Nancy Sheppard: Difference between revisions

Nancy Sheppard was born on December 29, 1929, on a ranch in [[Fort Worth, Texas]]. Her father was a professional roper, who was a member of the Cowboys' Turtle Association (now known as the [[Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association]] (PRCA). HerAs a child, Sheppherd's mother washad showingshown horses in the [[Fort Worth Coliseum]] as a child. Sheppard made her first rodeo appearance at the [[Hayward, California]], rodeo as a trick rider and roper. Atat age9 11,years sheold. She performed at the [[Pendleton Round-Up]] in [[Pendleton, Oregon]]. Atwhen ageshe 17,was she11 years old. She was trick riding at [[Madison Square Garden]] in [[New York City]] when she was 17 years old.<ref name="ProRodeo" /> Sheppard married Lynn Sheppard in 1948, and they had one son.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trick Roping Cowgirl from Globe, Arizona |url=http://markstrail.com/essays/roping/roping.htm |website=Part of True America |accessdate=October 11, 2019}}</ref>

Sheppard performed professionally for 22 years at rodeos all around the country. She worked for many well-known stock contractors, such as [[Harry Knight]], Christensen Brothers, Leo Cremer, and Everett Colburn. In her time, she was the only woman who could stand on a running horse while spinning two ropes. Traveling around the country enabled her to do charity work on the side. She would visit local hospitals where she could entertain patients, particularly children. In the 1950s, she filled the position of contract acts representation to the Rodeo Cowboys Association (the name of the organization after the Cowboy Turtles' Association but prior to the PRCA).<ref name="ProRodeo" />

After her retirement, she made special appearances performing trick roping in the [[Macy's Thanksgiving Parade]] as well as for clothing designer [[Giorgio Armani]] in [[Italy]]. For these roles, she always took them seriously, carrying her ropes and attired in her full Western garb.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gila County native: Living the Rodeo Dream |url=https://www.globemiamitimes.com/living-the-rodeo-dream-2/ |website=Globe Miami Times |accessdate=October 11, 2019 |date=April 24, 2015}}</ref>