Born at Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in 1924, Shirley Lucas was inspired to become a trick rider after watching cowgirl legends Tad Lucas and Vivian White perform at a local rodeo. She and her late sister, Sharon, took up the daredevil sport shortly thereafter, and White agreed to mentor the pair provided that they not “weaken.”
The Oklahoma girls proved worthy pupils for White, who showed them the basics of trick riding-double vaults, cartwheels, splits to the neck, and cruppers-as they rode their Pain Horse named Clover. The girls performed their trick-riding routines in rodeos from San Francisco to sponsorships from Wrangler and Resistol. (The sisters later won acclaim as Hollywood stuntwomen, doubling for the likes of Lauren Bacall, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, Lana Turner, and Doris Day.
Shirley married Daniel “Bob” Jauregui in 1955 and settled down to ranch and raise a family. She has maintained an active role in her community and is a member of several Nevada County community organizations. She was recognized as Cattlewoman of the Year in 1996 and noteable Woman of Nevada County in 2005.
For her dedication to rodeo, family and community, Shirley Lucas Jauregui was chosen for the Tad Lucas Memorial Award in 2008.
