Fellowship Program

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

Workshop Summary:

The second (PM) class will give the students the opportunity to learn much of the same lessons as the morning class. However, the students will be combining these lessons with the training of their own horses which is a much more difficult task. This class will challenge the students to focus on building a trust with their horses and bring together a strong bond with their equine partners while both the student and the horse learn the art of trick riding.

Workshop Summary:

Come learn the art of trick riding with Alyssa Pratt! Alyssa will provide the horses and gear for youth, 6 years and older, to come and learn beginner skills of trick riding. This is a great introduction class for any youth interested in trick riding!

Topics Covered in this three hour class:

1. Learn the fundamentals and parts of trick riding saddle
2. Learn basic horse care and saddling.
3. At stand still, girls will be able to try the different tricks one by one.
4. Move forward to a walk teaching the girls control of their horse while attempting the most basic trick riding maneuvers in order to gain balance.
5. Will progress to run beside (horse trots and girls run with the horses to understand timing of horse trotting pattern, this is very critical in knowing when getting in and out of tricks and especially for vaulting)
6. Some girls may be able to attempt vaulting after running beside
7. Will go back to basic walking (potential trot for the more advanced girls) and allow girls to attempt tricks at a walk (usually after the run besides they feel more comfortable).
8. At the end Alyssa will lay down one of her horses and the girls who are comfortable will be able to come up and sit on her while laying down.

At the end of the class each student will get to discuss what they learned before dismissal.

No previous trick riding experience needed. The riders will be using Alyssa’s horses. Students need to bring their own helmet and tennis shoes (no boots :))

Workshop Summary:

Join silversmith Tia Watson for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the art of crafting your own custom silver and turquoise ring. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this class will guide you through the fundamentals of ring making, including shaping, soldering, and finishing techniques. You’ll work with quality materials and leave with a unique, handcrafted piece to wear or gift. Tia will share tips and tricks from her years of experience, making this an educational and creative experience in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Stones will be provided, but if you’d like to bring your own you’re more then welcome to! We will be making a few silver stackers as well as setting a turquoise stone.

No prior experience necessary – just bring your creativity and a willingness to learn!

Workshop Summary:

Class will be creating a rawhide bracelet over 2 days, and will encompass basic braiding, fundamental knot work, and proper moisture content for working rawhide. Any prior rawhide/braiding experience is helpful, but all levels are welcome to attend. All materials provided. Bring a braiding fid, bench top vise, and needle nose pliers, if you have them, I will have some extra tools available.

Workshop Summary:

Learn to make your own pulled wool saddle pad. In this class you will be making a 32x32x2 natural white wool saddle pad. Making pulled wool saddle pads is a unique art that requires developing a feel for wool. You will have the opportunity to ask all the questions you might have about wool and what makes these pads so functional and unique. This is a hands on workshop you will leave with the skills to make many beautiful wool saddle pads in the future. Making your own pulled wool saddle pads lets you get creative and learn to incorporate your own designs. Example pads will be shown to help you understand how the pads wear over time, what you can expect from the pads with use and how to properly wash and care for pulled wool saddle pads. You will also learn common mistakes to avoid, where to get quality wool products and a little about the American wool industry.

Workshop Summary:

Experience part of the process of turning mud into the functional art of stoneware pottery! You will choose a mug to carve with your own design that will be fired and finished in the glaze of your choice. Finally, we will have a glazing station set up where you will learn how to glaze a spoon rest or jewelry dish. We will ship your pieces to you when they have been glazed, fired, and finished.

Note: No prior experience necessary. Hair must be tied back, rings and bracelets should be removed, and nails trimmed short for the best experience. Towels will be provided, but you should wear “play clothes” for this workshop!

