Cowboys Turtle Association, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 1937.

Article describing the formation of the Cowboys Turtle Association and the rules for being a member. The article is cut from the Hoofs and Horns magazine and placed in a scrapbook.

Article, Cowboys Turtle Association

ProRodeo Hall of Fame

Cowboys Turtle Association

After the successful strike at Boston, the cowboys and cowgirls continued with their new organization. They elected a Board of Directors, created a fee structure, and established rules for the organization. They named themselves the Cowboys' Turtle Association. No one is quite sure how or why they chose the turtle. The prevailing story is that turtles move forward by sticking their necks out of their shell. The cowboys moved their association forward by sticking their necks out and striking. More and more cowboys and cowgirls joined the "Turtles." Each member was given a pin and a copy of the rule book.

After reading the rules in the article above, would you want to join with the Turtles?

White, button-style pin. In the center is the image of a turtle. Above the turtle is the word Cowboy. Below the turtle is the word Association.

Artifact, Cowboy Turtle Association Pin

Cowboy Turtle Association Pin

Small silver pin featuring the letters CTA above the image of a turtle. The pin has a screw back. It was meant to be attached to a hat or belt. Created and worn between 1937 and 1945.

Artifact, CTA Pin

CTA Pin

The pins above were given to members when they paid their membership fees. These pins were a source of pride for the cowboys. Many of the early members held onto their pins even after the Cowboy's Turtle Association changed its name to the Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1945.

Membership in the CTA provided members with a network of others that could support them in all aspects of the rodeo life. They could argue for a change to a rule, bring a dispute against a producer, or find someone to travel with on the road from rodeo to rodeo. It also created rules of conduct that the contestants and producers needed to follow. 

How do you think the rules and networking of the CTA helped or hindered the cowboys and cowgirls?

Dark wooden plaque with a silver buckle attached to the center. Etched plates are on the top and bottom. Scroll etching with a central ribbon on the top plate. In blue enamel letters in the ribbon: Donated by Gist, Inc. Scroll etching on the bottom plate with a central ribbon. In blue enamel letters in the ribbon: In behalf of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy. The central silver buckle is oval with button edging. In raised letters across the top: Cowboys Turtle Assn. In raised letters along the bottom: Pro Rodeo Cowboys Assn. At the center left is a raised image of a turtle. At the center right is a raised PRCA logo. Raised numbers in the center: 50th. A silver ribbon with blue enamel letters is below the number: Anniversary. Raised numbers above the 50: 1936. Raised numbers below the ribbon: 1986.

Artifact, Turtle Plaque

Cowboys Turtle Association 50th Anniversary

The Cowboys' Turtle Association attracted more contestants to its membership each year. In the early spring of 1945, the membership opted to reorganize to include more people in the association. The members changed the name to the Rodeo Cowboys Association. During the next 30 years, the Rodeo Cowboys Association became synonymous with the top athletes and top events in the Sport of Rodeo. The big rodeos of Cheyenne, Denver, and Fort Worth were leading members. The biggest athletes of the sport were also members - Freckles Brown, Jim Shoulders, Larry Mahan, and Casey Tibbs.

Cover of the October 22, 1951, issue of Life magazine. Features an image and cover story about rough stock rider Casey Tibbs.

Document, Cover of Life Magazine

Life Magazine

In 1975, the Rodeo Cowboys Association added the word Professional to their name. Today, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is the largest membership organization of rodeo athletes. It includes rodeo contestants, the people that organize the rodeo, clowns, announcers, trick riders, the people that raise the animals, and many more. Benefits of being a PRCA member include the ability to enter the largest rodeos in the country, health insurance for when they are injured, and access to large corporate sponsorship contracts.

Silver, oval pin with a screw back. On front of pin: Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Image of a horse and rider in the center.

Standards for The United Cowboys Turtle Association

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework