Serpa, Louise 1925-2012

Serpa was the first woman to be allowed to enter the rodeo arena to photograph action shots on film. She also was the first woman allowed on the courses of the Grand National in England, and the first to cover the Dublin Horse Show. Serpa was grateful to the entire rodeo family. “They were kind and supportive” and “let me be a part of so many peoples’ lives, their children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren. Rodeo has been the greatest thing for me. I loved the people and the sport. But it never occurred to me that I would be any part of it. I shot it because I loved it!” Serpa donated her body of work to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.