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Daybreak Colt Starting Challenge

Daybreak
Colt Starting Challenge

Presented by COWGIRL Magazine

At Daybreak Everything Feels Possible.

The newest signature event at Art of the Cowgirl 2026 celebrates that spirit of new beginnings — where raw potential meets patience, and partnership is built one quiet moment at a time.

Over the course of three days, The Daybreak Colt Starting Challenge will showcase three of the West’s most talented horsewomen as they each take an unhandled 3-year-old colt and guide it through the first steps of its journey under saddle. In front of a live audience, fans will witness the heart, skill, and intuition that define true horsemanship.

BEHIND THE NAME

Daybreak symbolizes new beginnings — that quiet, powerful moment when light touches the horizon and everything feels possible. It mirrors the essence of colt starting: the first steps of partnership, patience, and trust between horse and rider. Just as cowgirls rise with the sun to put in the work before the world wakes, The Daybreak Colt Starting Challenge honors that spirit of grit, grace, and hope. It marks both the beginning of each young horse’s journey and a new chapter in the Art of the Cowgirl legacy — where emerging horsewomen step into the light to showcase the art of true horsemanship.

THE CONTESTANTS

Wylene Wilson

Wylene Wilson grew up in Arizona riding any and every horse that came through her mother’s boarding facility. She took every opportunity she could to work with and learn from “problem” horses and made a name for herself in the community as a true horsewoman. She has been a professional horse trainer for over 20 years and is no stranger to competitions. She’s competed in rodeo circuits, Extreme Cowboy races, and has developed a strong presence in the Mustang Heritage’s programs. To date she has participated in over 14 Extreme Mustang Makeovers, where she captured three Makeover Championship titles and many top finalist positions. She has also had the opportunity to judge the competition.

 

Her fearless, daredevil style and effervescent personality garnered her the name “Extreme Wylene”. She has been featured in films such as “Wild Horse, Wild Ride” and NatGeo Wilds “Mustang Millionaire” three part series where she was able to showcase her training style. 

 

While she still competes, she spends most of her time traveling and teaching confidence building and horsemanship clinics, for both horses and riders, using her own unique approach. She focuses around motivating each to excel and be their very best, safely and confidently. Wylene is passionate about helping others develop a different frame of mind by building their confidence and offering them lifemanship skills. She love teaching people how to become their own trainer by helping young girls and boys rise in the horse industry. She is fearless and fun and you will walk away with a smile on your face that you can’t erase. Her leadership ability helps to not only guide horses that are deamed untrainable and unrideable but also riders that are unconfident and fearful, in turn helping both go to the next level. Her objective is to create a ripple effect that will touch the lives of many with her Soul Search Equine Retreats and Surf and Saddle Events.

Brittany Mayer

Brittany Mayer is a second generation trainer and riding instructor from Cumberland, Rhode Island. From the time she was a young child, she always enjoyed teaching and she grew up immersed in the equine industry. Combining her love and aptitude for teaching with her love of horses has been Brittany’s lifelong dream and she gets to live that dream every day. 

Throughout her life, Brittany has had the opportunity to ride and show many disciplines and breeds with a background first in hunter/jumpers and then several western events. She has specialized in colt and mustang starting, ranch versatility, trail/obstacles, dressage, and all around events. Brittany is an Extreme Mustang Makeover champion and holds several world championships in a variety of events. She has also helped several of her students have great success competing from local to world levels. 

Brittany’s eclectic background helps her tailor a program to help each individual horse she works with reach its potential. She believes that a great horse is one that is doing the job its mind and body are best suited for. Not every horse is suited for every program or even the job it was intended for and that’s okay with her. Helping troubled horses find their calling is Brittany’s favorite part of being a trainer. She also loves to help owners be able to reach their goals with their own horses whether that be walking down the trails or competing at the highest levels.

Traci Wade

Traci Wade is a third generation horseman and full time student of the horse. She grew up on the family guest ranch business in the Allegheny National Forest in northwest Pennsylvania.

 

Traci is a multi-time top ten finisher in the Extreme Mustang Makeover, as well as a Reining Cow Horse and Extreme Cowboy Race competitor. Traci operates Keystone Horsemanship and specializes in horsemanship instruction, colt starting and problem horse rehab. She spends winters between Texas and Pennsylvania starting performance horse colts and she generally starts 30-50 colts per year.

 

THE COLTS

Holzum Quarter Horses

Ranching runs deep for the Holzums, along with their commitment to raising high-quality Ranching Heritage and Royal Crown Roping eligible Quarter Horses. Holzum Quarter Horses is a sixth-generation operation led by Tyler and Jennifer Holzum. Their grazing land stretches from Montana to California, and they spend winters in Wickenburg, Arizona, fine-tuning their horses. The Holzums’ breeding program began when they realized they could raise the kind of horses they wanted to ride for less than it would cost to buy them.

“In the spring, when we get busy rodearing cows, branding calves, doctoring eyes, and sorting, our country is big and can be boggy and steep in places, so it takes a lot of horses,” Jennifer says.

They purchased Codys Shining Spark, a palomino son of Shining Spark and out of a Joe Cody mare, and began building their program. From the start, their goal has been to produce horses that are tough, sound, and willing to work.

“Our horses need to stay sound, be trainable, and be built right,” Tyler says. “You need to be able to take them to the jackpots, show them in the Ranching Heritage and Royal Crown shows, and work all day on the ranch. That’s what we’re going for.”

Their broodmares represent cow horse bloodlines, classic ranching and roping performance pedigrees, and mares known for producing good-minded riding horses. They raise approximately 15 foals each year. They have also added Metalistic as a breeding stallion, a son of Metallic Cat and out of a Docs Stylish Oak–Shorty Lena mare. He has proven to be an outstanding cross on their Shining Spark mares.

“Metalistic’s offspring are great-minded, with lots of bone and foot. They have the size to go any direction, plenty of cow, and a big stop. They’ve been a pleasure to ride,” Tyler says.

Their mares live out on green pasture, and as foaling time approaches, they are brought closer to the ranch. Once the foals are safe and healthy, pairs are turned back out to pasture. When the foals are weaned, they are halter broke for about ten days before being turned back out to grow.

