The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will honor five inductees and two award winners at the 45th annual induction ceremony.
A few of the Western industry's finest will be honored at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame's induction ceremony October 26, 2021, in Fort Worth, Texas. Among the honorees are a Yellowstone cinematographer, a country music icon, and a custom hattery entrepreneur.
This year's inductees will join 240-plus cowgirls in the Hall of Fame — including C&I favorite Reba McEntire, champion bronc rider Prairie Rose Henderson, and Annie Oakley star Gail Davis.
Check out the 2021 honorees below.
2021 Induction Class
Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert is a renowned country music superstar and gifted songwriter who started her career in local Texas bars and released her self-titled debut album independently in 2001.
Lari Dee Guy
Lari Dee Guy has won 11-consecutive AJRA world roping titles beginning at age nine. She is an eight-time Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Champion with more than $1.5 million in career earnings. With over 33 championship titles, Guy is the winningest female roper in the world.
Pop Chalee
Artist Pop Chalee was known for her influential and stylized depictions of forest scenes and wildlife, with graceful paintings of deer and horses. Chalee devoted herself to a flat, two-dimensional “traditional” style of Native American painting, but injected lighthearted imaginary touches that appealed to a wide audience of both adults and children.
Lavonna "Shorty" Koger
Lavonna “Shorty” Koger is an Oklahoma native with over 40 years of experience in restoration, fitting, sewing, and design of cowboy hats. A former rodeo contestant, she is now one of today’s leading industry hatters. She started Shorty’s Caboy Hattery in 1990 in Oklahoma City's historic stockyards.
Kathryn Kusner
Kathryn Kusner is an American equestrian and Olympic medalist in show jumping. She was one of the first women who rode for the United States Equestrian Team (USET) and the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in equestrian competition.
The Pasty Montana Award
Named for 1987 Honoree Patsy Montana, this award recognizes those whose work in the entertainment field and continue to advance the tradition of the cowgirl in the areas of film, television, music, writing, and theatre.
Christina Voros
Christina Voros’ involvement with the hit series Yellowstone started season one. Beginning as a camera operator, she became the director of photography for Season 2 and 4, and has directed four episodes. She has been the only female director and director of photography for this popular series. Currently, she is in development on her feature indie film Valentine — inspired by stories of the people and land of West Texas.
Sergeant Reckless Award
Named for the most decorated war horse in modern history, this award recognizes animals, individuals, or groups who risk their lives for the betterment of others, and who stand courageously in protection of others.
Military war dog Lucca K458, USMC
Lucca’s distinguished record includes leading more than 400 patrols in Afghanistan and Iraq during three combat tours. She’s credited with over 40 confirmed finds of insurgents, explosives and ammunition — and for having no human casualties during her patrols. Lucca has been honored with medals for her service: Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery #6 and Great Britain’s PDSA Dickin Medal #67, the first US Marine Corps dog to receive the honor.
Photography: (All images) courtesy the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Some bio information provided by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame