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i love anything to do with cowgirls, so it was a treat looking through this recent New York Times feature about cowgirls of today who grow up in the ranch country of the Texas Panhandle. some of these girls appear quite tough (and i bet they are!) but then you spot the inconspicuous braid in their horse’s mane. photographer Ilona Szwarc is known for her series about American Girls, which you can see on her website.

When talking about rodeoing, the girls muse about their spiritual connection to the animals and the grit the sport helps them build — rather than the fact that they’re crossing over into traditionally male territory. “I used to be scared a lot, to even get on a horse,” Riley Sessions, 12, says. “I got tougher as I got on a horse and started riding. You’ve got to be pretty brave to ride a horse.” – Julie Bosman

Miss Moss

Hey! I'm Miss Moss. But you can call me Diana. This blog is a means of curating and sharing my love for visual treasures. Learn more about me here.

9 Comments

  • krystal/village says:

    these pictures are so awesome – its so neat to think about the different cultures and lives that are just a state or even city away!

  • Noor says:

    Oh I just love it. I am from TN and we all have horses. I grew up riding them and it will always be my favorite thing to do on earth. I feel so relaxed and happy on my horse. These girls are gorgeous. I have been here in a while btw and I like the new looks :)

  • Joy says:

    this looks absolutely amazing. gorg!

  • Second Floor Flat says:

    I’d missed this in the nyt so thanks so much for sharing. what a wonderful story, not to mention the amazing photographs.

  • Dianne says:

    these girls. i AM SITTING AT MY DESK JOB WANTING TO JUMP ON THE NEXT PLANE TO TEXAS.

  • NOA says:

    love these pics :)

    One of the movies i like is:
    “even cowgirls get the blues” by Gus Van Sant with UmA THURMAN

    so this post tossed me right back to my youth ;-)

  • Sam says:

    THESE REMIND ME A BIT OF MY CHILDHOOD. AW, NOW I WANT TO GO TO THE RODEO. THESE GIRLS ARE AWESOME!

  • sara says:

    such great portraits :)
    thank you for sharing!