Born: 1931 (Mason, Texas)
Died: 2015
Biography:
Wanda Harper Bush (October 6, 1931 – December 29, 2015) was an American professional rodeo cowgirl who left an indelible mark on the sport. She competed in the Girl’s Rodeo Association (GRA), which is now known as the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). With exceptional talent and a fierce determination, Bush became a trailblazer in women’s rodeo and a two-time barrel racing world champion.
Bush was born Wanda Harper in Mason, Texas, on October 6, 1931, to Alvin and Gussie Harper. Growing up on a ranch, she was immersed in the world of rodeo from an early age. Initially, she helped her father with goat tying, but it wasn’t long before she transitioned to roping calves. Her skill and passion for riding quickly became evident when she triumphed over a male opponent in a roping contest, a feat she modestly kept to herself.
Assisting her father with various ranch duties, Bush developed a strong foundation in horsemanship throughout her childhood. She spent countless hours riding horses on the ranch, honing her skills and deepening her connection with these majestic creatures. Even attending school didn’t deter her, as she wore her pants under her dress to enable her to ride her horse the three miles it took to catch the school bus at the end of their road. At school, she would take off her pants for the day and then put them back on for her ride home.
When Bush began her professional career, she joined the Girl’s Rodeo Association (GRA), becoming one of the organization’s first cowgirls with card number 14. In 1952, at the age of 21, she clinched her first National Barrel Racing Championship, a moment that marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. The following year, Bush solidified her position as a powerhouse in the sport by capturing her second consecutive barrel racing title in 1953.
Over the course of her career, Bush amassed an astounding 32 world championship titles in various rodeo events. Alongside barrel racing, she excelled in flag racing, calf roping, ribbon roping, and even participated and won in cutting, a non-rodeo western event. Bush attributed much of her success to her father’s horsemanship and the exceptional horses he provided. However, her bond with her horse, Dee Gee, was particularly pivotal to her two national barrel racing championships. Riding Dee Gee, she showcased her extraordinary riding skills and proved that she could compete with the best in the world.
Bush’s exceptional talent and unwavering determination extended beyond local competitions. She fearlessly faced formidable opponents on both national and international stages. Notably, she competed in prestigious events such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she emerged victorious against formidable competitors of both genders.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to women’s rodeo, Wanda Harper Bush was bestowed numerous honors. In 1978, she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition that celebrates the women who have shaped the American West. Additionally, in 2017, Bush was posthumously honored by being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Notably, her induction marked a significant milestone in the history of the ceremony, as it was the first time barrel racers from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) were included as inductees.
Throughout her life, Wanda Harper Bush shattered gender barriers and redefined what was possible for women in the rodeo industry. Her unparalleled skill, fierce determination, and unwavering passion for the sport continue to inspire generations of young cowgirls. Bush’s legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of women in rodeo, and her contributions to women’s history are immeasurable.
Awards:
– National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame Inductee (1978)
– ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductee (2017)