The Cowgirl Way 40 Something Cowgirls know exactly who they are By LIESEL SCHMIDT » Photos by CAROLE SHEPARDSON THE DICTIONARY DEFINES A COWGIRL AS A GIRL OR WOMAN WHO TENDS TO AND HERDS CATTLE, often on horseback. But the more accurate definition would tip its cap to the ethos these women live by, the spirit that defines them and makes them so unique. “To be a true cowgirl is to demonstrate love openly; give encouragement and take criticism; be a shoulder to lean on; catch others when they fall; give all you can give; be humble, helpful, and honest; be truthful but kind; be a leader; be strong but sensitive; be a role model for the here-and-now as well as for the future of society; and be a human with compassion, concern, and care.” 88 | The<strong>Plateau</strong>Mag.com Those words sum up the cowgirl mentality—and for the women of 40 Something Cowgirls, those are characteristics that bind them in sisterhood and give them an incredible bond that has seen some of them through intense struggles. Created in 2010 by Kristi Williams of Breckenridge, Texas, the organization was born of Williams’s desire to encourage and inspire middle-aged women like herself to reclaim their passions and their lives for themselves. She found that she was surrounded by amazing women in their 40s—as well as their 50s and 60s—wanting to literally “get back in the saddle and have fun for themselves.” These women were wives, mothers, and careerwomen who had spent years putting their energies into everyone else, and together, they became the 40 Something Cowgirls. More than a decade later, those original women have turned into 65 chapters nationwide, with two chapters in North Carolina. “Our chapter has approximately 24 members,” says Tammy Stingone, current Queen and former Princess of the Franklin, NC chapter. “We have retired nurses, retired teachers and bus drivers, business owners, active working nurses, a nurse practitioner, mothers, a lawyer, and retired law enforcement ladies. Our age group ranges from mid-40s to mid-70s. (Above:): Lynda Palmer, Princess of 40 Something Cowgirls, Franklin Chapter, on horse Marie. Coweeta Lab, Nantahala National Forest.
Tammy Stingone, current Queen of the Franklin Chapter of 40 Something Cowgirls, with horse Marie. Coweeta Lab, Nantahala National Forest. <strong>June</strong>/<strong>July</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | 89
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