Born: 1915 (Diller, Nebraska)
Died: 2011 (Bradenton, Florida)
Biography:
Faye Blackstone (June 3, 1915 – August 30, 2011) was an American rodeo star, performer, and elected member of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. She was known for her pioneering contributions to the sport of rodeo barrel racing.
Born Fayetta June Hudson in Diller, Nebraska, in 1915, Blackstone discovered her passion for horses at a young age. At the age of eight, she witnessed a woman successfully handle a flailing bronco and was inspired to teach herself tricks on horseback. This early encounter would shape Blackstone’s future as a fearless and talented equestrian.
In 1937, Blackstone married Vic Blackstone, a Texan rodeo performer, in a unique ceremony held in the center of a rodeo arena in Bladen, Nebraska. The couple embarked on a journey together, performing trick riding acts all over the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. They traveled as far as Havana, Cuba, and shared the stage with notable celebrities, including Gene Autry.
Blackstone’s influence on women’s rodeo extended beyond her performances. Alongside her fellow cowgirls, such as Dixie Reger Mosley and Wanda Harper Bush, she played an instrumental role in the founding of barrel racing as a female sport. In 1950, Blackstone and her peers organized a barrel racing event in Florida, solidifying the sport’s presence and creating opportunities for women riders.
Known for her innovation and creativity, Blackstone is credited with inventing three rodeo maneuvers: the reverse fender drag, the flyaway, and the ballerina. These daring maneuvers showcased her skill and fearlessness, further highlighting her contributions to rodeo.
In 1978, Blackstone and her husband played a pivotal role in launching the career of country music star Reba McEntire. They arranged for McEntire to perform at a county fair in Florida, providing her with a vital platform to showcase her talent. McEntire later described this event as a breakthrough in her career and credited Blackstone for her support.
Blackstone’s impact on the rodeo world was recognized when she was elected into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1982. Her induction coincided with her husband’s celebration of being inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame. Together, the Blackstones left a lasting legacy in the world of rodeo.
Blackstone and her husband settled in Parrish, Florida, during 1951, where they worked and raised cattle on a ranch. The couple became cherished members of the community and were honored by having Blackstone Park in Palmetto, Florida, named after them.
Faye Blackstone’s illustrious rodeo career came to a close in the late 1960s when she retired. However, her impact on the sport and her dedication to empowering women riders will forever be remembered. She passed away in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 96 on August 30, 2011, after a battle with cancer. Her husband had passed away in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of determination and fearlessness.
Awards:
– Elected member of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame (1982)