Saddle up Waco and dust off your boots! The world may be changing, but one thing that remains the same is the cowgirl spirit which lives on in the heart of Waco in its fierce community, country roots and old-fashioned, boot-scootin fun found all around town. It’s time to don your cowgirl hats and embrace what it means to be a true Texas gal.

And don’t worry fellas, there’s plenty of room in the cattle drivin,’ wild west life for you too.

But this one goes out to all the ladies! Young or old, local or not from ‘round these parts, the cowgirl lifestyle is calling to you this summer. To help you begin your journey, we interviewed a life-long cowgirl and true Wacoan, Shyanne Smith, owner of Shyanne Smith Stables, to find out the secret to living like a cowgirl in Waco.

Here’s some cowgirl-living bucket list items to check off to get you started!

This blog is sponsored by Shyanne Smith Stables.

Try horseback riding

For an authentic cowgirl experience, dive right into learning the art of horseback riding at Shyanne Smith Stables, 2034 W. Moonlight Drive. From classes for those with the cowgirl spirit 50 years and older, to classes for youth and the next generation of cowgirls, it’s never too late or too early to learn and connect with these lovely animals.

Smith recommends beginners start out their cowgirl journey by booking a private first lesson to learn the basics and get comfortable around the horses.

According to Smith, much of the cowgirl experience is less about skill and more about women supporting women, all learning from one another.

“I now have branched out to offering some classes geared towards the retirement age folks, and I’m finding that with the retired women, they are teaching me a lot as well as me teaching them about horses,” Smith said. “I not only get to provide the knowledge to them from the equine standpoint, but they can also teach me how to be a mom and a leader and a business owner, all in the same token.”

Smith said one of the most important things is the connection between horse and rider.

“I think one of the, the most memorable experiences that I have as a trainer is watching these horses who have been competing their entire life … impacting people’s lives in a completely different way,” Smith said. “So those people feel like they’re champions, and they’re not even in the showroom, simply by the heart of the horse and what the horse gives them for an experience of an hour.” 
Smith said that horseback riding is still important today because it remains a way to slow down and connect in the midst of the busy, fast-paced world. Smith said she especially sees this as important for the youth and hopes to have a hand in shaping the next generation of future cowgirls.

“I think that it’s more about the spirit of the person and not so much the outside appearance that makes a cowgirl or cowboy,” Smith said. “It’s the work ethic you have and the drive and determination that you have to keep going and get back up…how you treat others around you and how you care for others. Being a cowgirl, you have to be strong and independent, but also, I’ve found that my strength comes from being surrounded by the supportive people around me.”

Smith maintains that horseback riding is an amazing opportunity for those traveling in for a weekend as well as those locally looking to plug into the community.

“I think it’s important though too, for those that are in the area to plug into one of our stables here in the community and reach out if they have a child that’s interested, at any level, in the horses,” Smith said. “It definitely makes an impact on them.”

Shyanne Smith Stables, Waco Surf, 5347 Old Mexia Rd., Brazos Bluff Ranch, 7007 Gholson Rd., and The Tiny Escape, 102 County Rd. 499, Eddy, all offer a variety of horseback riding experiences for cowgirls of any level of experience. Riding lessons are available at McLennan Community College’s Continuing Education Courses at the Highlander Ranch, 223 Cobbs Ln., for skill levels from beginner to advanced.

Get ready for the Rodeo

The Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo at the Extraco Events Center, 4601 Bosque Bvld., is just around the corner this fall, and it’s never too early to begin embracing the cowgirl life as the time approaches to show off all your boot-scootin’ skills. This October 8–18, buckle up your blue jeans for this massive rodeo that takes place annually right in Waco, with One HOT Rodeo, livestock shows, live concerts, markets, the beloved carnival and more! The time to begin your cowgirl journey is now, and you can purchase your tickets, or to really commit to the spirit, become a volunteer.

Create your custom Cowgirl hat

Now that you have the cowgirl spirit, it’s time to dress like a cowgirl on the outside by designing your own custom hat at Rancher Hat Bar, 319 S 4th St. Ste. 8. You can build your own hat in store when booking an appointment and decorate it to match your own personal brand of cowgirl-chic style.
While you’re out, create an entire outfit to match with local western wear from Sendero Provisions Co. at their flagship store right next door at 319 S. 4th St., or venture out to Tecovas, 729 Washington Ave., El Rio Western Wear, 3421 Memorial Drive and Standard Hat Works, 1304 N New Rd.

Step out at the Honky Tonk

Now for this, you’re really going to be glad you dusted off those boots. What better way to step out on the country gal scene than to go dancing at a local honky tonk or line-dancing spot. Enjoy a night of dancing with the younger crowd at Melody Ranch, 2315 Robinson Drive, or for the older folks, try out the Boot Scootin’ Dance Club at the Waco Lion’s Den, 1716 N 42nd St.
If you’re learning for the first time, don’t be shy! The Will, 5984 N State Hwy 6, offers beginner lessons for line dancing every Friday night from the experienced dance instructor, Dena!

This blog is sponsored by Shyanne Smith Stables.