Today we’d like to introduce you to Trish Lynn Smith.
Hi Trish Lynn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Biography of Trish Lynn and the Cowgirl Chicks
Trish Lynn is a highly respected country music artist and rodeo entertainer who has carved out a remarkable place for herself in both industries. At just 18 years old, she completed her first album and charted four singles on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles Charts. Her early success opened the door to performances with some of the biggest names in music, and she has since entertained audiences around the world.
Beyond her music career, Trish has a deep passion for mentoring young cowgirls. She devotes countless hours to teaching leadership, horsemanship, trick riding, stunt work, and rodeo pageantry. Her dedication to preserving the true spirit of the Texas cowgirl shines through in everything she does, and her high-energy, choreographed rodeo performances continue to captivate fans everywhere.
Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Trish has always lived the lifestyle she sings about. After completing her first album, she stepped away from the studio to pursue her dream of being a true American cowgirl. She began training young women and working with rescue horses, eventually forming a team that would become one of the most sought-after specialty acts in rodeo: The Cowgirl Chicks. Performing nonstop at local venues, honky tonks, and on the professional rodeo circuit, Trish continued building her reputation as one of North Texas’s most dynamic entertainers.
With encouragement from her friends—including Doobie Brothers drummer Chet McCracken—Trish returned to the studio to record Crazy Lonely World, her third CD. The album received rave reviews and enjoyed strong rotation across a five-state region.
Trish’s lifelong love of music was evident from the beginning. In high school she was a class favorite, homecoming queen, cheerleader, and national-award-winning choreographer. She went on to major in dance in college, where teachers admired her artistry and encouraged her to pursue country music because of her distinctive, sassy vocal style and strong stage presence.
Her early career took her to Nashville’s Fan Fair as one of the “New Faces” of country music, performing alongside future stars such as Travis Tritt, Garth Brooks, and Alan Jackson. After signing with an independent label, she seemed poised for a major breakthrough—until the label folded in 1991. Undaunted, she returned to Texas and formed a new band, Trish Lynn and Wild Horse, performing everywhere from the world-famous Billy Bob’s Texas to nightclubs across North Texas. She opened for major acts including Neil McCoy, Mark Chesnutt, Marty Stuart, The Bellamy Brothers, Dean Dillon, Hank Thompson, Ty Herndon, Steve Wariner, and more. During this time she performed with musicians who would go on to become well-known artists themselves, such as Keech Rainwater and Richie McDonald of Lonestar.
After completing her third album, Crazy Lonely World, Trish once again faced a setback when her label closed without releasing the project. She stepped back to her Weatherford ranch, focusing on family and horses while performing in the rodeo circuit.
Trish’s daughters each began riding horses at a very young age, mastering daring trick riding and stunts under her guidance. From early lessons in basic horsemanship and groundwork to full-blown arena performances, they learned balance, discipline, timing, and the deep trust between rider and horse. Raised amid ranch chores, rodeo camps, and nightly practices, they didn’t just grow up with horses — they grew up with purpose, responsibility, and a love for the Western lifestyle. Today, their commitment to rodeo, performance, and horsemanship is a living extension of Trish’s lifelong passion and the family’s shared legacy in keeping the spirit of the American cowgirl alive.
She created her renowned 16-member equestrian drill/ rodeo trick riding team, The Cowgirl Chicks. Known for their high-speed, patriotic, pyrotechnic-infused performances, the team became one of the most recognizable specialty acts in professional rodeo. They performed worldwide, earned multiple PRCA Specialty Act of the Year nominations (2010–2014), and gained national attention through appearances on RFD-TV, CMT, Lifetime, and the Food Network. Their inspiring story even led to the creation of the film Cowgirls and Angels. The team rides in honor of children diagnosed with cancer and our Military Veterans.
