Emilee Morgan- The cow”boy”
Every bad (good) rodeo story starts with “I know a guy”. Well, how about I know a girl?
In rodeo, we often gather around trailers and pass around stories about rank rides, waffle house encounters, things that happen at the bar which should have definitely stayed at the bar… but majority of the most funny stories start with “I know a guy” or “You won’t”. Except This “cowboy” actually did; Emilee Morgan, the cow GIRL who rides broncs.
Emilee, who has rode horses her whole life and been a fan of PBR with her family, often wondered what the girl version of PBR was. Until one day back in August of 2024, when she had her first bronc ride thanks to and I quote “random guy on tinder”. Phillip; the man in question, who heard about her visit to the Cody rodeo and how she wanted to riding a bucking horse one time simply replied “I know a guy”. Emilee then went on to win a check at only her second rodeo, and now rides almost every weekend in local rodeos here in Tennessee.
Not only have I had the pleasure of watching her progress grow over the last year, but I also got to watch what she believes her greatest rodeo accomplishment unravel and happen; winning the average at The National Cowboy Association (NCA) finals in 2025. Emilee says she still now does not believe how far she came in just her first full year of riding. Not only was she battling all year to keep a spot in the top eight riders in the NCA bronc riders with some of the top guys in the state, but at finals drew her rankest opponent yet “725” from Outlaw Rodeo Company. 725 was also awarded as the NCA horse of the year for 2025, and has been on the PRCA circuit according to other rodeo personnel.
However, an important detail to add to this cowgirl’s story is that not only is she growing as a rider, but also as an inspiration for several young females in our area and surrounding. Her character outside of the arena is almost as unbeatable as her dedication to the sport. Back in April of 2025 when I first started taking on rodeo gigs on my own, I was shy and not comfortable behind back pens. Thanks to Emilee and one cowboy, I began to grow my footing. I am forever grateful to capture Emilee’s personality and rank memories over the last year; but also be able to say “I know a girl.”
Some added fun facts and pre-rodeo rituals-
-Although Emilee has been known to rock pink outside of the arena, she refuses to wear it inside the arena due to supersitition.
-A dream sickle dirty soda/lemonade hits the spot for her.
-Big mac with extra pickles and a diet coke is her go-to meal before or after a rodeo!
-I have over eight photos of her with only one boot on after a ride…
Checkout some photos I have taken of Emilee over the last year below.
