Being a Western woman means different things to different women. However, there are principles we all live by.
But let’s begin by defining a Western Woman.
She is:
- A woman who loves the West.
- A woman who lives the lifestyle: writer, poet, artist, horsewoman, working ranch woman, musician, singer, rodeo cowgirl, etc.
- A wife.
- A mother.
- A single woman.
- Entrepreneur within the Western lifestyle: agriculture, ranching, horse trainer, veterinarian, etc.
And we all have our favorite quirks and sayings. Some of them include:
- The ranch is hard work from sunup to sundown, and love’s work is always near.
- Be quick to mend fences.
- You can’t keep trouble from visitin’, but you don’t have to offer it a seat at the table.
- If a man thinks a woman who can wrestle steers, ride broncs, and rope the wind is too much for him, he’s darn tootin’ right.
- A Western woman stands up for what’s right, even if she stands alone.
- Catch your own horse, don’t let anybody else do it for you.
You can find these gritty traits in Rita Runninghorse, the heroine of my latest Contemporary Western Romance, Broken Bondage.
She’s tough, tender, a fighter, a horsewoman, a rancher, a daughter, a fiancée, and a sister. She’s also on the run from her abusive fiancé.
He’s nothing but trouble, and she’s had enough.
More about Broken Bondage
A Road Trip to Redemption
Rita Runninghorse is about to marry the wrong guy. She has to get away from him. Now. She flees to a guest ranch in Eastern Washington State that offers a safe haven for women in need only to find the owner on a month-long speaking tour.
Robert Elliot has one thing on his mind: bronc riding. The Indian National Finals Rodeo is within reach, and he’s not about to let anything ruin his chances of going pro. Not even the woman he finds asleep in the stall of their rankest horse.?
When Rita’s fiancé discovers where she’s hiding out, she takes Robert’s offer to go with him on the road and prays her fiancé gives up the hunt. Saddled together, Rita and Robert must rely on each other as they go on the road to keep her alive.
Giveaway
Leave a comment about a trait you admire in western women for a chance to win a copy of Broken Bondage.
Winner can select either e-book or a signed print copy (US only for print).
About Carmen
Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Inspirational Western Romantic Suspense and lives with her husband in Northeast Washington and on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation. With the love of history and the Western woman’s lifestyle, she weaves threads of healing, hope, and horses that lead to happily ever after.
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Their fortitude and strength. They had to do so much! And still do.
Kim, thank you for taking the time to reply. I agree, western women’s fortitude and strength are remakable!
Their perseverance and never-give-up attitude.
Janice, absolutely! Thanks for taking the time to join us!
Their strength and they never give up.
Indeed, Kathleen! Especially with long hours and hard work! Thank you for commenting!
hardworking
BN100, indeed! Thanks for taking the time to join in the fun!
Their independence! Hello and welcome! I thought of teenage years when I beat a blind date in a game of 8 ball pool! After beating him 3 times he up and left! My father asked where was my date? I told him and he laughed. He says a man who can’t take a beating from a woman in any sport and not show respect, ain’t worth your time. My husband today loves it when I beat him at anything. Shooting targets was one thing when we were dating! He never was upset. Now those kind of men are for women who are strong, independent, and willing to take her as she is! Your book sounds like my kinda story! Best wishes!
Yes, yes, yes, Tracy! Great story. I have the same kind of husband! Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to reply!
A Western woman stands up for what’s right, even if she stands alone.
Denise, this is so true. And many times we do stand alone. Unless we’re all together! Blessings to you!
Determination
Connie, determination is key. Without it, it’s too easy to quit! Thanks for taking the time to play along!
A western woman loves the land. She will stand strong to defend it and will embrace the lifestyle it brings. In spite of multiple hardships that life may bring.
Kathy, you are spot on! Thanks for being here today!
I grew up on our small family farm in Wyoming. I watched my mom and other farm wives and I loved their resilience and willingness to help out whenever they were needed.
What great models for you growing up, Barbra! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
They sometimes are separated from their families, so they have learned to (FROG Fully Rely On God.)
Becky, FROG…I’m adding this to my sayings! Thank you!!
I love that western women can be strong and tender simultaneously. The original and authentic Boss Babes.
Dalyn, you are spot on! So glad you are joining us today, my friend! Boss Babes . . . love it!!
I love the ability to cut to the chase. No pussyfooting around! There ain’t no time for that!
Amy, there really isn’t time! Thanks for dropping in!
They are determined and hardworking.
I totally agree, Cherie! Thank you for joining us!
Courage and compassion
Thank you for our answers, Diana! Glad you took the time to have some fun!
She is capable and independent. Both necessary to make it through the day and season.
Absolutely, Patricia! Thank you for joining us!
I’ve always liked how my Great-Great Grandmother helped prove up land in Kansas and had her own shack on the property. One did not annoy Serena. 🙂
Outstanding, David! She sounds amazing!
They are strong women and could do about anything.
Yes, they are, QLB! Thank you for joining us today!
Determination as well as something my family used to call gumption. They had to work as hard if not harder than their husbands. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Gumption, perfect, Debbie!! God bless you too!
They seem to be very loyal to their family
Their love of nature, land and animals
Western women are tough, but tender at the same time. They can cry over a loss, but still wipe their face and keep going.
Their fortitude and resilience.