Born: 1921 (Montrose, Colorado)
Died: 2006
Biography:
Anna Lee Aldred (April 19, 1921 – June 12, 2006) was an American jockey and trick rider in rodeos. She made history as the first woman in the United States to receive a jockey’s license. Her career spanned from 1939 to 1950, during which she carved out a name for herself in the world of horse racing and trick riding. Aldred’s impact on society, her determination to break barriers, and her contributions to women’s history make her a truly remarkable figure.
Born on April 19, 1921, in Montrose, Colorado, Anna Lee Mills grew up in a family deeply connected to the equestrian world. Her father, Tom P. Mills, was a renowned horse trainer and racer, and her mother, Dottie Mills, shared his passion for raising horses. Anna Lee was one of five siblings, with two brothers who became rodeo champions and two sisters who also performed in rodeos.
Anna Lee developed her love for riding at a young age. She was already participating in flat and relay races by the time she was 12. At age 6, she won her first pony race in an amateur competition in Montrose. Her early successes laid the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking career.
In 1939, at the age of 18, Anna Lee Aldred received her professional jockey’s license from the Agua Caliente Racetrack in Baja California, Mexico. This historic achievement made her the first woman in the United States to be granted such a license. Although racetrack officials initially attempted to deny her application, they were unable to find any written rule stating that only men could race horses. This courageous step forward had a profound impact on the future of women in horse racing.
Aldred’s professional racing career saw her compete and win numerous races at state and county fairs. Despite losing her first professional race by a nose, she went on to secure victory in scores of other races. With a diminutive weight of 100 pounds (45 kg), Aldred displayed remarkable skill and determination.
However, by 1945, Aldred had grown too tall at 5′ 5 and weighed 118 pounds (54 kg), prompting her retirement from horse racing. She relocated to California and opened a riding school, but her passion for the equestrian world led her to embark on a new chapter as a trick rider in rodeos. Determined to excel in her new endeavor, Aldred taught herself trick-riding skills at night in empty arenas.
Aldred’s trick-riding repertoire was awe-inspiring. Her daring feats included standing atop the saddle of a horse bolting down the arena and even hanging by her foot from the side of a running horse. These breathtaking performances captivated audiences and solidified her reputation as a trailblazing female figure in the rodeo world.
In 1950, Anna Lee Aldred decided to retire from her professional career upon marrying. However, her love for riding remained undiminished, and she continued to ride until the age of 80. Aldred became a familiar face at the Montrose Fairgrounds, serving as a pony boy who led the racehorses out to the track and participating in rodeo ceremonies.
Tragedy struck in Aldred’s later years when she broke her hip at the age of 80. After this accident, she entered a nursing home in Montrose, where her remarkable spirit endured. Even in her final days, she slept under a horse blanket, a testament to her deep connection with horses and the equestrian world.
Anna Lee Aldred’s contributions to the realm of horse racing and trick riding were recognized through various awards and honors. In 1983, she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, a tribute to her pioneering role as a female jockey and trick rider. In 2004, she received further recognition when she was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. These accolades stand as a testament to Aldred’s remarkable career and the enduring legacy she left behind.
Anna Lee Aldred’s life exemplifies the power of determination and passion. Through her groundbreaking achievements, she broke barriers and inspired generations of women in equestrian sports. Her name will forever be associated with courage, skill, and the unwavering pursuit of her dreams.
Awards:
– Inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1983
– Inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame in 2004