulte
Focus on Herdwork/Cutting, Reading Cattle and Showmanship

Barb will coach you as you learn more about reading cattle and riding as you practice the technical and mental skills learned in Monday’s Workshop.

Noon-1:00 Lunch Break *Participants are on their own for lunch during day two of the clinic. Concessions Available on-site.

AFTERNOON SESSION: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm with Sandy Collier
Focus on Reined Work, Boxing/Box-Drive-Box, Fence Work

Sandy will coach you as you ride and practice the technical and mental skills learned in Monday’s Workshop. Barb will be available to answer your questions about staying grounded and focused in practice and as you show.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Be Unstoppable Clinic

Single-Day Classroom Session
Sponsored by Yonder Horse
*Limited to 20 Participants

DATE:
Monday, Feb. 24th
8:30am – 4:30pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
All experience levels are welcome.

COST: $525
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025
Light Lunch and Beverages Included in Class Fee

Workshop Summary:

Improve your knowledge of what the judge is looking for in the show pen in the disciplines of cutting/herdwork, boxing and box/drive/box, reined work, and fence work.

Learn how to get you and your horse to the next level—technically, mentally, and showmanship-wise.

1:1 Coaching Opportunity!

When you sign up, Barb and Sandy want to get to know you before the Workshop. They would also like to know what you want them to focus on during the clinic.

Please feel free to submit a show or practice video in advance with requests for coaching in specific areas. If you grant permission and time permits, Barb and Sandy will collaborate and review your video in depth during the clinic.

This class will cover:

  • What the judge is looking for 
    • Reining
    • Box and Box/Drive
    • Fence
    • Herd Work
  • Common show ring error to avoid reducing your score 
    • Reining
    • Box and Box/Drive
    • Fence
    • Herd Work
  • The most relevant technical skills you need to ensure you avoid the common pitfalls and how to cultivate them
    • Reining
    • Box and Box/Drive
    • Fence
    • Herd Work
  • Mental skills for preparing to show, showing, and post-showing review.
  • How to prepare in simple ways that increase connection with your horse and maintain it as you ride (including when things go South!) 
  • How to present your horse (and yourself) in the show pen and maintain poise throughout your ride
  • How to earn credit on the judge’s scorecard
  • How to sharpen your eye to glean your next steps to improve from watching your video and also help you support your friends.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Memoir Writing Workshop

With Jolyn Young
Sponsored by Trafalgar Square Books

DATE:
Wednesday, Feb. 26th
12:00 Noon – 2:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Writers of all levels are welcome.

COST: $225
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Workshop Summary:

Everyone has a story to tell. This workshop will teach you how to write yours, whether you’re writing memories for yourself, to share with family and friends, or with eventual publication in mind. You’ll learn how to select scenes from your life to turn into a book, start the first draft of your own memoir, and learn a fool-proof exercise to bust through writers’ block. Writers of levels are welcome. 

About Jolyn Young:

Jolyn Young lives on a ranch in the mountains of southern California with her cowboy husband and their three feral cowkids. She started writing as a child and never shook the habit. Jolyn used written words to connect with others when she worked on the cowboy crew and later as she traveled around with her husband to his ranch jobs. She started a blog in 2010 that reached dozens of people and was the staff writer on a ranching magazine for five years. Today, she writes a monthly humor column for Western Horseman and is the author of Never Burn Your Moving Boxes, a memoir about her life on big cow outfits.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.

Western Writer's Workshop

Music, Short Stories, and Poetry
With Joni Harms and Olivia Harms
*Limited to 10 Participants

DATE:
Thursday, Feb. 27th – Friday, Feb. 28th
9:00am-1:00pm Both Days

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
All experience levels welcome

COST: $375
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2025

Wield your pen, strum your strings, rhyme your rhythm and round up your words for Art of the Cowgirl 2025. This workshop will run on Thursday and Friday, half day sessions each day.

Workshop attendees are also eligible to sign up to present on the Art of the Cowgirl stage during open mic sessions. If you are a writer, singer, poet, or just a lover of words this class is sure to inspire and challenge you to try new things and appreciate the gift of language. All experience levels welcome.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2025.