Inaugural Cowgirl Backing Rodeo to kick off Aug. 29

FARMINGTON - Women who are looking to gain some new skills and build confidence are invited to the Cowgirl Backing Rodeo, a two-day event at the River Valley Horse Camp in Farmington, which will include classes on changing tires, completing pre-trip checks and trailer backing.

Sherri Dill-Billings, a horse-training instructor, came up with the idea for the event, which has been in the making for a year.

Dill-Billings said she was 'amazed how women who come [to her classes] are tied down to their husbands bringing them,” one of the biggest reasons she wanted to host the clinics.

'I feel so many [women] hold back from doing things they want to do because they have to rely on somebody to get them there. I want to give them the ability to build confidence and leadership skills,” the event organizer said.

Dill-Billings added she feels horseback riding is an area she sees women build those skills.

'You see it a lot. Women are able to take this 1,200-pound animal, and they're able to ride it, steer it, control it and build a relationship - it gives them those leadership qualities,” she said.

But Dill-Billings noticed getting to her classes was one of the biggest challenges for women who didn't know how to hitch or drive trailers.

'One time last year, a woman just decided to break out and do it on her own. She lost an awning and a fender to a trailer by the time she got here from southern Missouri. I realized there was really a need for some good instruction,” she said.

The inaugural Cowgirl Backing Rodeo will not only have classes on hitching and backing trailers but will include a trailer-pulling competition on the second day.

In addition to skills related to horse care, the event will have maintenance classes on how to change tires and pre-checks on engines and tires before going on long-distance driving trips.

Greta Cummings, who will be teaching the tire-changing class, grew up on a farm and remembers changing a flat tire for the first time with her grandfather as they were out fixing fences.

'I was taught from a young age and not a lot of people get that training, so we decided to step up and offer that to some people that don't know how to do it,” Cummings said.

The instructor believes her class will give women additional 'tools” in their lives, which will allow them to be 'more independent and confident.”

'They'll know what to do when something goes wrong,” she said.

Cummings added she feels it's important to teach women these skills because many were 'never afforded the opportunity” growing up. She hopes the all-women event will provide an inviting environment where women will feel comfortable to ask for help and learn.

'Sometimes they don't know where to go or are intimidated to ask for help from other guys,” Cummings added.

'I hope what they take away from the weekend is the confidence to continue on doing what they love to do.”

Currently, there are 12 women signed up for the event. Cummings said the ages of participants range from women in their 20s to women in their 60s.

The rodeo will take place the weekend of Aug. 29, with clinics and classes running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and the trailer-pulling competition beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Those interested in participating can email dillbillings@gmail.com or call 641-919-4021.