Cultured Cowgirl

Gypsy Soule is paying it forward by auctioning off a saddle and putting the proceeds into a scholarship.

In addition to all of my Western Horseman writing projects last year, I was also given the opportunity to edit our company’s business-to-business publication Western Lifestyle Retailer  www.westernlifestyleretailer.com). The glossy, annual magazine’s funky fashion spreads, product-driven pieces and business features were quite a departure from the ranch, horsemanship and artisan profiles that have become my specialty. Luckily, I had several veteran business-to-business editors and fashion experts to guide me.

Two women I really came to admire were Amy Moorhouse and Lorinda Van Newkirk, owners of the Texas-based apparel, tack and accessory company Gypsy Soule. Both women were raised on ranches and have a love for the Western lifestyle, yet they’re also not afraid to step outside the corral and strut their unique styles. Lorinda grew up on her family’s ranch in California and founded her first company at age 21. The daughter of legendary Texas rancher Bob Moorhouse, Amy was raised on the historic Pitchfork Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, and has had a successful career as a fashion designer and marketer. Together, the women launched Gypsy Soule in 2004.

I’ve never met two women who have so much energy and fun with a business. Through trend-spotting and creative vision, the glamorous gals have added a wild side to Western fashion. However, their goal goes beyond standing out in a crowd. They inspire women to break free from their inhibitions, to be confident and to express themselves with beautiful, bejeweled apparel, footwear and accessories. Even me, who is known to be fairly conservative in my dress code, has invested in zebra-patterned flip-flops with rhinestones, large hoop earrings and bangles, and bedazzled hoodies from the Gypsy Soule collection. I’m constantly wondering what they’ll add to their line next.

Both avid horsewomen, Lorinda and Amy recently designed a line of sparkling Western tack to their Gypsy Cowgirl collection, which was a huge hit at the National Finals Rodeo. In response to the company’s success, Gypsy Soule and Gypsy Cowgirl are auctioning off a one-of-a-kind saddle made by Cowboy Classic Saddlery. All proceeds will go toward a scholarship that will be awarded to one lucky student applicant who has a dream of graduating from college and pursing a career.

The saddle is custom designed with tattoo leatherwork, crystal embellishments and a zebra stingray seat. Beautiful to display or flashy to ride, the saddle is a symbol of hope and creative, cowgirl spirit.

The saddle auction opened on eBay December 1, 2009, and ends January 31, so be sure to log on and bid this week.

For more information, visit gypsysoule.com/catalog/scholarship.php. Also, be sure to check out Gypsy Soule products at gypsysoule.com.

-Jennifer