“They get to grow up in the hills and live a pretty good life,” Jennifer says. “They have to get out there on their own for a while. They learn how to slide and slip around, travel the terrain, and miss the holes all on their own. Our horses get a lot of exposure. They see different kinds of country, get hauled, and get ranched on long before they ever step into an arena. So when they do go show, it’s just another part of their job.”

Fine Art with Mary Ross Buchholz

About Mary Ross Buchholz:

For over 25 years, art has been Mary Ross Buchholz’s devotion.  Born and raised in west Texas, she brings preservation and an authentic portrayal of the American West to life.  Buchholz and her husband live and ranch along with their three adult sons in a rural west Texas near the town of Eldorado.  Coming from a pioneering ranching family that homesteaded in the early 1890s, Buchholz offers a glimpse of her daily ranch-life primarily with the use of charcoal and graphite, the most primitive of mediums.  She enjoys sculpting and painting, as well, and has been honing her skills since her childhood.

With an affinity for anatomy and the sciences, Buchholz received an Animal Science degree from Texas A&M University in the early 1990’s.  Taking a different direction than originally planned by deciding not to follow in her father’s footsteps as a veterinarian, she envisioned returning to the ranch to raise a family instead.

With toddlers under foot and feeling the need to create, Buchholz, with the encouragement of her mother, embarked upon an amazing art journey.  All in all, it allowed her to have a career while staying at home with her young children.

Buchholz relishes in creating the portrait, whether the subject is an animal or a person. She enjoys subtly rendering the details, the different textures and the individual characteristics of her subjects.  “I want my pieces to not only look real, but feel real.  I’m always mindful of the subject’s personality and hope each piece is portrayed with honesty and simplicity.  I am blessed that what I enjoy drawing is right here, out my backdoor”, as Buchholz often portrays her own family members and the animals raised on the ranch.

Buchholz has received numerous awards and participates in many museum shows across the country including the Night of Artists at the Briscoe Museum in San Antonio, TX, the Small Works Great Wonders at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage museum in Oklahoma City, OK, and the Coors Western Art Show in Denver CO.  Her most recent honors include the Small Works Great Wonders art show 2024 Cynthia Post Memorial Directors’ Choice Award at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Briscoe Western Art Museum 2023 Night of Artists “William B. Travis Patrons’ Choice Award” and the 2023 Academy of Western Artists “Artist of the Year” award.  She is represented by InSight Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX and Broadmoor Galleries in Colorado.

Saddle Making with Nancy Martiny

About Nancy Martiny:

Nancy Martiny is a second-generation leatherworker and fourth-generation rancher from Idaho.

Following in her father’s footsteps, who made purses, belts and wallets for friends and family (and eventually built himself a saddle), Nancy learned the basics of carving leather from him while in high school. She was soon making belts for friends, and a lifelong passion was born.

In 1987, Nancy received two saddle trees as a gift from her husband, and had the great honor of receiving lessons from Master Saddlemaker Dale Harwood. Armed with a notebook, she would visit Dale’s shop over the course of several months to observe his work and receive guidance from the master.

After building the first saddle for herself, and the next one for her kids, she started getting orders from friends, and a thirty-year career began. She continued her education over the years by attending workshops and studying the work of past and current masters of the art.

Nancy has always worked from her home shop, while simultaneously raising her family and helping with the family rodeo business and ranch. She currently lives with her husband, Jim, on their 130-year-old family ranch, where they raise beef cattle and enjoy passing their knowledge on to their grandchildren.

In 2025, Nancy was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

Breakaway with Lari Dee Guy

About Lari Dee Guy:

Lari Dee Guy grew up on her family’s ranch outside Abilene, Texas, with a rope in her hand before she could read. By nine, she was winning—and she didn’t stop, racking up 11 consecutive American Junior Rodeo Association world titles before moving on to claim two NIRA National Championships at Vernon Junior College and Texas Tech University.

Over the decades, she’s become one of the winningest ropers in history, with eight WPRA World Championships spanning breakaway roping, heading, and heeling, plus the WPRA All-Around World Championship in 2014. But her impact goes far beyond her own gold buckles. Lari Dee has been a driving force in advancing opportunities for women in rodeo—founding the “Rope Like A Girl” movement, producing events, and teaching clinics that have reached thousands of ropers across the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Australia.

Her leadership has helped put breakaway roping on major stages, inspiring the next generation of ropers and proving women’s rodeo belongs in the spotlight. That influence has earned her induction into both the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame (2020) and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame (2021).

Today, when she’s not competing, she’s training elite rope horses on her family’s 10,000-acre ranch and continuing her life’s work—building better horses, better ropers, and a stronger future for the sport she’s helped shape.

Rawhide with Bill Ferreira

About Bill Ferreira:

Bill Ferreira Jr grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii immersed in the rich ranching culture of the Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy). Listening and learning from the elders fostered a love of good gear. Rawhide was (and still is) the medium that spoke to him, and Bill has been consistently working towards improving for close to 30 years now.

 

Bill currently works out of his home shop in East Helena, Montana. Building all kinds of rawhide gear, from reatas and romals to bosals and jewelry. He is drawn to the intricate rawhide work, the more tedious and fine pieces truly gets the creativity going, all while maintaining the proper functionality. He truly enjoys teaching and sharing all that he can of the art, continuously experimenting and learning to improve his work.

 

Bill gets a great sense of accomplishment from helping others overcome a lot of the mistakes and problems that he struggled with for years. It’s important to forward the information and skills that were shared by many people who have taken the time to help him.

Silversmithing with Barbara Jacques

About Barbara Jacques:

Western life and artwork have always been at the center of Barbara Jacques’ life. She holds a BS in Art Education from Oklahoma State University and has extensive training in jewelry and metals. Over the years she has had the opportunity to study from some of the finest jewelry and metal artists and engravers in the world. 

Barbara taught her first art class in 1982. She has taught both privately and in public school. While working in education, Barbara developed online art classes which were used in 38 states. She loves sharing her knowledge and experience with students of all ages. She believes the principles and elements of art apply to any medium. “They are the foundation for strong design and pleasing aesthetics.”

Barbara is married to Dave Jacques. They raise Black Angus cattle on their ranch in Osage County, Oklahoma.

