Sweethearts of the Rodeo, 1917

In 1917, the photograph “Sweethearts of the Rodeo” captured three professional cowgirls – Clyde Lindsay, Mildred Douglas, and Ruby Dickey – at the Miles City Round-Up in Montana. Dressed in split skirts, spurs, and boots, they posed with two quirts and an extra hat, likely belonging to the photographer, Ralph R. Doubleday. Mildred Douglas, a prominent figure among them, later became a champion bronc rider, the first woman to ride a steer, and a successful trick rider and sharpshooter.

The Miles City Round-Up, where the photograph was taken, was a significant event in the early days of the rodeo.

Mildred Douglas, who would later be inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, was a pioneer in the world of rodeo. She not only rode a steer, but also performed as a trick rider and sharpshooter with the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Show. She also starred in western films with Tom Mix and trained animals for films and circuses. In 1954, at age 59, she became a professional nurse.