Ollie Osborn

Ollie Osborn was born July 24, 1896 in Union, Oregon to George and Mary Ellen (Hall) Osborn.

At the age of 16, she began going to rodeos with her brother and soon started riding bucking horses. She enjoyed it so much that she traveled to several rodeos including Madison Square Garden in New York City. At one time she worked for a man that had a wild west how. She received several awards for her bronc riding, one which includes membership in the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

Ollie was the first woman to pursue the sport of rodeo full-time and be a constant champion. Born to Oregon homestead ranchers, she began competing in the early relay races when she was a teenager, but she discovered bronc riding and made a name for herself by riding “slick” without hobbles, like the men. Remembered for her daring rides and extravagant tailor-mode clothes.

Her first taste of big time rodeo was at the 1914 Frontier Days in Walla Walla. Ollie Continue reading…

Category: People & Volunteers