A Few Cowboy Gals You Should be Following
By Cowgirl Madeline
Get to know a few influential and incredibly talented cowboy gals with us!
The western industry is filled with people from every walk of life, every region, every kind of background imaginable and more. While each and every person is equally important to this lifestyle, there are a few stellar gals you should definitely be following! All bring unique styles, talents and aspects to the western world.
Hippy meets gypsy meets cowpoke. That’s how Hadley Wesner describes herself. Hadley, an Oklahoma native, grew up on her family's ranch where she was first exposed to cowboy life. She attended Oklahoma Baptist University and began to really focus on her art. She then met her husband Chauncey and moved with him to Reydon, Oklahoma.
Hadley describes herself as energetic, eccentric, social and low maintenance. Having followed her on multiple social platforms for a while now, those couldn’t be more perfect ways to describe her!
Much of her style comes from thrifting unique pieces and combining her roots. Her mom was always dressed up with squash blossoms, Navajo pearls, vivid prints and vibrant colors while her dad always wore turquoise and a silver chain which also influenced her own personal style.
Other than the cowboys, Hadley's favorite part of cowboy life is the freedom. Freedom to tan in her yard, freedom to ride, freedom to do anything. They will be tied down to the ranch many seasons of the year but during other seasons they can escape for a little and maybe even sneak in a vacation.
“I get to spend 12 hours a day with my husband when other people only get to spend from 6-9PM with their husbands' ', says Hadley when talking about the freedoms of ranching.
What really made her fall in love with the industry and lifestyle was the people. They could be stranded on the side of the road with a trailer load of horses and they could have many cowboys there to help get their horses and get them out of the situation. The community inside of ranching is something that Hadley loves dearly about this way of life. They could finish branding early in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day into the evening catching up and having a good time with friends and day hands.
Not only is Hadley a style icon, she is also an incredible artist, from making purses with Wild Horse Leather Company out of Oklahoma to ranch photography and her impeccable oil paintings she does it all.
Much of her inspiration comes from the world not understanding what it takes to get food on our plates. Cowboys are often romanticized where Hadley is trying to convey the toughness and true feelings of the lifestyle. Not everyday will be a happy one or a victory but each day leads to putting food on plates.
Hadley's ideal day begins on her porch watching the sun rise with her husband and coffee. They would go and brand with others until noon then return home to paint for 4-5 hours. Afterwards, their friends and their ladies would come over for brats, roping and whiskey in the arena until midnight.
Hadley's eclectic personality and style makes her someone anyone should be following.
You can follow her at:
@hadley.j and @hadleyjphotos on instagram
@hadley.j on tiktok
Devin Conley- passionate, inquisitive, caring, nurturing. That’s how she would describe herself. Having known Devin for a little while now, I can say with full confidence this is the perfect way to describe this kind and timeless soul. I actually met Devin back in March, one brisk and windy Wyoming day while working bulls at my favorite place and Devin appeared. Long story short we had followed each other on tiktok for a little while and made the connection. Ever since, we’ve branded together, gone thrifting and the occasional deer shed hunting excursion. Not only has she become a close friend of mine but a role model as well.
Devin grew up in Colorado on her family's ranch where she was exposed to ranch life and rodeo early on. Her dad, a professional team roper, got her involved from a young age in rodeo. Not only did he start her in rodeo but is also one of her biggest inspirations.
“He’s an old school cowboy, manners, gentleman, quiet with horses, could write books with his knowledge and he’s humble.” says Devin while describing her dad.
Devin described finding her style as mimicking others she looked up to but it never really felt right until she began to add a little more of herself into it.
“I had to figure out what made me feel good, what made me happy,” says Devin.
What attracts Devin most to the cowboy and western life is the culture of the people involved. She talks about how people who aren’t involved probably don’t understand all the differences and cultures within this realm of life. There’s so much to learn about within this lifestyle about the cowboys, buckaroos, vaqueros, punchers and more. From differences in tack, clothing and mannerisms, everyone has their own brand. You won’t meet any people that are harder working and honest with a sense of humor.