Legends In The Arena:
Trick, Fancy & Roman Riding

With Jerri Duce & Piper Yule
*Limited to 12 Participants

DATE:
February 27th & 28th
9:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Some experience required. Must bring your own horse.

COST: $500
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

Workshop Summary:

Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future

Experience a living legacy as two generations of horsewomen — Hall of Fame legend Jerri Duce and Jerri’s protégée – Piper Yule to share the art, athleticism, and heart behind Trick, Fancy, and Roman Riding.

This hands-on, workshop brings together the heritage and showmanship of The Flying Duces with the next generation Piper Yule – Cowgirl Original.

Jerri Duce, a nine-time Canadian Barrel Racing Champion, the first Canadian woman to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), and one of the most decorated horsewomen in rodeo history, joins forces with her protégé Piper Yule — a 6X Canada Pro Rodeo Dress Act of the Year recipient and 2025 Reserve Canada’s Greatest Horsewoman.

Together, they share decades of horsemanship and arena artistry — blending timeless skill, tradition, and innovation in one unforgettable experience.

Participants Will Learn:

Trick & Fancy Riding: Covering ground maneuvers, balance techniques, strap tricks, and mounted performance fundamentals

Roman Riding: Balance, body control, and harmony with multiple horses

Horse Training & Confidence: Building communication, trust, and responsiveness from groundwork to performance

Performance & Presentation: Arena awareness, stage presence, and storytelling through movement

Legacy & Leadership: Lessons from Jerri Duce’s Flying Duces legacy and mentorship of the next generation through Piper Yule

Who It’s For:

Open to riders of all ages and disciplines interested in developing confidence, agility, and showmanship — or those seeking to preserve and perform the true western arts of trick, fancy, and Roman riding.

What to Bring:

A suitable horse, riding gear for performance work, and an open, willing attitude to learn from two generations of world-class horsewomen.

If applicable, please bring your own trick saddle and roman pad and wrestling shoes

Limited equipment may be available — please confirm in advance if a saddle or roman pad is required.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

Stamped Crossbody Purse Building Workshop

With Julie Baugher
*Limited to 12 Participants

DATE:
February 24th
10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
No prior experience required

COST: $500
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

Workshop Summary:

We will stamp and put together an envelope style Crossbody Purse! You have a plethora of stamps to choose from to personalize your cute little handbag! I will take you through the design process, help you learn how to use certain stamps and tools through the process. This little cutie is put together with 2 rivets! SO easy and cute! You will leave with a finished product!

*if you happen to have your own leather stamping tools, swivel knife, block and maul, please don’t hesitate to bring them. I am always available for questions if you have any!

About Julie Baugher:

Julie Baugher’s goal for students is to always make learning fun! Leatherwork has given her a lifetime of joy and a career that helped support her family. Because of it, she has gained many friends around the globe! Julie hopes that her open-minded, positive, and fun teaching style helps you to learn more techniques and efficient methods than you ever imagined! Always feel free to reach out and ask Julie questions if you have anything you’re curious about. Here’s to sharing her knowledge and what she’s learned in 48 years.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

Cowgirl in Focus:
Turning Action into Art

With Jamie Aviso
+ Bonus Session with Jodie Baxendale
*Limited to 8 Participants

DATE:
February 24th-28th
7:30 a.m – End of Day

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
DSLR Camera Required. Some experience preferred.

COST: $1,500
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

Workshop Summary:

Join Navajo photographer Jamie Arviso for a hands-on photography workshop designed to help both experienced and amateur photographers learn to shoot with purpose, not just push a button. Jamie will share her journey—from capturing family moments to building a career photographing rodeos, ranch life, and action-packed Western scenes—and the techniques that helped her succeed.

In this workshop, participants will explore:

  • Using your camera intentionally to capture compelling action and emotion.
  • Shooting from unique angles to transform ordinary moments into art.
  • Mastering lighting, backgrounds, and composition for both artistic and commercial photography.
  • Techniques for creating images suitable for advertising, editorial, or personal projects.

 

Shooting on location at Art of the Cowgirl, you’ll practice capturing ropes, horses, cowgirls, and the authentic Western lifestyle. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a stronger eye for storytelling, technical confidence, and the ability to create images with both beauty and purpose.

Class will start at 7:30 a.m. with discussion and fellowship each day. Class will then move out to the main event and shoot for the duration of each day.

About Jamie Arviso:

Jamie Arviso is a Navajo photographer whose work captures the beauty, grit, and authenticity of the Western lifestyle. A self-taught artist, Jamie first picked up a camera to preserve family moments, a simple act that soon turned into a lifelong passion and professional calling. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education, she seamlessly blends her love for teaching with her photography career—sharing her skills, experiences, and creative eye with others.

Jamie has built a thriving career photographing rodeos and action scenes, capturing the athleticism and emotion of both people and animals in motion. Rooted in her cowboy heritage, her photography celebrates life on the ranch—ropes, horses, leather, and the spirit of the cowgirl—all the elements that continue to inspire her lens. Her images tell stories of connection, tradition, and artistry, honoring the culture and people who live it every day.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

Wild Instincts Couture
Creating a Buckskin Vest

With Caryl Wilson
*Limited to 6 Participants

DATE:
February 25th
9:00 a.m – 12:00 Noon

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
No previous experience necessary.

COST: $400
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

Workshop Summary:

In this class we will explore the process of transforming deer leather—a material deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship—into a beautiful, functional wearable clothing. Deer leather has been valued for its softness, strength and breathability, making it ideal for garments that combine comfort with durability.

About Caryl Wilson:

Wild Instincts is a multiple award-winning leather clothing brand that handcrafts one-of-a-kind fashion and film wardrobe pieces. Every garment is individually created by designer Caryl Wilson—4th generation Cowgirl, lifelong horse lover, and visionary artisan—who brings over 15 years of of leatherwork expertise to her designs. Known for utilizing Fallow Deer and other high-grade leathers, Wild Instincts blends Western heritage, raw natural beauty, and feminine strength into every stitch.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

The Painted West
A Painting Workshop

With Erika Lenaye
*Limited to 12 Participants

DATE:
Session 1 – February 26th
9:00 a.m – 12:00 Noon
Optional 4th Hour for Fellowship

Session 2 – February 27th
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Optional 4th Hour for Fellowship 

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
No previous experience necessary.

