Princess Red Bird on Blue Blazes

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Description:
"Princess Red Bird on Blue Blazes, riding in the Cowgirls Bucking Contest and winning third money." [Caption from image. (Another image of this ride identifies the horse as Dempsey.] Pendleton, 1915. Princess Red Bird was born in Flambeau, North Dakota, and was one of the very few Native American women to compete in bucking contests. She was known for carrying an American flag (shown furled) during her rides. In the early years women competed in all the major rodeo events, sometimes challenging the men. The death of Bonnie McCarroll during a bucking contest at the 1929 Round-Up shocked the audience, leading to a ban on women's competition in bronc riding, and to the end of the all-around cowgirl. Women became featured as rodeo queens instead of bronc riders and steer wrestlers, and the primary field of competition is now barrel racing. Furlong Collection, PH244-057. All rights reserved.
Attribution:
University of Oregon Libraries, SCUA