Judy Crawford grew up in Chicago, IL, without a horse. As a part of her recovery from her husband's suicide, she began grooming horses, which grew into a stable of her own, Marwil Stables, which she runs like a business, not a hobby. She is a brilliant speaker, and was appointed as the spokesperson for the State of Texas by the International Professional Rodeo Association, thus becoming the first and only woman of color spokesperson of any professional rodeo association in the country.
Recently, she's started more dreams:
1. U Go Girl Rodeo Productions, a full service company specializing in the production and promotion of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) All Women's Rodeo. With approval from the WPRA, she became the first Black woman Pro Rodeo Producer.
2. Developing other black women in the sport (producing as well as competition) to continue what she has pioneered.
3. Hosting an all women's rodeo show at the World's Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden.
Judy Crawford is the President and CEO of Marwil Stables, Inc. in Dale, TX.In January 2003, she was appointed as the Spokesperson for the State of Texas by the International Professional Rodeo Association. History was made as she became the first and only woman of color spokesperson of any professional rodeo association in the country.
Marwil Stables is the Bull Riding Event sponsor for all the major Black Rodeos in Texas and Oklahoma. This year Marwil Stables teamed with Cleo Hearn’s Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour. These are professional cowboys and cowgirls of African American, Hispanic, Native American and European descent. She is the contact for the Texas Pony Express Relay Race teams and the host of the Pro Open Timed Event Jackpots held before each Cowboys of Color Rodeo in Austin and Houston TX for the 2004 Rodeo Tour.
In 2004 she started her own rodeo production company. U Go Girl Rodeo Productions is a full service company specializing in the production and promotion of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) All Women's Rodeo. With approval from the WPRA, she became the first Black woman Pro Rodeo Producer. Her dream is to develop other black women in the sport (producing as well as competition) to continue what she has pioneered.
BRISTOL, CT---Judy Crawford has logged many miles between her hometown of Chicago and her current residence in the small town of Dale, Texas. Even with stops in New York, Los Angeles, and Detroit, the long and strange journey into the world of professional rodeo has paid off handsomely for Ms. Crawford.Crawford currently serves as the president and CEO of Marwil Stables, Inc. Just over a year ago, she was also appointed as the Spokesperson for the State of Texas by the International Professional Rodeo Association.
The declaration made her the first and only woman of color spokesperson of any professional rodeo association in the country.
Not bad for a person whose early introduction to horses came while either watching them at racetracks or following parades for crowd control in the Big Apple.
"My brother and mother were living in Texas and I was just going to see them for a visit," said Crawford. "They begged me to stay here for 6 months and see how I'd like it."
"That was almost 14 years ago and I haven't left since."
BUMPS IN THE ROAD
After losing her husband in 1995, Crawford began working as a counselor for survivors of suicide. At this point, she reached a crossroad in her life and began seeking a new challenge.
A friend of Crawford's named "Canoe" would introduce her to horses. After a few rough edges, she slowly began to groom her friends' horses. "He was so pleased with the job I did, he said 'It's time for you get your own horse," Crawford said.
Crawford would acquire her own horse which she still owns today even despite several offers to buy it from her. Unfortunately, she would have to deal with more tragedy.
In a 10-month span, Crawford would lose her father, a close friend, and her grandmother. A situation like that would almost make one weak, but Crawford would again prove to be a person with a strong will.
"I was in Houston at the time and I knew that I had to leave there to start anew," said Crawford. "I decided to go to Dale with a fresh new start. This has always been a fruitful place for blacks and it really has turned out to be fine for me."
DEEP IN THE HEART OF.....
Marwil Stables now serves as the Bull Riding Event sponsor for all the major Black Rodeos in the states of Texas and Oklahoma. Earlier this year, Marwil Stables teamed with Cleo Hearn’s Cowboys of Color Rodeo Tour.
These are professional cowboys and cowgirls of African American, Hispanic, Native American and European descent. Crawford is also the contact for the Texas Pony Express Relay Race teams and the host of the Pro Open Timed Event Jackpots held before each Cowboys of Color Rodeo in Austin and Houston for the 2004 Rodeo Tour.
"I'm in the best place in my life that I've ever been in," Crawford added. "Most of my friends back East come down here and ask me if I'm in the Witness Protection Program."
Earlier this year, Crawford started her own rodeo production company. "U Go Girl Rodeo Productions" is a full service company specializing in the production and promotion of the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) All Women's Rodeo.
With approval from the WPRA, she became the first Black woman Pro Rodeo Producer. Her dream is to develop other black women in the sport (producing as well as competition) to continue what she has pioneered.
In addition to her rodeo activities, Crawford also hosts the St. John’s Colony Annual Juneteenth Trailride that is part of the Juneteenth picnic. 2004 marked the 133rd year of the picnic and 18th year of the trailride.
She’s also hosted the ride the last 5 years. In 2002, the picnic and trailride were designated by the State of Texas Historical Commission as an Official Texas Juneteenth Celebration
One special dream Crawford has is to host an all women's rodeo show at the World's Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden. "With success we've had in this part of the country and with the growing popularity of the sport, it's not impossible," Crawford added.
"I want to let girls that want to get into this business know that everything is possible. If they want to be a calf roper or anything else, that nothing should ever stop them."
Like the title says, "U Go Girl!!!"
For more information, log on to www.marwilstables.com
Just completed reading "I Speak of Dreams: Judy Crawford, Cowgirl CEO". Just a note to say "Thank you" for sharing her story with the rest of the world. Her strength of character has brought her this far and will take her even further. I am proud to say she is my daughter and I am certain all her dreams will be fulfilled. She truly brings pride and joy to our family.
Posted by: Janet L. Crawford | Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 09:28 AM
as a vendor which black rodeo tour would be the largest and most beneficial to participate with?
Posted by: greg henderson | Saturday, January 07, 2006 at 09:54 AM
The words you've posted above - are so needed for inspiration! Gaining the privelege to have the knowledge of a Black Woman in the history of Rodeo, makes me smile - aware that we can do anything and have already...regardless of the suffering in our lives.
peace,
Amanda Bornfree
Posted by: Amanda Bornfree | Monday, July 02, 2007 at 02:56 PM
it is great to have a women of color in the rodeo .i really enjoy watching the rodeo and knowing that there are people of color in the rodeo makes it allthe more special to watch
Posted by: michelle anderson | Thursday, October 02, 2008 at 05:03 PM