COST: $350
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

Workshop Summary:

Join Western artist Erika Lenaye for an immersive painting experience that captures the grit, beauty, and color of the West. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll complete a Western-inspired painting from start to finish — exploring everything from sketching and composition to color mixing, brushwork, and layering techniques.

Erika will guide you through her creative process, sharing insights on paint types, tools, and the storytelling behind Western art. You’ll leave with your own finished piece and a deeper understanding of how to translate the landscape, light, and rhythm of the West into paint.

All materials provided. No prior experience necessary — just bring your curiosity and love for Western life.

About Erika Lenaye:

Arizona-based artist and Western cowgirl, Erika Lenaye builds her brand around the simple beauty of ranch life—slow mornings, good horses, rodeos, big trucks, small towns, country music, and backroads—all shared alongside her mini cowgirl.

As a Western lifestyle creator and fine artist, Erika’s work captures the grit, grace, and storytelling spirit of the American West. Through paintings, content, and live event presence, she brings a refined yet real perspective to Western culture—celebrating the horses, people, and places that define it.

Erika has partnered with respected Western brands, ranches, and events to create art-forward, authentic content that resonates with today’s modern Western audience.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

Horsemanship & Equitation
Presented by Yonder Horse

With Master Jill Barron & Halee Staskivige
*Limited to 5 Riders per Group

GROUP #1:
February 24th & 25th
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

GROUP #2:
February 27th & 28th
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
No previous experience necessary.

COST: $600
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

Workshop Summary:

Join Masters Working Equitation Champion Jill Barron and 2025 Art of the Cowgirl recipient Halee Staskivige in the Art of Horsemanship and Equitation Clinic. Jill works with each horse and rider to create a transformation in the partnership between horse and rider. Jill will teach her foundations and principles in a manner that has every student able to take all of these tools home with them and continue to grow. Participants will work on exercises to create supple and willing horses and exercises that increase the riders connection with their equine partner. These exercises translate into any arena that a rider wishes to go, working equitation, dressage, jumping, working cattle, roping and beyond.

Must bring your own horse to participate. Stalls and RV spaces are available at Rancho Rio. Contact Jami at 928-231-3331 to reserve.

About Jill Barron:

Jill Barron is a lifelong student of horsemanship and equitation, the horse being her greatest teacher. She believes horses have a universal language and our job as riders, is to learn how to speak and understand this language. Through a blend of classical dressage techniques and natural horsemanship, her focus is encouraging a deeper connection between horse and rider. All disciplines. All levels.

Barron is Canada’s most decorated Working Equitation rider and is an International Working Equitation competitor, Clinician and Judge. Her recent accomplishments include Championships at Haras Cup, Cross Nations Cup (Advanced), Andalusian World Cup (Advanced), Western Canada Regional Champion (Masters) and WEUSA National High Point Reserve Champion (Masters).

Jill empowers riders by equipping them with the skills and confidence to enhance their partnership with their equine. Her instruction aligns with the training goals for individual riders. She shares knowledge that is transformative and embraces positivity.

About Halee Staskivige:

Halee has loved horses for as long as she can remember. She grew up riding on a small farm in North Dakota and spent years dreaming about a future in the horse industry. Through high school and college, Halee focused on volleyball, then built a career in marketing, always knowing she would come back to horses when the time was right.

Now, Halee is finally getting the chance to pursue horsemanship the way she always wanted.  She is working to become a better rider, learning from great horsemen and women, and riding as many horses as she can.  Halee has also fallen in love with women’s ranch bronc riding, which has helped her build confidence, mental control, and body awareness that transfers directly into her horsemanship.

Her long-term goal is to train good horses, contribute to the western community, and never stop learning. She wants to develop strong fundamentals, refine her timing and feel, and eventually help others along their own path with horses.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

Rediscover Your Spark:
A Path to Your Success

With Katie Hollingsworth
*Limited to 100 Participants

DATE:
February 27th
1:00pm-3:00pm Daily

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
No previous experience necessary.

COST: $300
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

Workshop Summary:

Step into a space designed just for the woman who rides hard, works harder, and knows there’s more waiting inside her. Rediscover Your Spark: A Path to Your Success is a transformational workshop crafted for driven Western women who are ready to ignite real, lasting change. Led by an ICF-certified coach who not only understands the power of personal development but also lives and breathes the Western way of life, this experience blends the authenticity of cowgirl living with proven principles for success. You’ll explore the obstacles that may be holding you back and walk away with clarity, confidence, and the tools to take full ownership of your next chapter, in the arena, in your career, and in life. This is your invitation to reignite your spark, reconnect with your purpose, and ride forward with unstoppable intention.

After just two hours, you’ll walk away with more than inspiration, you’ll leave with direction. You’ll have a clear understanding of what truly lights you up, the confidence to take bold ownership of your goals, and a simple, actionable plan to start creating the life you want now. You’ll rediscover the energy, purpose, and belief that may have been buried under the weight of responsibility, and you’ll feel that unmistakable spark of possibility again. Most importantly, you’ll know exactly how to keep that spark alive long after the workshop ends, in your work, your relationships, and the way you show up every single day.

About Katie Hollingsworth:

Katie Hollingsworth is an ICF Certified Professional Coach specializing in mental performance optimization and authentic leadership development. She is the trusted coach behind high-performing athletes, innovative entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking leaders.

A lifelong rodeo athlete, Katie combines her Western heritage with over two decades of entrepreneurial success. Before becoming a professional coach in 2018, she owned a marketing agency for 17 years, creating international branding campaigns and securing sponsorships for some of the most influential brands in the Western industry, including WPRA, IPRA, Cactus Ropes, Cactus Saddlery, Platinum Coach Trailers, and more. She also produced major rodeo events and served on the executive board of the Mountain States PRCA Circuit.

Today, Katie leverages her unique blend of rodeo experience, business acumen, and coaching expertise to help clients set meaningful goals, overcome negative self-talk, and unlock their full potential. She has coached collegiate rodeo teams nationwide, partnered with the Western Sports Foundation, and spoken for organizations including Fancy Lady Cowgirl, the National Reining Horse Association, and the National Snaffle Bit Association.

