Passing the Torch
Dear UCC Cowgirl,
You did it! Welcome to the Utah Cowgirl Collective. You are part of a growing legacy that is helping preserve the western lifestyle, rodeo, agriculture and cowgirl spirit. This year you will have the chance to touch lives, educate and of course, ride really fast. It will be a year of learning and a year of teaching, a year of exhilaration and at times, exhaustion. Your year as a Utah Cowgirl Collective Ambassador will be what you make it and if you let it, this year will bring you new friends, new mentors and a lifetime of memories.
As I ride away from my year as a UCC Ambassador, here’s what I’ve learned and how I think you can make the most of this opportunity.
Take all the Pictures
First things first, take all the pictures. As a Utah Cowgirl Collective Ambassador, you will have once in a lifetime experiences. How often do you get to ride your horse through downtown Salt Lake City behind a herd of longhorns? As a UCC cowgirl, you will have the chance to help out and experience so many exciting things. Take all the pictures.
You are also an ambassador now. Not just for the UCC and the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo, but for cowgirls in general. Remember this every time a child or rodeo spectator compliments your hat or asks about your boots. Take a minute to stop and talk to these people. Take an interest in them, share what you love about being a cowgirl and yes, take the pictures. This is how you grow the sport and the industry, by giving others a positive experience and a reason to love it too.
There will be many opportunities to help at pre-schools and special events this year. Always take the time to capture a special moment with your fellow cowgirls and with those you are there to serve. The smiles on their faces will mean just as much as your own.
Of course, the highlight of the year will likely be when you ride into the Days of ‘47 Rodeo arena for the first time. Soak it in. The air is electric and you will want to remember how it feels to rub shoulders with the best cowboys and cowgirls in the sport. Take all the pictures, but remember, you are there to work.
Tighten Your Cinch, But Leave Room to Breathe (this is not just horse advice).
Before every performance, make sure your cinch is tight, your hat is pinned and you are ready to ride. As a UCC cowgirl, you will fly into the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo arena each night carrying the banners of the rodeo's sponsors. Stay safe, but ride fast.
Rodeo week is an exciting but also stressful part of your UCC year. Remember, you were hired for this role and you have a job to do each night. Help where you can and stay focused, but leave room to breathe.
Rodeo week comes with many late nights, early mornings and it will be HOT! Take a moment each day for yourself. Whether that means meditation, reading, listening to your favorite song or just spending a little time alone with your trusty horse, take a moment to reset and remember what being a cowgirl means to you.
You Are Part of a COLLECTIVE
You are not alone. You are a member of a team of cowgirls with unique personalities, strengths and abilities. Get to know your fellow collective cowgirls and always help each other out. You are the cream of the cowgirl crop and as you work together, you will not only find yourself working alongside these cowgirls, but forming life-long friendships with them as well.
Service is more fun with others. Always invite your fellow cowgirls to help with your service projects and you will be inspired by their work ethic and individual strengths. Appreciate your team for their abilities and learn to delegate. The best way to achieve anything is by working together.
During rodeo week, help each other out. The days will be long and there will be times you won’t want to get up. Carry a few extra bobby pins just in case another cowgirl needs them, check another cowgirl’s horse to make sure he has enough water and look out for one another. You can’t be a collective on your own.
Gratitude Goes A Long Way
The Utah Cowgirl Collective wouldn’t exist without the many people and brands backing this organization. Take a moment to thank the Days of ‘47 Board and committee members. They are the ones who believe in you and want to offer you this opportunity. You will also have a team of leaders helping you through your year. Remember to thank your trail boss and those who are always there to answer your questions.
Finally, always take a chance to thank and support your sponsors. Justin Boots, Wrangler and Western Horseman are all trusted brands in the western industry and they all believe that you as cowgirls are worthy of riding for their brands. Never miss a chance to support them like they are supporting you.
It’s Not About You, It’s About Them
Above all, I hope you always remember that this experience isn’t about you, it’s about them. Becoming a member of the Utah Cowgirl Collective is a huge accomplishment and I am so proud of all you did to achieve this goal. Be proud of yourself, but remember that this opportunity isn’t about you, it’s about everyone you can help with it.
The UCC is a resource for you to go out and serve. When you become part of this collective, you gain access to networks of people and resources that want to help you improve your community. Find where you can make a difference and lean into it. The best way to make the most of your year is to help as many people in as many ways as you can.
Ride Fast, Smile Big: We’re All Riding With You
Congratulations cowgirl on joining the Utah Cowgirls Collective class of 2025. You will do great things with this opportunity and continue growing the legacy of the UCC. As you go through your year, remember that the 2024 UCC cowgirls are cheering you on.
Ride Fast, Smile Big. We believe in you and all the good you will do.
Signing Off,
Mikyla Bagley
-UCC Class of 2024
P.S. Follow the Utah Cowgirl Collective on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected and follow the Utah Cowgirl Collective class of 2025!