Born: 1929 (Bell, California)
Biography:
Pat North Ommert, born on October 12, 1929, in Bell, California, is a renowned rodeo trick rider who has left an indelible mark on the world of equestrian entertainment. With a career spanning several decades, she has captivated audiences around the globe with her daring stunts and breathtaking performances. Ommert’s contributions to the world of rodeo and her tireless dedication to preserving California’s horse trails have solidified her place in women’s history.
From a young age, Ommert was immersed in the world of rodeo. Raised by Bob and Vera North, her mother, a notable trick rider herself, inspired and mentored her daughter in the art of horsemanship. At the age of three, Ommert took her first strides on horseback, honing her skills alongside her sister. By the age of five, she was already riding solo under the watchful eye of her mother, displaying her own innate talent as a trick rider.
As a teenager, Ommert joined an all-girl rodeo troupe, famously billed as Patsy North and her Trick Horse Rex. Her performances garnered widespread recognition and set the stage for her remarkable career. Ommert’s abilities as a trick rider, Roman rider, and jumper soon caught the attention of filmmakers, earning her the role of a stunt double in the 1954 movie A Star is Born. This breakthrough led to numerous opportunities in the world of cinema, where her equestrian skills brought authenticity and excitement to the big screen.
Throughout the 1940s to the 1960s, Ommert toured the world with various Wild West shows, thrilling audiences in venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Boston Garden. Her fearless feats and precise riding techniques made her a favorite among spectators and fellow riders. Ommert’s performances at the Powder Puff Derbies at the Agua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico, and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Rodeo Roman races showcased her versatility and mastery of her craft.
In addition to her successful career as a rodeo performer, Ommert was also a founding leader of the Rancho California Horseman’s Association in 1969. Her passion for horses extended beyond the arena as she and her husband, Willard D. Ommert, opened the Los Caballos Farm in California. This groundbreaking facility became the state’s first horse rehabilitation center, emphasizing Ommert’s commitment to the well-being of these majestic animals. Furthermore, she dedicated significant time and effort to the preservation of California’s horse trails, recognizing their importance for future generations of equestrians.
Even in her later years, Ommert’s love for rodeo and horsemanship remained undiminished. In December 2020, at the age of 90, she rode in the Rose Parade in Burbank, California. This remarkable achievement demonstrated her unwavering spirit and unyielding passion for her craft. Ommert’s legacy was further recognized in 2016 when she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas, and in 2020 when she received the prestigious Tad Lucas Award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
Pat North Ommert’s extraordinary life and accomplishments serve as a testament to her pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to the world of rodeo. Her contributions continue to inspire and empower future generations of riders, particularly women, as she occupies an esteemed place in women’s history and the annals of equestrian entertainment.
Awards:
– 2000 California Professional Horsemen’s Association Lifetime Achievement Award
– 2016 Inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas
– 2020 Tad Lucas Award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum