Fannie Sperry Steele (1887-1983), born Fannie Steele, was an award-winning bronc rider and rodeo performer from Montana, one of the first women inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame, and the first Montana native in the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

Born Fannie Sperry to Rachel and Datus Sperry, Fannie was a first-generation Montanan. She was taught to ride by the time she could walk by her mother Rachel, since her father was prevented from riding by an old injury. She inherited her love of horses, especially Pintos, from her mother.

A common practice for female rodeo riders at the time was to tie the stirrups together under the horses belly for greater stability in the stable. Judges allowed this for women with no penalties. Fannie was famous for … Read More »