Join the Women Building the Western World of Tomorrow
For six years, COWGIRL 30 Under 30 has honored the next generation of trailblazing women shaping the Western industry. What began as a single annual list has evolved into a powerful movement—a sisterhood of leaders, creators, and innovators who are redefining the modern West.
Our Mission
The mission of COWGIRL 30 Under 30 is to seek out and publicly recognize young women who distinguish themselves as leaders within the Western industry. Whether they are corporate executives, professional athletes, media professionals, entrepreneurs, or working cowgirls, the goal is to shine a light on this vital and talented workforce while building a network of women who serve as role models and mentors for future generations.
Created and administered by the editors and executives of COWGIRL Magazine, COWGIRL 30 Under 30 has successfully promoted 180 young women from within the ranks of the Western industry and continues to inspire a movement of empowerment, recognition, and community.
The Honor
Each year, COWGIRL Magazine recognizes 30 visionary women who exemplify the heart, drive, and spirit of the Western way of life. These women are the change-makers, entrepreneurs, and rising leaders charting new paths in business, media, agriculture, equine, rodeo, design, and community leadership.
Selected honorees will be celebrated in person at the annual Wrangler COWGIRL 30 Under 30 Empowered Gala and Leadership Summit, taking place May 20–23, 2026, at Live! by Loews in Arlington, Texas.
Over the course of this multi-day event, honorees will be recognized onstage, gifted by the the event sponsors, featured in COWGIRL Magazine and across COWGIRL’s digital platforms, and invited to connect with a national network of fellow honorees and industry luminaries.
Whether you’re building a business, mentoring others, or changing your community, this is your moment to be seen, celebrated, and connected to a powerful network of women shaping the future of the West, one idea, one ride, one risk at a time.
WHAT THEY SAY...
What the Class of 2025 is saying...
Eligibility & Application Details
Application Period:
October 15 – December 15, 2025
COWGIRL 30 Under 30 honors 30 exceptional women, 30 years of age or under, who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and achievement within the Western industry. These women are established professionals who have worked, performed, or competed in the industry for at least two years and are making a lasting impact through their talent, leadership, and passion.
The program is open to individuals across all sectors of the Western world, including business professionals, rodeo competitors, equine and agricultural professionals, horsewomen, photographers, performers, entrepreneurs, marketers, designers, and media creators who meet the following requirements:
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be female and be 30 years of age or under as of December 31, 2025.
- Applicant must be a career professional within the Western industry.
- Applicant must have worked, performed, or competed in the Western industry for a minimum of two years.
- Applicant must demonstrate significant dedication to the growth and representation of the Western industry.
- Applicant must provide two letters of recommendation from colleagues who also work within the Western industry.
- Applicant must complete and submit the official COWGIRL 30 Under 30 application form in full.
Honorees will be celebrated at the Wrangler COWGIRL 30 Under 30 Leadership Summit and Empowered Gala, taking place May 20–23, 2026, at Live! by Loews in Arlington, Texas.
Applications for the Class of 2026 open October 15, 2025, and close December 15, 2025.
Honorees will be notified in January 2026.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application, upload your letters of recommendation, and join a growing legacy of women building the future of the West.
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