story by Lori O’Harver
Broncs, Eh? A Canadian Cowgirl in Texas for the TBRA Ladies Ranch Bronc Tour
Many cowboys have made the trek to Alberta to answer the call of the big, soggy, feather-footed bucking horses the province is known for. It’s not rare for a Canadian cowboy to find his way to Texas, either. Pearl Kersey might be the first woman ranch bronc rider to move to the Lone Star State to find opportunity with her saddle. With her recent win at Lampasas’ Holy Cow Bronc Challenge, that move is paying off.
At 29 years old, Kersey has supported herself in the cowgirl trades all her life doing day work at brandings and such on Alberta ranches, breaking colts and as an equine sports therapy technician. A little over two years ago, a friend told her about a ladies ranch bronc riding north of her home in Pincher Creek so she threw her saddle in the truck and entered up to win it. She’d do it again the following year, making her the undefeated champion of the event. Then a friend told her about the Texas Bronc Riders Association ladies tour being televised on RIDE TV’s Cowgirls series.
“I’d been trying to sell my place in Pincher Creek for a long time. When I decided to I was heading to Texas, it sold just like that,” said Kersey. “I turned my horses out, bought a camper for my pick up, loaded my two dogs, Maggie and Shelby, and drove south. It’s been good. I love Texas! It’s not snowing here. We’ve had a brutal time the past two winters back home.”
“I’ve always wanted to better myself in whatever I do,” Kersey said. “Riding ranch broncs has been a challenge in that department but it makes it even more satisfying when I get it right, even if it’s just a small improvement in the right direction.”
Kersey’s first win came on the good horse, Legs of the Diamond Cross ladies string at the tour stop in Lampasas.
“I tied third on opening night, but it felt like a win to me. I tried to focus on keeping my hips under me and lifting hard on the rein and got that done. It felt great. When I saw I’d drawn Legs on Saturday night, I was excited. I knew they’d been winning on the big mare. She’s a real nice horse, just set me up real pretty and went on with herself. I lost my left stirrup about halfway through but managed to stay in the middle for the win.”
“I’ve always wanted to be involved in rodeo in some way. I’ve been competing in ranch roping and ranch rodeos back home in the last couple of years but never dreamed I’d be on a ladies ranch bronc riding tour in Texas,” Kersey said.