In 2000, still driven by her passion for music, Trish reached out to longtime friend Chet McCracken and industry contacts to begin her album, Crazy Lonely World, produced with the help of her father, Mike Bowman. Trish’s parents were her biggest supporters and always were there for her to help accomplish her dreams.
Behind the “Never Quit” Story of the Cowgirl Chicks.
Trish lynn and her 2 brothers were raised in a family of a loving example of hard work, determination, and a Never Quit attitude instilled by her parents Mike and Jan Bowman. Her father came from humble beginnings and for the love of his family created a Real Estate Empire. His NEVER QUIT attitude was used on all fields of life, always helping others, and attributed to providing a wonderful life for his wife and kids taking no shortcuts. Mike and Jan lived the example of Never Giving Up on their dreams or each other. Trish Lynn’s parents, a invincible team, helped Trish lay all the humble ground work of The Cowgirl Chicks and Rodeo World. Her father always said to her, “WINNERS NEVER QUIT AND QUITTERS NEVER WIN”. They are the true meaning of Grit, Faith, Love, and Family. We hope this story inspires you to continue to work hard and be passionate to pursue and persevere.
Perseverance builds Strength.
“I can. I will. End of Story”
Mike Bowman
Over the last five years, Trish devoted herself to caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2021 during the height of COVID. Despite every effort, her mother lost her battle in 2022. Shortly after, Trish’s father was diagnosed with liver disease, and he passed away the following March. Trish remained by both of their sides through every moment, facing the most difficult and heartbreaking chapter of her life with strength, love, and unwavering devotion.
Losing both of her parents has been an incredibly difficult road, but Trish is determined to honor their memory. Their unwavering support shaped every chapter of her life, and she carries their legacy with her as she continues forward with strength, purpose, and gratitude.
With promotion from the Spacek Group in Austin, the album received strong support from DJs across a five-state region. After connecting with Chris Bailey and songwriter Kathy Walker—sister to Doobie Brothers lead singer Michael McDonald—Trish began work on her fourth album, Forget About You. Determined to create something truly special, she studied the production of top country hits and poured herself into every detail, resulting in a project that reflects her trademark energy and gritty, raspy vocal style.
While pursuing her music career, Trish continued to thrive in the rodeo arena, performing patriotic openings on horseback, firing pyrotechnics, and leading the Cowgirl Chicks through thrilling stunt work.The Cowgirl Chicks have performed world wide and have learned from the best and credit their success to JW Stoker, their horses, and the many that believed in them. The Chicks have performed for top celebrities such as Robin Williams, Sammy Hagar, John Travolta, Emeril, Larry Ruvo as many others. Their talents took them across the globe, including a special invitation from Monty Roberts to perform at the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden, serving as the Ambassadors of the United States.
Today, Trish continues to live and promote the Western lifestyle she loves. Alongside her husband, retired PRCA bullfighter Donnie Smith, this rodeo couple provides equine therapy for military veterans and families in need, cares for rescue horses, oversees the breeding and training of their herd, and manages the pyrotechnics and sound for all their shows.
Trish Lynn and Donnie are tremendously proud of their children, each of whom is actively involved in the rodeo world. Together, they work hard to carry on the family’s tradition of dedication, grit, and the hardworking spirit of a true rodeo family.
Through music, horses, and mentorship, Trish lynn remains a steadfast ambassador of America’s cowboy heritage—proudly preserving a way of life that has shaped her from the very beginning.
Trish Lynn wants to pass on everything she’s learned from rodeo and the entertainment world to coming generations — to keep this beautiful sport, lifestyle, and Western heritage alive and thriving.
Please contact Trish Lynn for more information:
Rodeoworld.com
cowgirlchicks.com
trishlynnmusic.com
817-629-7309
cowgirlcure@aol.com
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being on the road isn’t always glamorous — long nights driving horses, performers, and music equipment from one rodeo or gig to the next; blown‑out tires on the highway; horses getting injured; last‑minute cancellations. Still the show must go on. Through every trial — setbacks, unexpected challenges, physical danger, and emotional stress — Trish and the team never gave up. They pushed forward with a positive attitude, maintained their faith, kept working, and held on to their roots. Their commitment to hard work, resilience, and loyalty—to family, horses, and the rodeo way of life—defines their spirit and keeps the dream alive.
