Women's roughstock events gain renewed interest

They may be on a bucking horse in Montana, or riding bulls in Colorado or parking their gear bag behind the chutes at practice pens near Reardan. They are sometimes smaller than their fellow riders and can easily be spotted by their long hair and narrow shoulders. They are spunky, brave and stubborn. These are the women of roughstock.

In rodeo, roughstock, or the events featuring bucking horses and bulls, are usually considered men's events. But a new generation of cowgirls is showing that praying for eight when they pull that gate isn't just for the guys.

Two separate associations have sprung...