Rodeo U Brings Life to the Legend Rodeo Legends

The storied world of rodeo becomes more fact than fiction as The National Cowgirl Museum's Cowgirl U enters its fourth year of providing one of the nation's most distinctive educational programs when it begins its 2009 series of events in January at the famed Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

Students will mingle with rodeo legends and stroll the grounds of the 113-year old event, which features the World's Original Indoor Rodeo, as well as championship livestock competition and one of the nation's largest agricultural exhibitions.

Rodeo U begins January 30 with one of the most dynamic women to ever enter the rodeo arena: 1991 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Inductee Jonnie Jonckowski. Jonnie's competitive spirit helped her overcome many barriers to become a two-time world champion bull rider, and she also eliminated these same barriers for the women who followed her. In addition, Rodeo U students will learn about rodeo events and what it's like to be in the scoring hot seat from a PRCA judge. Registration includes lunch at the Museum, and dinner by REATATM at The Backstage Club, as well as the best seat in the house for an exciting evening of professional rodeo competition.

On January 31 students can continue their journey into the world of rodeo as they learn about the most important component of the competition, the livestock. Part two of the series, "The Other Rodeo Contestant: Livestock," will feature one of the industry's most legendary performers and 1978 Hall of Fame Honoree Karen Vold of Pueblo, Colo. A valued partner with her husband and professional rodeo contractor, Harry Vold, Karen will share her perspective of the life of the rodeo family and the many elements that go into caring for the livestock necessary for professional competition. The daughter of a rodeo clown, Karen began trick riding at age 11 and started a 12-year career. She was instrumental in forming "The Flying Cimarrons," a group that brought trick riding back into prominence for several years. The day will include box seats at a morning rodeo performance and lunch with REATATM at The Backstage Club, and as well a tour of the Museum. This course is ideal as a follow-up to Rodeo U.

Students can register for either Rodeo U or the Other Rodeo Contestant: Livestock, for $235, $215 for Museum members, or a package of both events for $350. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants per course. For more information, go to www.cowgirlu.org or call 817.509.8967.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire.

Located at 1720 Gendy Street in Fort Worth's Cultural District, the museum includes interactive exhibit galleries, three theaters, a retail store and a grand rotunda housing the Hall of Fame. The museum is open seven days a week - 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Adult admission is $8 and $7 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors ages 60 and up. Please visit www.cowgirl.net or call 817/336-4475 or 800/476-FAME (3263) for more information.