Known for her authenticity and actionable strategies, Katie inspires audiences to embrace resilience, build confidence, and achieve extraordinary success.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

Loom Beading Workshop

With Master Kathleen Brannon
*Limited to 5 Participants

DATE:
February 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th
9:00am-1:00pm Daily

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
No previous experience necessary.

COST: $500
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

Workshop Summary:

Step into the timeless art of loom beading and create your own one-of-a-kind beadwork! In this immersive four-day workshop (4 hours per day), you’ll learn every step of the process—from setting up your loom and stringing warp threads, to weaving rows of beads, following patterns, and finishing your work with professional techniques.

Each participant will receive everything needed to succeed, including a loom, beads, specialty beading needles, thread, shears, and graph paper. You’ll also discover how to design your own unique patterns, build custom color palettes, and bring your personal style into every piece you create.

With hands-on guidance, you’ll gain confidence in managing thread, reading and following patterns, and creating beadwork that’s both beautiful and durable. Best of all, you’ll leave the workshop not only with your own handcrafted beadwork, but also with the skills to continue creating long after the event.

Whether you’re brand new to beading or looking to deepen your skills, this workshop is your chance to learn, create, and connect with the artistry of loom beadwork.

About Kathleen Brannon:

Kathleen Brannon is a Bead Artist living in the Northern Nevada High Desert.   Her work maintains the integrity of color and symbolism used by the Ancients in Petroglyphs and in Ceremonies. Kathleen simply transforms the symbols into contemporary form. Each piece is personally designed and handcrafted.  Sheets of aluminum are sheared into strips, bent, then covered in natural hide.  Once the bead work is completed, it is handstitched to the basic cuff.

Raised in the Southwest, her passion and respect for the wide open spaces of the Western lands and its simple lifestyle became her passion.  As a Non-Native, she has lived near Tribal Lands and had the fortunate opportunity to learn beadwork from many Navajo Elders. 

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

Upholstery Retreat with Sierra Shores

LOCATION:
Cross Bell Ranch
Pawhuska, Oklahoma

DATE:
*Arrive at Cross Bell Thursday Evening*
Friday, Oct. 10: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Beginner & Intermediate

COST: $2,050
*Limited to 5 Participants
*Lodging & meals included all three days

No refunds will be given for cancellations after October 1st, 2025.

Retreat Summary:

This is an all-inclusive upholstery retreat held at the Cross Bell Ranch. Lodging and meals are included in the retreat fee. Arrival is the evening of October 9th for dinner, check out is either the 12th after the upholstery project is completed, or the morning of the 13th.

Ready to take on an upholstery project with expert support every step of the way? In this immersive 3-day workshop, you’ll bring your own upholstered chair frame (torn all the way down to the bare frame)—a rocking chair, open armchair, Parson’s Chair or similar sized frame—and you’ll be guided through the process from the foundation to the finishing details.

You’ll learn foundational and advanced techniques including webbing, padding, spring tying (if applicable), and how to work with specialty materials like leather, hair-on-hide, and decorative nails. You’ll leave with not just a finished piece—but the skills and confidence to tackle more projects on your own.

What’s included:

  • Three full days of hands-on instruction
  • Use of professional-grade upholstery tools
  • Access to expert guidance and troubleshooting in real time
  • A supportive, creative space full of fellow makers
  • Lodging and meals at the Cross Bell Ranch

What to bring:

  • Your furniture piece (pre-approved to ensure scope fits the time frame)
  • Your own foam and fabric (additional upholstery supplies are included in the registration cost)
  • A sense of adventure and willingness to learn
  • Spots are limited to keep instruction personalized. Whether you’re building for your home or your business, this is the perfect place to level up.

About Sierra Shores:

Sierra Shores is a professional upholsterer, educator, and founder of The Rusted Roan Design Co., where she teaches the art of Western-inspired upholstery with a down-to-earth, hands-on approach. With years of experience transforming everything from heirloom pieces to bold, modern statement chairs, Sierra is known for making upholstery accessible, creative, and fun.

Her instruction blends traditional techniques with Western flair, while breaking it all down into step-by-step lessons anyone can follow. Through her online courses, membership group, and in-person workshops, Sierra has helped hundreds of students gain the skills and confidence to upholster their own pieces and even launch their own businesses.

Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to level up your craftsmanship, Sierra’s teaching style meets you where you are—without fluff or overwhelm. Her mission is to revive the tradition of upholstery in a way that fits today’s makers: creative, empowered, and unafraid to stand out.

Youth Trick Riding with Haley Proctor

LOCATION:
Osage County Fairgrounds (Indoor Arena)
Pawhuska, Oklahoma

DATE:
Saturday, Oct. 11 & Sunday Oct. 12
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Open to all levels of riders ages 6-18.
No previous trick riding experience necessary.
Participants will use Haley’s horses.

COST: $450
*Limited to 8 Students
*Lunch is included daily

No refunds will be given for cancellations after October 1st, 2025.

Workshop Summary:

The art of trick and fancy riding. The students will be learning safety, fundamentals, horsemanship, and showmanship along with several tricks to continue developing at home.

About Haley Proctor:

Haley Proctor was born and raised in Northeast Oklahoma. She began trick riding at the age of 4 after begging her uncle 4x NFR Contract Act Shawn Brackett, to teach her the trade. A passion for trick riding and the performing lifestyle developed at a young age for Haley when she had the opportunity to travel with the Great American Wild West Show to some of the greatest rodeo venues in the country at just 5 years old. She was blessed with the opportunity to work with legendary trick riders at a young age, where she was able to learn and hone her craft.

Haley was the 2024 National Finals Rodeo Specialty Act, has been nominated as the 6x Top 5 PRCA Dress Act of the Year, crowned the 2007 World Champion Trick Rider, competed in the 2016 North American Trick Riding Championships in Las Vegas, and played a role and performed stunt work in the films Cowgirls and Angels, and Cowgirls and Angels 2: Dakota’s Summer.

Haley is known for her Trick Riding, Roman Riding, and High Schooled Liberty acts, where she is also proud to display her Cherokee heritage throughout the show. Haley is always expanding her talents and constantly keeps the crowd at the edge of their seats.

