The History of
Womens Ranch Bronc
American Origins
Ranch bronc riding traces back to the late 1800s, when cowboys tested themselves on rank colts during work and soon turned those rivalries into public contests. By the early 1900s, women were right there in the arena. Pioneers like Fannie Sperry Steele, Lucille Mulhall, and Bonnie McCarroll were breaking horses, setting records, and claiming pay checks equal to the men. At one point, one third of all rodeos offered women’s bronc events.
But by the 1930s, attitudes shifted. A 1922 New York Times article even declared:
“Any woman who thirsts to wear trousers and ride broncos is victim of a curious mental disorder.” – New York Times, May 27, 1876
Despite barriers, women’s grit never disappeared. The Girls Rodeo Association formed in 1948 (later the WPRA) to protect space for female competitors. Though rough stock faded, the tradition was never forgotten.
“You just forget about being scared when you ride a bucking horse. Think of staying on top and perhaps you shall, some of the time.” – Fannie Sperry Steele, 1975 (age 88)
Australian Pioneers
In 1938, Alice Greenough climbed onto a ranch bronc at Merriwa in a ranch saddle.
No specialised gear.
No women’s division.
She was one of the pioneers who proved women belonged in roughstock long before modern rodeo pathways existed. Across the country, cowgirls were climbing on bucking horses, matching it with the men, and helping shape the sport from the ground up.
Decades later, Ann Stevens carried that same pioneering spirit to the United States, winning titles and showing the world what Australian women were made of.
The roots of women in rough stock run deep in this country. Sometimes history reminds us, cowgirls have always been here.
Today and the Future
WRBC and the Global Stage
The Women’s Ranch Bronc Championships (WRBC) USA was founded in 2016 by Daryl and Michelle McElroy, sparking a movement dedicated to giving women a stage of their own and putting them back in the rough stock arena. Just three years later, in 2019, WRBC Australia was formed, joining as one of the founding countries, creating a pathway for Australian cowgirls to compete on both a national and international stages.
From the beginning, riders like Emily Howkins and Jamie-Lee Mant carried the torch, building momentum and opportunities for women in Australia.
In 2022, history was made when Australia sent their first team to Cheyenne Frontier Days, represented by Emily Collits and Jamie-Lee Mant. Jamie-Lee coming home with a third place in the finals, marking a proud moment that linked Australian cowgirls to one of rodeo’s biggest stages.
Since then, the journey has only grown stronger. In 2022, Emily Collits etched her name in history as the first female ranch bronc Champion in Deadwood, South Dakota, since the 1930s, before going on to hold titles as both U.S. Finals and Australian Champion during the 2023 season. In 2025, Australia proudly celebrated its first World Champion, Tup Forge, crowned at Cheyenne Frontier Days, proof that Australian cowgirls are not just competing, but excelling on the world stage.
Today, the WRBC Australia continues to pave the way, staying true to the authentic traditions of ranch bronc riding while building an international platform for the next generation. Our mission is to grow and protect the sport of women’s ranch bronc riding in Australia while strengthening our connection to the worldwide WRBC family. We are committed to creating a pathway where female athletes can chase their dreams, represent their country, and make history in the sport they love.