Trish went through alot of girls and was looking for young women who are truly committed — girls who understand what responsibility and dependability really mean. She wants team members who show up even when it’s hard, who take their obligations seriously, and who are faithful to the values of hard work, discipline, respect, and loyalty. These girls don’t just ride or perform when it’s convenient — they step in with grit, integrity, and a “get‑it‑done” attitude. Their reliability, work ethic, and respect for the horses, the team, and the rodeo way of life are the foundation of what it means to belong to this family and carry on the tradition.
As you know, we’re big fans of Cowgirl Chicks. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Trish has worked in the entertainment industry from an early age. After graduating from high school, several dance companies hired her to choreograph competition dance‑team pieces, showcasing her talent for movement, rhythm, and stage presence. But horses have always held her heart. Deeply passionate about equine welfare, she is very active in rescuing horses — giving them a second chance through rehabilitation, training, and finding them forever homes, with the dream of turning them into champions.
All American Cowgirl Chicks Charity Work & Programs
501 c 3 Non Profit since 2004
AACC a non-profit organization has been established since 2004 and is operated with Trish Lynn & Donnie , family, team members, and volunteers working with communities to help rescue/save horses to provide a safe haven for all to avoid an alternative to auction or slaughter and give these animals a second chance. The Cowgirl Chicks are known for their passion and hard work for donating to many charities helping others with coping with Cancer and providing Equine Therapy for our Veterans and their families in need of Horse Therapy.
The Cowgirl Chicks Ranch strives to provide shelter, rehabilitation, care, and finding a loving home for all equine in need as well as providing Education, horsemanship lessons and clinics and promote responsible care for all of our Equine Riders.
By working together and through the gift of our horses, we can continue to improve and change lives.
AACC is operated as an experiential learning center for the benefits of veterans, many riders, and the second chance horses that live there. The Cowgirl Chicks has donated their horses and provided therapy sessions for veterans and their families for the past 20 years to help cope with the many struggles of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In our program, participants learn about horses, caring and maintaining the herd, as well as building trust with the horses. We see the suicide rate continuing to rise and our commitment is to give these veterans excellent leadership to help these men and women ground themselves, get stronger, help each other, and learn about communication and self- regulation.
Located In Weatherford, Texas the Cowgirl Chicks Ranch is a place where veterans, horses and the land each contribute to the health and well being of others. It provides access to a rural way of life that embraces holistic health, sustainable agriculture and community building programs aimed at restoring the physical vitality, emotional and spiritual health of all involved.
AACC provides veterans and their families with an opportunity to learn from horses, build connections within the local community, contribute to service-oriented projects and generally enjoy a safe-haven for personal growth and fulfillment through our experiential learning programs.
What were you like growing up?
Starting working behind the scenes at a young age, Trish helped out in every facet of her parents’ real estate business — mowing lawns, painting, doing repairs, answering phones, and handling receptionist duties. She learned the value of top-quality customer service, always maintained a positive attitude, and put others before herself. She was the kind of worker who showed up early and stayed late to make sure the job got done right.
Trish has always had a deep love for horses, barn chores, and choreography — and she never met a stranger. She’ll lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed and has fond memories of helping her grandparents from an early age. Fiercely loyal to family, she never shied away from hard work or a challenge. Known for her tenacity and determination, Trish consistently goes above and beyond, always giving 110%. She was never above doing the grunt work and always showed up with a smile!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rodeoworld.com
- Instagram: officialcowgirlchicks
- Facebook: cowgirlchicksfacebook
- Youtube: cowgirlchicksyoutube
Image Credits
Randy Zeigler
