COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2021: Peyton Bennight

January 26, 2021 0 comments CG Editorial Team

After graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science Production, Peyton became an Ag Science Teacher to share her passion with younger generations. Now, and for the past 3 years, she finds herself in the role of Rodeo Specialist for YETI.  Born into a ranching family, her passion for the Western way of life runs deep, and her hands-on experience in the family commercial cattle operation, stock contracting business, and family owned sale barn, has much to do with her success.

Future for women: “My hope for the future women in the Western industry is to never lose sight of what makes this industry so special: the people. Always work hard, be honest, and never allow limitations to keep you from doing what you have a passion for.”

@peytonkbennight

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2021: Shaina Zollman

January 26, 2021 0 comments CG Editorial Team

Pendleton, Oregon, native and lifelong Round Up volunteer, Shaina Zollman has brought HORSEpro.tv to life. As owner and producer, she operates all aspects of the business from filming and editing videos, to maintaining social media, and planning outreach. The video-on-demand website sets the standard in raw, honest information from top trainers who specialize in young horses. Every episode is unedited and shows how trainers overcome obstacles and train top level horses.

Future for women: “Women in the Western industry continue to push boundaries and break molds. Women have the power to keep the Western way of life alive and relevant through media and events and sharing their lifestyle. I see nothing but opportunity for anyone who wants to take it.”

@shainaliz

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2021: Sarah Brown Armstrong

January 26, 2021 0 comments CG Editorial Team

Sarah Brown-Armstrong learned to start colts in 2013 and it has been a passion of hers ever since. Competitive in HS rodeo, she worked hard independently to train horses and haul herself to rope. In 2017, Sarah was introduced to bronc riding and immediately fell for the sport. It wasn’t long before RIDE TV approached her for a new reality show called Cowgirls. Sarah rode for the TBRA for 2 years and has been riding for and starring in RIDE TV’s Cowgirls for 3 seasons.

Future for women: “Working professionally in the Western industry can be very empowering. As a women in a male-dominated sport, I found out quickly that you needed to prove yourself to be accepted. Once I got past that, you’d be surprised how uplifting and welcoming most people in the community are to letting women step in to different roles.”

@sarahk_brown

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2021: Sarah Hendrix

January 26, 2021 0 comments CG Editorial Team

After attending Southern Utah University, her passion for the Western industry has lead Sarah to achieve impressive roles such as PR Director of BioMane Equine Products, Bob Feist Invitational Sponsorship Manager, 2020 NFR Flag Girl Tryout Winner, and now Event Manager at The Cowboy Channel. Having a seat at the table with industry leaders and coordinating rodeo and Western lifestyle’s top events is a dream come true.

Future for women: “Because of the cowgirls who have come before us and lead the way, there is a firm foundation for the future of women in the Western industry. I believe women have always played a vital role in the West, and whether you’re raising crops or babies, training horses or employees, branding calves or your own company, there is a seat for you at the table.”

@sarahmayhendrix

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2021: Madalynn Newman

January 26, 2021 0 comments CG Editorial Team

Madalynn Newman is a 19-year-old student and all around cowgirl from Greenville, KY. Growing up as a rodeo competitor, she developed a strong passion for Western fashion and in 2018, at the age of 16, launched her own business, Grit & Grace Online/Mobile Boutique. Her boutique is a full of the newest trends in the Western industry, and having a mobile boutique has allowed her to travel to rodeos and combine her love for competing and Western fashion.

Future for women: “I think that the future of women in the Western industry is brighter than ever, especially with how fast the popularity of breakaway roping and Western fashion is growing. The industry is full of so many boss babes who are so powerful, self-motivated, and inspirational. As a young successful business owner, I hope that I can inspire and encourage women that, no matter your age, the sky is the limit.”

