Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S U M M E R 2 0 1 7 108 highly skilled at "pickup" — plucking cowboys off their bucking broncs and bulls or off the ground — and herding angry bucking stock out of the arena. Pickup riders perform an essential and dangerous job but are rarely in the limelight. In 1962 when officials at the famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale were short a pickup rider, Ann filled in. at began a 30-year career as pickup at professional, amateur, college and youth rodeos; rodeo schools; and other events. She was one of very few female "pickup men." Discrimination was tough. Ann worked for lesser pay than her fellow pickup men for the first two years. Yet even though she earned the respect of her male counterparts, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association steadfastly refused to allow female members. Despite the difficulties, Ann found her niche in this tough, hazardous work. Today she is a devoted horse breeder, musician, artist, award-winning poet, and 2003 inductee into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Ann says that she got along by always doing her best, riding a good horse, and keeping her comments to herself. When an injury ended runner Jonnie Jonckowski's Olympic dream in 1976, she chose a new, albeit rocky, trail. Competitive bull riding fulfilled her adventurous spirit and daring pluck. In 1986 after 10 years' hard work, Jonnie won her first of two bull riding championships. at first win at Guthrie, Oklahoma, on a huge brindle bull named B12, came the day after a bull fell on her and severely crushed her leg. Unable to walk, she was lifted onto B12. Jonnie cast aside excruciating pain and burst out of the chute, riding that day, as always, like a champion. Jonnie Jonckowski, accepting a first-place buckle from the late Wes Tibbetts for ladies'bareback riding in 1981, turned to bull and bronc riding and campaigned tirelessly for women's acceptance into the sport. Courtesy John L. Moore. Horse breeder, musician, artist, award-winning poet, and 2003 inductee into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Ann Secrest Hanson weathered gender discrimination yet earned the respect of her fellow pickup men. Courtesy Ann Secrest Hanson Alice Greenough, pictured with her father and brothers, learned to ride in a rock-littered corral where falling off was not an option. Cour- tesy Carbon County Historical Society and Museum. DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES, THESE WOMEN FOUND HER NICHE IN THIS TOUGH, HAZARDOUS WORK. CONTINUED

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