Cowgirl Up Week at Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana draws women from around the world who have a passion for the ranch lifestyle. Wranglers, led by head wrangler Monica Ellis, take guests on horseback rides, day trips to Yellowstone National Park, and provide opportunities to learn about wrangling. The sight of so many women dominating the field of wrangling was thrilling and inspiring, as Ellis notes that there are more female wranglers running dude ranches in the west than people may think.
Ellis, who has worked as a wrangler for ten years, has seen an increase in women applying for wrangler positions at ranches in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona. The history of dude ranches dates back to the 1880s, when the Rocky Mountains became a popular tourist attraction for urbanites wanting to experience cowboy life. While traditionally men were prioritized for wrangling jobs due to physical demands and family farm traditions, the rise of mechanized agriculture has opened the door for more women to enter the field.
Progress in gender equality in wrangling and farming has been seen in recent years, with more women operators on American farms and all-female teams of mule wranglers at Grand Canyon National Park. The introduction of Lady Levi’s jeans in 1934 catered to women working and riding efficiently, marking a shift towards inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields. Women like Mary Fields have long made contributions to ranch and farm life, and the increase in female wranglers signals a positive trend towards gender diversity in the industry.