Silversmithing Class with Barbara Jacques

LOCATION:
Osage County Fairgrounds
Pawhuska, Oklahoma

DATE:
Friday, Oct. 10: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Beginner & Intermediate

COST: $825
*Limited to 10 Students
*Lunch is included daily

No refunds will be given for cancellations after October 1st, 2025.

Workshop Summary:

Our Oklahoma Gathering silversmith class is geared for either the total beginner or the intermediate student. During this three-day class, students will learn the basics of silversmithing and complete a copper bracelet, stamped with one stone, and a two-stone pendant using copper and sterling silver.

Covered in this course are:

  • principles and elements of design
  • basic metal cutting and sawing
  • bezels and stone setting
  • surface designs and textures
  • gauges of metal and wire

 

All materials, notebooks with instructions, and tool kits containing everything needed to continue working on projects at home are included in the price. 

About Barbara Jacques:

Western life and artwork have always been at the center of Barbara Jacques’ life. She holds a BS in Art Education from Oklahoma State University and has extensive training in jewelry and metals. Over the years she has had the opportunity to study from some of the finest jewelry and metal artists and engravers in the world. 

Barbara taught her first art class in 1982. She has taught both privately and in public school. While working in education, Barbara developed online art classes which were used in 38 states. She loves sharing her knowledge and experience with students of all ages. She believes the principles and elements of art apply to any medium. “They are the foundation for strong design and pleasing aesthetics.”

Barbara is married to Dave Jacques. They raise Black Angus cattle on their ranch in Osage County, Oklahoma.

Advanced Rawhide Braiding With Jay Adcock

LOCATION:
Osage County Fairgrounds
Pawhuska, Oklahoma

DATE:
Friday, Oct. 10: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Advanced

COST: $1,250
*Limited to 6 Participants
*Lunch is included daily

No refunds will be given for cancellations after October 1st, 2025.

Workshop Summary:

This is an advanced workshop on the construction of a rawhide/leather hackamore. The workshop will cover methods of core construction, string sizing for bodies and knots, braiding bodies, foundations for different styles of nose buttons and heel knots as well as side buttons, finishing and shaping. Bringing a finished body is advisable due to time constraints.

About Jay Adcock:

Jay Adcock grew up amongst a ranching family in Oklahoma. He was inspired by his grandfather to work with rawhide and leather at an early age. He spent some time with Oregon rawhide braider Frank Hansen and honed his craft while working on various ranches across the Western United States.

Drawing on Leather with Kristin Allen

LOCATION:
Osage County Fairgrounds
Pawhuska, Oklahoma

DATE:
Friday, Oct. 10: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Intermediate

COST: $497
*Limited to 6 Participants
*Lunch is included both days

No refunds will be given for cancellations after October 1st, 2025.

Workshop Summary:

This workshop will teach you how to draw Sheridan style floral designs directly onto leather. No need to sketch it out beforehand, I will show you a step-by-step method to make this process easier than you’ve imagined. This method has been taught to me in various ways by several leather masters that I have then modified to my own style. I hope to break down the process into a two-day drawing and tooling class. I will teach you how to use tap off flowers, plan out your layout, fill space, connect circles, and the proper swivel knife and tooling order to maximize depth.

Day one will be spent learning the method as I present all the information to the class. We will practice drawing and if time allows, get to tooling as soon as possible. I want to emphasize repetition of each step so we will be going back over each step and then practicing that step as we go. Let’s make lots of mistakes so we can learn how to fix them while having fun! This is an intermediate level class (some past drawing/tooling experience).

About Kristin Allen:

I was born and raised in a small ranching community in southwest Colorado. I grew up around ranching and always had an interest in horses. That is what started my journey with leather work—the desire to make my own working gear. I spent a lot of my early years cowboying for various outfits, shoeing horses, as well as training and selling horses. I slowly picked up a few leather pointers from fellow cowboys along the way, borrowing and eventually buying a few tools here and there. I spent many hours alone in whatever bunkhouse I was living in teaching myself the leather craft. I started selling items online which eventually turned into a business. As the years went by and the demand for my art increased, I invested in better tools and sought out classes to improve my skills.

Now, I do leather work full time and cowboying is my side hustle. My background cowboying shaped my style as an artist today and I am so grateful for the journey it has taken me on. I still enjoy making working cowboy gear with an emphasis on an artistic flair. With every piece I make I try to document the working cowboy and my love for that culture.

Horsemanship with Master Lee Smith

About Lee Smith:

Lee Smith lives on a cattle ranch in Estancia, New Mexico. She and her husband Mark raise quality Quarter horses at their Harmony Hills Ranch. Lee has conducted hundreds of clinics and demonstrations throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia since 1991 as well as teaching ranch horse classes the HHR. Lee considers herself a student of the horse, and lucky to have shared her experience with thousands of horse people from throughout the world.

Lee is a gifted and eloquent teacher who has extraordinary insight into horses and people. Teaching people to learn from the horse.

Lee leads people on a pathway of discovery to the essential elements of horsemanship and a better level of performance. She helps them to unlock their potential to understand the mind, body and spirit of the horse.

Cinch Building with Olivia Wofford

LOCATION:
Osage County Fairgrounds
Pawhuska, Oklahoma

DATE:
Saturday, Oct. 11: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Beginner

COST: $395
*Limited to 10 Students
*Lunch is included both days

No refunds will be given for cancellations after October 1st, 2025.

Workshop Summary:

Join us for a two-day beginner cinch building workshop. This will focus on creating a strong base and intro into design. You will learn everything you need to build a mohair cinch.

Students will need to have and bring these essential tools to complete this workshop.

1 . Cinch Loom

Here are a few places you can purchase one before the clinic if you do not already have access to one. If you can not get one from these places please contact Olivia and she can help you get one.

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

2.Hemostats or 2.75 blunt tip/large eye needle and pliers.

All other materials including mohair and other tools will be provided!

About Olivia Wofford:

Hello I am Olivia Wofford, maker and owner of Little Bluestem Mohair. This business was established on providing quality, long lasting, comfortable mohair tack for the everyday working horse. I started this journey while working beside my husband ranching in northeastern Oklahoma, my love for making mohair products has continued to grow throughout the years and I can not wait to share this art with you!

