Where It's At by Nancy Uptain

The Calendar Cowgirls ride once more!

Well howdy everyone, and a melted greetings from the Diamond C.L.U. Ranch! I hope you all have been able to find a little early morning riding time in because we have hit that great point in time that makes daytime rides a little HOT.

You know, it seems that in this fast paced, modern world, there is a real push to revive many of the memories of the "good old days." Many of our new cars have taken on that Vintage appeal, and many of our country music artists are reviving that wonderful bluegrass sound {my favorite!} I think that the biggest revival of all is the rediscovery of our good old western roots. How many of can remember the great old westerns where the good guy always wore a white hat, and the bad guy wore black? It was always great because the good guy always won the girls hand, and the bad guy never got away. Those old westerns were always so much fun! It was always so much fun to see just how those glamorous cowgirls would sparkle from head to toe in their wonderfully glitsy outfits! And those gorgeous silver saddles were to die for! Many of the outfits that these girls wore were created by an awesome designer named Nudie, {that's right, Nudie, and he didn't design birthday suits either!} For his company, Nudie's of Hollywood. Nudie was the premier designer for many of the top western stars such as Buck Owens, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Little Jimmie Dickens and many others. Following in his footsteps, his son-in-law Manuel became a top designer as well. Their creations were incredible, with many of them containing tens of thousands of rhinestones and embroidery that covered every part of the outfit from the tip of the boots, to the top of the hat!

The saddles of those times were also quite a sight to behold. Many of the Calendar Cowgirls are still riding in these sterling silver saddles and they are as decked out and ornate as are their costumes. These great western films and the fantastic collectibles that originated from them have long been the great love of the founder of G.J. Bullpen Enterprises who has been gathering these show pieces for years. His dream has always been to revive this little part of our history and share it all with the public by parade entries, special appearances and calendars, hence the creation of the Calendar Cowgirls! Currently , there nearly two dozen beautiful and talented horsewomen who participate as Calendar Cowgirls. They range in all different ages and backgrounds, but all of these women have two very important things in common:

1. Their love of our western heritage, rodeo, and of course, the love of their horses.

2. Their desire to share their knowledge of these things with the public in many public relations events, and to do everything they can to preserve the lifestyle that they love so much.

These Calendar Cowgirls come, as I mentioned, from many different backgrounds, many of them are current and former title holders. As of now, they have former National title holders, as well as many of our local rodeo queens, past and present. Some of these gals are local business owners who have been heavily involved with the equestrian lifestyle. This year has been an especially exciting year, as two of the Calendar Cowgirls are competing for National titles! We were all so excited and proud of Jessica Listiak, one of the Cowgirls, as she competed and won the title of Miss Rodeo Arizona! She's the greatest, and did a superb job! Jessica will now go on to compete for the title of Miss Rodeo America. They are also so proud of Shannon Mathis, Gilbert's Queen this year, who will make both Gilbert and the Calendar Cowgirls proud as she competes for the title of Miss Rodeo U.S.A!

The Calendar Cowgirls have so much fun together as they make special appearances at events such as Festival of the West, special photo shoots, skits and faux shootouts, parades, and sometimes just supporting rodeo events. Their main purpose is to support anything that pertains to our western heritage.

Putting all of these events are not easy, events must be scheduled, costumes must be fitted and kept in immaculate condition, and all the saddles and tack must be well maintained. The Calendar Cowgirls, along with G.J. Bullpen Enterprises, have their coordinator, Janet Willen to thank for that. With all her hard work, things run smoothly. I have been asked so much about this organization that I would like to pass Janet's # on to you for further questions. You can reach her at 480-837-7855. Our next appearance will be at the Prescott Days parade. Looking forward to seeing you there!