Return to Cheyenne

At 70 years old Jonnie Jonckowski, reflects on a defining moment that forever reshaped her life and the rodeo world. After an injury crushed her Olympic dreams, Jonckowski unexpectedly turned to bull riding, embarking on a quest to become the top bull rider of her era. The women's rodeo circuit, however, suffered from serious neglect, sexism, structure, and funding. After championing the women's circuit, she was confronted with the ultimate barrier: the banning of women from professional rodeos, a mandate dated back to the 1930s. Determined, Jonckowski orchestrated a massive media campaign, challenging the status quo and earning women a historic opportunity at Cheyenne Frontier Days, the crown jewel of rodeo competitions. With the spotlight firmly on her, Jonckowski was tasked with not just competing but proving the undeniable prowess and rightful place of women in the heart of rodeo's most revered arena.