"Nice Job, Cowgirl!" With Judy Wagner

LOCATION:
Good Time Charlee’s
Pawhuska, Oklahoma

DATE:
Saturday, Oct. 11: 10:00am – 3:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
All experience levels are welcome.

COST: $295
*Limited to 20 Participants
*Lunch Included

Workshop Summary:

Learn the art of Brand Building + Story Telling! In this 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

What’s In It for you – Value Based Marketing- 10:00am-12:00 Noon:

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.

Identify Customer aided with Edge Crafted and Purple Cow ideas. Formulate a plan to create your foundation with business cornerstones for business, project, or program.

“If you don’t stand for something you stand for nothing at all.”

This day sets the stage for effective planning and highlights the critical elements that drive successful ventures brand building, leadership and storytelling influence.

Lunch Break: Noon-1:00pm

Discover how to identify a VALUE MODEL- 1:00-3:00pm

Break Trail with Brand Overview and Business Cornerstones Create a Value Model for your Business, Project, Program Building on morning session 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.

It is our STORIES that aid in our ability to Motivate, Sell, Inspire, Engage, and Lead. 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 features DoWit & Ranch Grown Logics, Value Based Brand Marketing. Also included are Tools & Branding Guidelines and 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 May 15th. No refunds will be given for cancellations after May 15th, 2025.

Bit & Spur Making with Guest Master Kim Parkey

Kim Parkey has been building bits and spurs for the past 30 years.  His passion is bridle bits and his main goal is to build a bit that is functional first and beautiful second.  He is also committed to sharing his knowledge of bit making with others.  Before retiring to full-time bit making, Kim was a welder/fabricator at New Mexico State University, heading up the welding and machine shop in the Mechanical Engineering Department. Kim was featured in the August 2016 edition of Western Horseman Magazine.  He was awarded the People’s Choice award three years running at the Great Basin Gear Show in Elko, Nevada, on collaboration pieces with outstanding rawhide braider Bret Haskett. Kim lives near Elgin, Arizona with his wife, Karen, and a couple of horses. 

Beading with Master Kathleen Brannon

Kathleen Brannon is a Bead Artist living in the Northern Nevada High Desert.   Her work maintains the integrity of color and symbolism used by the Ancients in Petroglyphs and in Ceremonies. Kathleen simply transforms the symbols into contemporary form. Each piece is personally designed and handcrafted.  Sheets of aluminum are sheared into strips, bent, then covered in natural hide.  Once the bead work is completed, it is handstitched to the basic cuff.

Raised in the Southwest, her passion and respect for the wide open spaces of the Western lands and its simple lifestyle became her passion.  As a Non-Native, she has lived near Tribal Lands and had the fortunate opportunity to learn beadwork from many Navajo Elders. 

Leather/Chap Making with Master Julie Baugher

Lisa Barnes’ journey in the horse industry began in Southern California during her childhood, when she worked at a pony ride and petting zoo. Under the mentorship of the owner, Linda Menary, Lisa learned not only the values of hard work but also the importance of living with passion. Linda’s zest for life and dedication to helping others inspired Lisa to embrace challenges, roll up her sleeves, get dirty and enjoy every moment of your life.

Lisa’s career in the horse industry has lead her into a wide variety of roles, primarily in Alaska. She became a farrier after learning how to shoe horses out of necessity, eventually attending the Kentucky Horse Shoeing School. Lisa’s deep understanding of the equine world continued to grow as she managed the Soldotna Rodeo Grounds, organizing and producing events for the local community.

In the mid-1980s, Lisa worked as an outfitter in Alaska, where she packed hunters and tourists into remote camps with their gear and supplies, and later packed out their hunted game. Through these rugged years, and an education in the school of hard knocks, Lisa learned valuable lessons, especially the importance of preparation and safety. By reaching out to experienced guides, learning proper knot-tying, saddle and pad fitting and training animals before putting hunted game on their backs for the first time, she was able to make life safer with less disasters.

Today, Lisa is a Certified Equine Dentist, offering her expertise to ensure the health and well-being of horses. For recreation, she enjoys team roping, participating in wagon trains with her team and wagon, packing and trail riding and working her stock dogs. Lisa is honored to be returning as a presenter and participant at the Art of the Cowgirl event, where she continues to share her knowledge and passion for the equine world.

Lisa’s commitment to both the art and science of horsemanship, combined with her adventurous spirit, makes her a truly inspiring figure in the horse community.

Packing & Outfitting with Master Lisa Barnes

Lisa Barnes’ journey in the horse industry began in Southern California during her childhood, when she worked at a pony ride and petting zoo. Under the mentorship of the owner, Linda Menary, Lisa learned not only the values of hard work but also the importance of living with passion. Linda’s zest for life and dedication to helping others inspired Lisa to embrace challenges, roll up her sleeves, get dirty and enjoy every moment of your life.

Lisa’s career in the horse industry has lead her into a wide variety of roles, primarily in Alaska. She became a farrier after learning how to shoe horses out of necessity, eventually attending the Kentucky Horse Shoeing School. Lisa’s deep understanding of the equine world continued to grow as she managed the Soldotna Rodeo Grounds, organizing and producing events for the local community.

In the mid-1980s, Lisa worked as an outfitter in Alaska, where she packed hunters and tourists into remote camps with their gear and supplies, and later packed out their hunted game. Through these rugged years, and an education in the school of hard knocks, Lisa learned valuable lessons, especially the importance of preparation and safety. By reaching out to experienced guides, learning proper knot-tying, saddle and pad fitting and training animals before putting hunted game on their backs for the first time, she was able to make life safer with less disasters.

Today, Lisa is a Certified Equine Dentist, offering her expertise to ensure the health and well-being of horses. For recreation, she enjoys team roping, participating in wagon trains with her team and wagon, packing and trail riding and working her stock dogs. Lisa is honored to be returning as a presenter and participant at the Art of the Cowgirl event, where she continues to share her knowledge and passion for the equine world.

Lisa’s commitment to both the art and science of horsemanship, combined with her adventurous spirit, makes her a truly inspiring figure in the horse community.

