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.

Gail Hughbanks Woerner's new book, The History of Barrel Racing in Professional Rodeo, highlights the contributions and history women have made to rodeo, from the early days when there was no standard barrel racing pattern and few standard rules to the big money and big business sport of today.

So many women and horses have played critical roles in the evolution of barrel racing and rodeo, and they are finally getting the credit and recognition they deserve. This book profiles legendary women from Margaret Owens to Hailey Kinsel and the great horses such as Charmayne James' Scamper to Kristie Peterson's Bozo.

Woerner has long been one of rodeo's foremost historians, having written hundreds of articles about the sport and books covering everything from roping to riding. Now, she has brought the history of women's barrel racing into the spotlight it deserves.