Dolly Parton was someone Devin has always looked up to. She has always been herself and kind while not afraid to step outside of the box. Adrian Brannan is another gal she looks up to. Her character, talent, personality and attitude allow you to feel like you know her. She has a wildly positive impact on the industry while not only remaining handy yet feminine as well.
Devin has had her fair share of challenges, one of which including breaking her back in a riding accident. She had to learn to come back and appreciate life. From this accident, Devin learned to persevere and grow to get back to her old self. She has always lived by a quote her dad told which is, “Nobody is coming to save you”. Devin explained this to me as there is no white knight. The only person who can save you is yourself. You have your best interests in mind and can always look out for yourself when others won’t.
Devin's ideal day consists of getting up at six am, not too early but not too late. Have the perfect cup of coffee and it’s 65 degrees out. Get the chores done and go rodeo, brand or work cattle with all the people she loves and admires. The day would finish up with a giant meal and lots of laughter, while she looks across the room and that special someone catches her eye and it feels good and warm.
What inspires Devin most is her surroundings. The smell of sage as your ride, the sound of horses eating and nostalgia for past and vintage. Many of you out there may be inspired by the same things.
You can follow Devin at: @devinoutwest on instagram and tiktok
Work ethic, integrity, well performing dogs and horses, a job well done, western fashion, cowboy life, a drive to win and a whole lotta class is what you will find when you meet Stormy Baxley. While talking with Stormy, it was so incredibly clear the amount of passion, ambition and skill she has. Talking to Stormy is like talking to an old friend, you never feel judged or out of place whether you’re talking about all things cowboy, fashion or life.
Stormy grew up in the rural hills near Bakersfield, California as an only child. She describes herself as a feral child who never really fit in. She got into FFA and found a small rodeo crowd to tag along with. She pursued degrees in Agriculture Business and Agriculture Science but cowboying was more her style. After her dad passed, a cowboy friend packed her around and helped her grow her love and passion for cowboying. She went to lots of sale barns and day worked for many which helped her create many ties in the cowboy community. She may not have been wildly successful but she was happy as could be.
Stormy’s style can best be described as practical, comfortable, grandpa like, laid back, retro wranglers with the big pockets to hold pens while being a little bit edgy and very classy.
“My heroes have always been cowboys”, says Stormy when talking about role models. She’s had a lot of role models growing up, many of which were day working cowboys of the trade. These cowboys let their skills speak for themselves and don’t go boasting about their abilities and accomplishments. You’ll know who can really get the job done based on who is talking about themselves and who isn’t.
“I put a lot of weight on class”, says Stormy.
What attracts Stormy so much to the cowboy lifestyle is that people aren’t just good at cowboying. They’re plumbers, doctors, vets, electricians, welders, nutritionists and more. They’re the most well rounded and humble people you will ever meet. You won’t know their skill set until you work with them in a variety of situations.
“Oh dude I like to rope me something. If I could rope everyday I would.” Says Stormy after asking what sets her on fire.
Not only does roping wild cattle set her soul on fire but so does informing people of agriculture and cowboy life. She loves teaching people the true lifestyle and how important they both are to the world. Social media is a huge tool she uses for this and has become a very influential part of advocating. When people ask how to get a start in cowboying she tells them that sale yards and feedlots are great places to start. You can learn a lot at once with more guidance than if you were to start day working right away.
Stormy doesn’t allow other people to influence her. She’s all about individuality. She is incredibly independent and empathetic and is very closed off to being like anyone else.
“I choose what inspires me.” Says Stormy.
She is inspired by everyday humble cowgirl things, horses, dogs, cattle, nature, God and balance. Not only is she incredibly handy but she is an incredible artist as well. Her artwork is unique while having a touch of classic cowboy flair. Her favorite thing to make has been chaps. If she can’t find it how she wants it she’ll make it. She likes practicality with flair and style. Stormy embodies all aspects of a handy, classy, hard working cowboy gal.
Her ideal day starts by sleeping in but not too late so the day doesn’t escape from her, have everything done by noon, be shaded because it’s hot, ride horses, rope and work cows and dogs.
Stormy is incredible in every way and you can follow her at:
@4stormcloud and @stormcloud.creations on instagram
@stormysill on tiktok