Horsemanship with Master Jill Barron

Jill Barron is a World-renowned clinician, trainer, competitor, judge and coach. She combines classical Dressage techniques and Natural Horsemanship in her training and teaching. Her attention to detail and ability to communicate her expertise is unprecedented. The breadth of her knowledge is not limited to colt starting, ranch, roping or dressage, she is able to educate anyone who is interested in refining their riding.  She empowers riders by equipping them with the skills and confidence to enhance their partnership with their equine.  Her instruction aligns with the training goals for each individual rider, she shares transformative knowledge and embraces positivity. Jill Barron’s focus is encouraging a deeper connection between horse and rider, within all disciplines and all levels.

Hat Making with Master Shorty Koger

Born in 1945 in Oklahoma City, Shorty, given name “Lavonna,” spent most of her youth in the tiny community of Fairfax in Oklahoma’s northeastern Osage County. Shorty got her first horse when she was a teenager. She taught herself to ride bareback, eventually galloping into the world of barrel racing and bull riding. Although Shorty worked the rodeo circuit, earning a name for herself as a fearless rider and for her never-say-die spirit, she struggled to find a career that would fulfill her cowboy dreams. She ran a Western store for a while, helped a friend start a Subway sandwich shop, and ponied horses up the starting line at the horse races at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds raceway.

“Honestly, I was obsessed with cowboy culture,” Shorty says. “My love was always with the Western lifestyle.”

After Shorty’s father died in the 1970s, her brother sent off two of her father’s cowboy hats to be renovated and cleaned. “When my brother got those hats back and they were ruined, he told me ‘As much as you love rodeos, you ought to get in the hat-cleaning business.’ It was like a bolt of lightning. I said, ‘Holy cow. What a great idea!” Like everything else in her life, Shorty learned the art of hat renovation and creation by trial and error.

Shorty now owns and runs Shorty’s Caboy Hattery in Oklahoma City and travels throughout the country to massive shows and competitions. Each of Shorty’s hats starts out with quality beaver and rabbit fur from Ukraine. Each custom hat takes at least five days to make, but the handcrafted effort pays off. In Shorty’s eyes, everybody who wears one of her hats is a celebrity.

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: (with horse) The class will head to the Priefert round pen where a horse is held on halter and students will be able to draw him from life, with Cassie and Shawn walking around assisting. Horse will change positions 2 times so 20 minutes per pose. This will be a time to create fun, quick sketches
  • 3rd hour: (with horse) Students will watch as Cassie paints the horse from life and Shawn will talk about  how she applies color, manages shadows, and more. Students will not be painting during the last hour, but will be observing and will be able to ask questions.

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

Riding for the Brand: Brand Building, Storytelling & Leadership in Motion

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

DATE:
Tuesday, Feb. 24th
9:00am-2:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Open to everyone seeking inspiration & encouragement!

COST: $350
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

“Sit tall in the saddle. Hold your head up high. Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky.” – Chris LeDoux

Rooted in Western values, Judy Wagner draws on over 40 years of experience in the Western industry, using authentic storytelling to build trust, inspire action, and create lasting connections.

This workshop is inspired by the Western tradition of Riding for the Brand, standing for something greater than yourself, giving your best, and leading with shared values and purpose. At its heart are three pillars: Brand Building, Storytelling, and Leadership in Motion.

Participants will explore the importance of a well-structured Brand Building strategy, review a model plan, analyze its components, and engage in customer assessments to create a personal Value-Added Model.

“People don’t buy what we do. They buy why we do it. Demographics don’t buy products, emotions do.” Through a customer-centered Value Model exercise, participants will uncover their customers’ emotional needs, gaining insights and practical tools to build a brand worth talking about.

Value Models highlight what matters most to customers. With this clarity comes awareness, focus, and the ability to magnify storytelling through a Value-Based Model. These insights become foundational, whether launching new products, creating programs, or strengthening existing brands. They shape perceptions, align teams, and create lasting impact.

Why does this matter? Because storytelling is essential to building a dynamic, authentic brand. It serves as a multiplier, elevating our ability to motivate, sell, inspire, engage, and lead.

The workshop includes the Nice Job, Cowgirl Workbook: Brand Building, Storytelling & Leadership in Motion, designed to support participants in building their brands, products, or services.

This hands-on, practical approach is guided by Judy’s “Ranch-Grown Logic” and emphasizes crafting brand-building tactics through her Wheel of Influence tool, a wagon wheel metaphor spotlighting key cornerstones of brand strength and purpose-driven leadership. Participants will also be introduced to Judy’s signature leadership mantra, DOWIT, Do Whatever It Takes, a practical guide for action, clarity, and impact.

At the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with a personalized blueprint, ready to implement on their journey toward purposeful leadership, value-added branding, and Leadership in Motion.

Let’s ride!
#LeadershipInMotion
#RideForTheBrand

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

Recreation Packing Clinic

With Lisa Barnes
*Limited to 8 Participants

DATE:
February 25th & 26th
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 2026

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, 2026.

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:
February 24th, 25th, 26th
9:00am-5:00pm Daily

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
No previous experience necessary.

COST: $800
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

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. We highly recommend you get the Bruce Grant’s Encyclopedia book and study pg.360,361,390,391.  This will help you understand what we are going to be doing in the class, so please study, and practice tying the knots. To help with your knot tying you can use kangaroo leather and your going to need an awl and flat leather sewing needles.

Participants will braid an 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!

No previous experience necessary.

Workshop cancellations will be refunded until February 1. No refunds will be given for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

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.

Written Storytelling

With Jolyn Young

DATE:
Thursday, Feb. 26th
1:00pm-3:00pm
*Optional third hour for discussion.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
Writers of all levels are welcome.

COST: $225
Includes a complimentary 5-Day pass to Art of the Cowgirl 2026

Workshop Summary:

Everyone has a story to tell. What’s yours? Whether you want to write about your life, someone else’s life, or make up a story from scratch, this class will help you get started and teach you the tools to continue. Instruction includes two hours of classwork tailored to attendees’ goals, including group discussions and individual writing time. Participants are welcome to stay for an optional third hour to dig deeper into writing and/or the publishing industry. Bring written works already started or start fresh during class. Students will leave with words on paper and learn a foolproof exercise to bust through writer’s block and ensure future progress.

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, 2026.

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.