They traveled the hard way first.
But come New Year’s Day, three families will hopefully feel a singular rush of time, memory, love and sadness, when two floats honor their loved ones at the 135th Rose Parade.
When the “Cowgirls Rule” float drives down Colorado Boulevard, it will be accompanied by a riderless horse. Tammy Pate’s saddle will be strapped to it, a sweet tribute to the cowgirl life trailblazer who died on Dec. 22. She was 56.
The Cowboy Channel will also dedicate its broadcast to Pate, founder of an annual showcase of cowgirls and master artists. She was considered a pioneer in celebrating cowgirl art and the cowgirl lifestyle.
“No one exemplified the traits of the American cowgirl more than Tammy Pate,” said Raquel Gottsch, CEO of the Cowboy Channel. “Tammy was a true pioneer for women in our industry. She was respected by all for her grit, kindness, and the immeasurable impacts she made on the world of Western sports. She was a champion for equality and the quintessential cowgirl.”
Gottsch added, “When we launched the Cowgirl Channel and conceptualized Cowgirls Rule, it was an ode to cowgirls everywhere and to celebrate people just like Tammy. It’s our humble privilege to have Tammy’s personal saddle ride through the parade … and dedicate all of our networks’ broadcast coverage to her. She will be sorely missed, but we look forward to honoring her with the rest of America this New Year’s Day. Her spirit and legacy will be felt during the parade and for generations to come.”
The Cowboy Channel has been a staple in the Rose Parade since 2008. Its float highlights the mission of its sister channel, The Cowgirl Channel, launched early this year, with programming that celebrates the resilience and strength of Western women in sports.
Riding on the float will be world champion rodeo stars Hailey Kinsel, who is a barrel racer and Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi, ranked No. 1 in the world in barrel racing….
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