The cowboy, barrel racer trope in film and TV has been historically predominantly associated with men. In a genre of western films and shows, the female figure has mostly been limited to romantic interest. In instances where one did appear – it often embodied qualities of a novelty act rather than of a serious performance. In the first half of the 20th century women were entirely banned from competing in rough-stock events – this had been disguised as protective measures which, pretending to be safety concerns, were actually fears of questioning gender norms. This led to the tokenization of female rodeo riders, with their appearances diminished to exhibition ones – like pageant-style roles. The presence of women and girls within competitive segments was perceived as unfeminine and disgraceful. It wasn’t until the 1950s that female competitors were allowed to legally participate in rodeo shows and races, let alone be a respectable and integrated part of them. However, with figures like Margaret Montgomery, one of the pioneers and founder of the legendary GRA – Girls Rodeo Association c. 1949, a shift was gaining momentum.

A similar shift has been happening in modern day media – the first docu style show about women in the rodeo was the 2013 series Rodeo Girls, with a behind-the-scenes, harsh reality of the sport. This was followed by the 2014 premiere of Little Britches Rodeo, which covered youth rodeo competitions at the National Little Britches Rodeo Association finals. More recently, with the premiere of Hulu’s documentary series Not Her First Rodeo in 2025, a platform and recognition have been given to young female barrel racers. A new chapter in the history of women’s reclamation within this traditionally male, hermetic environment. For context, Not Her First Rodeo (2025) is the first of its kind, with Disney behind as a production company, the 6 episodes follow six girls, between the ages of 19 and 29, who each redefine what it means to be a woman racer. Each of the characters embodies a different approach, background and relationship to the sport. Their presence and involvement are shown unglamorized, with the majority of the showtime focusing on their mental health, injuries, and above all, the formidable grit which lies at the heart of the western culture.

What Not Her First Rodeo does on screen is retell the story of the wild west hero, while simultaneously raising important questions on femininity and the need for women to prove themselves worthy among the sport’s best. Nothing but excellence is accepted, and for Jorden Halvorsen, Catalina Langlitz or Renata Nunes, this means navigating an unprecedented emotional resilience. The widespread success of these shows undeniably reflects a growing interest, and respect for women’s participation and achievements in male dominated sports. However there is a discourse that the emphasis on hardship like injury, financial struggles, emotional torment — risks turning women’s struggle into spectacle. Rodeo Girls (2013) Television series. A&E Network. Little Britches Rodeo (2013) Television series. Rural Media Group / RFD-TV. Not Her First Rodeo (2025) Hulu, Disney