EVENTS
Steer Wrestler
Saddle Bronc Rider
Rodeo Trick Rider
Born in California in 1882, Eloise Fox Hastings was a lady bulldogger. In a “man’s sport,” she was known for exceptional skills in events dominated by her male counterparts. As a teenager Eloise Fox learned to ride in the women’s relay, to trick ride, and to ride rough stock.
Eloise Fox’s first rodeo appearance was in 1916 at Guy Weadick’s New York Stampede. A woman of strength and pride, Fox Hastings was taught to bulldog by her husband, Mike, a champion steer wrestler. Although she did not regularly compete against men, in 1927 she went up against Bob Crosby in a steer-wrestling match in Sumas, Washington (in a driving rainstorm; Crosby won). A brilliant performer, Hastings competed in all of the women’s events in early-day rodeo and was exceptionally good at riding bucking horses.
Always a darling of the press and photographers because of her good looks and style, she was noted for her large hats and dramatic clothing. Around 1930 Fox Hastings married Charles Wilson, a champion bronc rider. Truly a rodeo pioneer, Fox Hastings Wilson died in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1948.