About Jodie:

Jodie Baxendale is a widely published professional photographer based in the Black Hills of western South Dakota.  JodieB Photography was established in 2010 serving the five-state regions of SD, WY, MT, ND, NE and beyond.  Vintage and romantic western concepts are revealed throughout her unique style, inspired by the love and grace of Jesus Christ, along with her deep roots and upbringing in Wyoming.  Jodie’s natural eye and talented artistic approach has grabbed the attention of many fans from all around the world.  As a trailblazer in western/ranch lifestyle and fashion portraiture, she is an expert in posing, studio lighting and commercial photography.  Jodie is well known for her Premier Portraiture, Western Fine Art, Rodeo Action, Rustic Fine Art, and the ability to express emotion in each of her images.  With a fervent love of art, history, ranch life, rodeo and western style, Jodie creatively captures traditional and timeless images to be treasured for the generations to come.  Her client listing hails from 36 states, with numerous commercial works featured for: Western Horseman, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Pendleton, Working Ranch, Crown Royal, American Dakota Rugs, Barrel Horse News, Hooey, Rodeo News, Cowboy Lifestyle Network, Women’s Professional Rodeo News, Appaloosa Journal, Rodeo Life, Horse Country Living, Native American Arts, Pro Rodeo Sports News, Rodeo Posters by Maverick Design, Miss Rodeo America Pageant, the State of Wyoming, and many more.

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

Workshop Summary:

In this one-day class, students will develop flower layout on a checkbook cover and fly swatter and execute that on those projects. We will build them with a discussion emphasizing edges and sewing. This is a great class for anyone interested in leather work and students will be able to take home two pieces of work.

About Paul:

My interest in good horses and gear began early in life. It was no surprise that this interest led me to pursuing both as a career.  As I served two saddlery apprenticeships (Ron Silverman, Don Butler) I also continued developing my skills as a horseman. I did this primarily by working with different horsemen, cowboying and starting colts throughout the country.

In May 2004 I officially went on my own. My business is certainly a reflection of my passions. My deepest passion is making and using both quality saddles on horses I have trained. From spring to fall I split my time between building custom saddles and riding, whether that is branding, training, or tending to the cows on our ranch. In the late fall through the spring I teach a two-week saddle building class each month. I enjoy meeting fantastic people from all over the world and passing on the knowledge of the trade that has meant so much to me.

In every facet of what I do I place great value on the classic lines and lifestyle of the western artisan.

Workshop Summary:

In this horsemanship clinic, Tom and Trina will give you several maneuvers to work on so that each rider can experience feel, timing, and balance at his or her own level. They help each rider get together with their horse, to become one with their horse in a quality balanced relationship. This will help to set up the horse and rider to advance their horsemanship so that they can use their horsemanship for the cow working class. Tom and Trina are very intuitive to both the horse and rider which makes this clinic impactful and fun for those participating.

Stalls:

Must bring your own horse to participate and stalls and RV space are available at Buffalo Fairgrounds.

Stalls are $25/pen/night
Contact Jaimie Stoltzfus to reserve at: Jaimie@artofthecowgirl.com

Workshop Summary:

In this cow working clinic, Tom and Trina will give you several maneuvers to work on so that each rider can experience feel, timing, and balance at his or her own level. This cow working class will give the horse and rider a job. Tom and Trina will help you learn to read cattle, so that you can maneuver your horse in such a way as to control and work your cow. This will help you to work a cow in the show ring or on the ranch. This will also help you learn to position your horse for ranch roping throws.

Stalls:

Must bring your own horse to participate and stalls and RV space are available at Buffalo Fairgrounds.

Stalls are $25/pen/night
Contact Jaimie Stoltzfus to reserve at: Jaimie@artofthecowgirl.com

Workshop Summary:

Master class of sketching/brushwork with charcoal – Beautiful expressive horse head

Class includes, toned paper, charcoal, pencil, erasers, drawing boards, and custom cut matboard for finished drawing on the second day.

First day is loose gesture sketches, drawing shapes, and focusing on areas of the head (eyes, ears, nose, full skull)

The second day is drawing a finished charcoal sketch on toned paper of a horse head with dramatic lighting which will be completed with a custom cut matboard for each student to display their work.

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. 

Workshop Summary:

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

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.

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!

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.