@mnewman412

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2021: Loni Lester

January 26, 2021 0 comments CG Editorial Team

Loni Lester is an all-around hand who has been very competitive in the college, amateur, and PRCA rodeos. She received a full rodeo scholarship from Sam Houston State University, where she earned an Animal Science Degree.  She competed on the rodeo team for 4 years, and won the College National Finals breakaway title in 2017.  In 2018, she was the WPRA Finals Breakaway Champion and continues to compete in the PRCA and CPRA.

Future for women: “It hasn’t been an easy transition but the WPRA has taken tremendous strides to introduce breakaway roping for women. With roping becoming more available to women, I hope we can teach the young up-and-comers about dedication and commitment, along with how to win and lose graciously.”

@lonikaylester

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2021: Katie Perschbacher

January 26, 2021 0 comments CG Editorial Team

Katie Perschbacher attended Connors State College on a rodeo scholarship and after graduating with a degree in Agricultural Communications, she moved back to Southern Oklahoma, and became involved with her family’s bucking bulls. Fast forward to 2020, she has her own set of cows and bulls and is one of the Stock contractors of the ABBI. “It has been a huge blessing to get to haul and compete with bulls we have raised!”

Future for women: “I believe the women before us have paved a way. We just have to take the first step in our journey and go for it. There are women that work in an office, and some on the ranch everyday, but there is a place and need for both. The future of women in the Western industry is so bright!”

@katiepersch

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2021: Julia Ayres

January 26, 2021 0 comments CG Editorial Team

Growing up in a military family, Julia grew accustomed to moving all across the country while developing a love for the Western culture. She always believed this lifestyle was something she was determined to accomplish, and after graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Equine Sciences from Colorado State University, she started her career in the Western industry. Currently, as Sales Operations Manager at Twisted X, her goal is to constantly advocate for this industry by developing relationships through brand support and valuable promotional endeavors.

Future for women: “By setting our standards high and honoring each other as women, we elevate our common passion: the Western way of life. While our industry encourages healthy competition, we as women must become a stronghold for each other while pushing boundaries and questioning the status quo as we continue to shape the future of the West.”

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2021: Kaitlin Lorman

January 26, 2021 0 comments CG Editorial Team

Kaitlin Lorman is the creator of Sundial Show Clothing, designing luxury rodeo/riding apparel. “Growing up I was always tall and had many fit issues with clothing, which persisted into the show pen.” Seeing the need for a different kind of equestrian apparel while competing in the IHSA collegiate circuit, she found a niche providing fun and modern designs for the discerning rider. Kaitlin earned a Bachelor’s in Business/Equine Studies from Lake Erie College, and after working for an equestrian and resort wear atelier company for several years, she launched Sundial Show Clothing.

Future for women: “I hope that 100 years from now, we end up in the history books as pioneers of our own equality movement! It is our job to teach honor, dedication, hard work, and empowerment to the next generation of women in all of America.”

@sundialshowclothing

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 2021: Katherine Merck

January 26, 2021 0 comments CG Editorial Team

Katherine Merck is an entrepreneur, cowgirl, and attorney dedicated to uplifting others with her motto #KindnessMatters. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Gonzaga University School of Law, Katherine is an advocate for the Western industry. Licensed in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, she practices with Falen Law Offices and focuses on laws affecting ranchers, farmers, and landowners. Raised in Spokane, Washington, Katherine chose the Western way of life and proudly calls herself a first-generation cowgirl. After competing in the American Quarter Horse Association and National Reining Horse Association, Katherine became the first Miss Rodeo America from Washington State.

Future for women: “My vision for women in the Western industry is to build on the legacy of those that came before us, women like Sandra Day O’Connor, Bonnie McCarroll, Sharon Camarillo, and Pam Minick. These women never let society dictate the constraints of their capabilities and achieved so much for women in our industry, proving that women in the Western industry really can do anything.”

@katherine.merck

COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is sponsored by The Cowboy Channel, Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Durango Boots, Charlie 1 Horse Hats, and Cavender’s.