Books Written By Gail

When Rodeo Headed East — Madison Square Garden and Beyond 1922 – 1959

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The remarkable story of the rodeo that carried the sport from its Western roots to the national stage. Written by Gail Hughbanks Woerner, widely known as the Dean of Rodeo Historians, this book preserves one of the most important chapters in rodeo history: the legendary Madison Square Garden Rodeo. When Rodeo Headed East is more than a history of one famous arena. It is the story of the moment when rodeo crossed the Hudson River and reached heights it may never reach again. Read More . . . 

Western Women
Who Dared To Be Different

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When the subject of the West comes to mind most of the images tend to be masculine. Tough men who worked as cowboys, trappers, lawmen and hard-nosed businessmen. But women have also played a major role in the West. Now, Gail Hughbanks Woerner shines the spotlight on women who played major roles in rodeo, ranching, business and more.    Read More . . . 


Rope to Win: 
The History of Steer, Calf and Team Roping

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The most important tool for a cowboy is a rope. What he has done with it in the last 200 years is amazing. The evolution of the cowboy from taking care of cattle on the range to his competitive, top-level professional roping is all covered here.
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Belly Full of Bedsprings: 
The History of Bronc Riding

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Gail traces the history of bronc riding and its evolution into a port from those early days in the American West to the current professional rodeo circuit. She talks about the history of both saddle bronc riding and bareback riding, in this one-of-a-kind book. Gail explores changes in the events such as equipment, as well as changes in the sport of rodeo in general. She also covers the stars of rodeo, both human and animal.  
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The History of
​Barrel Racing in Professional Rodeo

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Women initially became a part of rodeo to add beauty and glamour to the male-dominated sport. But as the sport of rodeo evolved, so did the women’s role, and barrel racing took off, becoming an exciting part of rodeo. This book highlights the contributions and history women have made to rodeo, from the early days when there was no standard barrel racing. Read More . . . 

The Cowboys' Turtle Association: 
The Birth of Professional Rodeo

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The story of the cowboy strike in 1936 at the Boston rodeo is a well-known bit of rodeo history. It is also no secret that the Cowboys' Turtle Association was the forerunner of the Rodeo Cowboys Association and today's Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. But Gail Hughbanks Woerner charts new territory by telling the whole story about how professional rodeo got it's start. From the men and women who were the pioneers to the behind the scenes struggles to keep the dream alive. Read More . . . 

Cowboy Up: 
The History of Bull Riding

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What started as an exhibition to entertain audiences has turned into the most popular-and dangerous-event in rodeo: bull riding. When a 150-pound man attempts to ride bull that weighs almost a ton and a killer instinct, it's not a matter of whether the rider will get injured, but when, and how badly.
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Fearless Funnymen: 
History of the Rodeo Clown

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Gail Woerner used her life-long association with the rodeo world to research and write a history of this paradoxical profession that requires a laugh-getter dressed in baggy britches and wearing a clown face to put his life in jeopardy to protect cowboys from the dangerous Brahma bulls, and sometimes death. All aspects of the world of the rodeo clown are included and the evolution of the profession.    Read More . . . 

Charley & Amanda Meet Rusty the Rodeo Clown

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Whether short or tall, children of the world want to be a cowboy at some time. Charley & Amanda introduces children to the rodeo clown and a behind the scenes look at the sport of rodeo. While attending a local rodeo, Charley & Amanda Meet Rusty the Rodeo Clown. Rusty makes Charley & Amanda part of his act and gives them an insider’s look at the sport of rodeo from a rodeo clown’s perspective. Rodeo clowns have been a major part of rodeo since the very early days of rodeo. Initially, rodeo clowns were in the arena to protect the bull riders from the bulls, keep the crowd entertained during lulls in the action and provide a little fun to a deadly serious sport. Read More . . .