Champion, Hall of Famer, paved way for future cowgirl generations

There was no way for Dusek’s parent, West Texas ranchers John and Ruby Barron, to know they were saddle training a true trailblazer in what’s now the multimillion-dollar industry of women’s rodeo. Dusek will receive her profession’s top honor next month when she is inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth. The 79-year-old cowgirl, who still rides, is among five 2010 inductees. In the arena, Dusek was a masterful, determined competitor. She is an All Around Champion, having won 14 championships. A wooden display case in her living room holds the trophy belt buckles marking those world championships. Those achievements, perhaps, aren’t as significant as the role Dusek played in the formation of the Girls Rodeo Association on Feb. 28, 1948. It marked the beginning of what’s now the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. “We got tired of being cheated by the timers — everything,” Dusek said. “We decided to organize. “That was 1948.”...more