American Cowgirl

A man once wrote this famous quote; “I have a dream”. Remember? For Angel’s mom, the dream lives on despite the dust, the bills and rust. Despite back pain, the lack of rain, the coyotes howl and banker’s scowl; for Angel’s mom, the dream lives on.

Winter wind whipping, ice cycles dripping, as mom chopped ice, not once, but twice. Then toted water while her daughter watched it from the pasture. She saw her mom walk past her with grit not tears. Though it’s been years, for Angel, the dream lives on.

Memories of that cowgirl swirl like dust devils do where grass once grew. She sees mom’s face; that sweat stained grace, a road map to all she’d been through and all she did to raise cows and kids so, for Angel, the dream could live on.

Angel’s tales of hauling bales, restringing wires and changing tires, aren’t softened by the mind’s patina. Her mom’s no barnyard ballerina tiptoeing through the clover. She’s stooped and pooped and all bent over so, for Angel, the dream could live on.

For Angel, mom’s an inspiration who’s perfume is pure perspiration. She’s a symbol of integrity and other hard hewn qualities. As long as cattle graze the field mom says there’s hope and will not yield so, for Angel, the dream can live on.

Jeff Hildebrandt 
© 2008 Englewood, CO 

Hi Jamie,
I just watched your piece on Connie Reeves. Fantastic!! Wonderfully done! Motivational!
I am the current president of the Blythe Riding Club here in Blythe, Calf. The BRC was created in 1947 by Henrietta Scott for the ladies of this valley. Well, by 1956 they started a ride that would ride for 3 days across the desert led by Tom Wells, and end up in Yuma, AZ , changed their clothes they packed to ride in the Silver Spur Rodeo parade. Things have changed but we still host trail rides. Helen Corwin, a saddle maker by trade, coordinates and leads our rides these days. It is an all women club, but both men and women ride our rides. At this writing, both Henrietta and Helen are still living here in town. Along with our historian, Sylvia Summers and Carolyn Brown. Helen still leads our trail rides (cleans, marks and breaks new trails). She is 82. These gals would make a wonderful addition to your work. I would love to get these gals’ of the BRC lives on record. Thank you for what you do!
Suzanne Tippit
Blythe, CA

I got back into horses at the age of 50. I’m 58 now. I have 14 horses now. I ride almost every day. It’s like my life started at 50. :) This film was definitely motivating to me. My best friend and I are always kidding we will be in our 80’s riding. Together. Always.
I want to be just like you. :)
Diana Smith
Weleetka, OK

The pictures and film brought tears to my eyes. Mrs. Reeves reminds me of my 80 year old aunt who still rides today and goes with me every chance she gets. Thank you for the capturing the young and the old.
Bettie Martinek
Greenville, MS

Hi Jamie,
KUDOS to you for doing this documentary on the American Cowgirl!! I can”t own the official title of a cowgirl, however, I’ve ridden most of my life, worked a few cows, did a little rodeoing…I’ve loved horses since I was old enough to know what they were! I own a beautiful Tennessee Walker named Rio, and trailride as often as I can with friends. I can’t wait to see this documentary!! Thanks so very much.
Happy Trails,
Sandi Larkins
High Springs, FL

AMAZING!!!! Truly moved me to watch the video…I belong to a group of best girlfriends who call ourselves The Hooligans. We ride, camp, party and share our lives. We are all 40 - 60 years YOUNG and LOVE to see examples of what women can accomplish together when they love what they do! I’m so thankful I was directed to your site, keep up the good work.
Thanks,
Diane and the Girls :)

Hi, Cowgirl!  I loved your film.
Thank you so much for producing it and making it available on the internet. Although I personally was born and bred a city girl, my deceased Mom, Sheila, was raised in Breckenridge, Texas and had such wonderful stories of her barrel racing days and ‘Dudly’ her companion horse. I am touched and inspired by the spirit of women! Thank you!
Smiles,
Lori Stotland
Texas

Your work is beautiful, transforming and amazingly accurate. Enjoying it very much. Wondering - is there a full length film on Connie Reeves? (A true American Cowgirl in the best sense, she is missed by many.)
Thank you,
Diane Davis
lifelong cowgirl

Thank you so much for this film; It really speaks to the center of my heart in every way!
Deb (aka: ponygirl)

A friend sent me the link to this site and as I watched, I realized that you had caught some amazing history that very much needs to be told. You have told a story simply, which I’m sure is how cowgirls prefer things, and you have told it beautifully. Thank you for recognizing these women, and for telling their stories. I wish you the very best of luck on your project and look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!!
Abbey Kettlewell Shiley
Locust Grove,  VA

Dear Jamie,
Thank you so very much for your American Cowgirl film. It was forwarded to me by another female equine enthusiast. I currently live in eastern Pennsylvania but grew up outside of Kansas City, MO and Chicago, IL. Girls here have no clue what a hard day’s work truly is, the kind of hard work that not only do you truly love doing but also sends you off to a great night’s sleep as well. So your film will help current and up and coming generations of women to perhaps be a bit bolder. Thank you again for a fabulous documentary.
Constance Carroll
Erwinna, PA

Beautiful photography - loved your film on that wonderful woman - 101 years old and still going strong!!! Brought back fond memories of my dear friend Cathy who passed away of breast cancer before her 50th birthday. She grew up with horses and riding in rodeos all over British Columbia. She so loved her horses and family.
Denise Buurman
Edmonton Alberta, Canada

I have to tell you how wonderful I thought this presentation was, and inspiring. I am a 60 year old who still loves riding, in spite of the advice that I get that “I might be too old” for it. I guess as long as I can swing a leg over the back of my horse I will keep riding.
Miki

These photos and the film about Connie Reeves touch a place so deep in my city girl heart. This was the life I yearned to be living, all those years growing up in Detroit. To have it captured by someone who can see and show the heart, the love, the work, the enduring values is a special gift given to all of us - city and country girls alike.
Thank you.
DeeDee Levine
Menlo Park, CA

There’s nothing like seeing the the world from the back of a horse. It just makes everything alright again. Everybody should try it, maybe people would get their mind right.
Dee Dee Miller
Raeford, NC