March is Women’s History Month, and if there’s one thing we want readers to know is that Fort Worth has no shortage of female leaders in its community.
Enter Georgia Cartwright. Burleson, born and raised, Cartwright first saddled up for the role of Trail Boss last July, with 20+ years of experience under her (Texas-sized) belt. The position over the Fort Worth Herd may be one of the most unique roles in the US and is exclusive only to Cowtown. Prove us wrong. So, we got curious about what a typical day looked like.
Recently, FTWtoday grabbed coffee with the Trail Boss herself, and asked her to walk us through a day in her life. Editor’s note: Answers have been edited for brevity.
A wrangler of schedules — and steers
Q: First things first — what does a Trail Boss actually do?
A: Five days a week, I’m overseeing the health of our horses and longhorns, making sure the cattle drives run safely, and serving as an ambassador for Fort Worth. I make guests feel welcome and share a little about Fort Worth’s history.
Q: What kind of resume does a Trail Boss need?
A: You must have extensive knowledge of horses and cattle. You also have to have management, budgeting + leadership skills. It’s a unique role that takes a unique person.
Morning
Q: Can you walk us through your mornings?
A: Around 5:30 a.m., I get up, and the first thing I’ll do is check on my stock (Aside: Certified ranchers, Cartwright and her husband own about 30 horses and six longhorns at home). I’m fast to get ready, so I just grab a protein bar for the road. I’m at the Stockyards by 7:45 a.m., checking on animals and catching the drovers up to speed. By 9:15 a.m., we’re prepping steers. Then it’s emails, logistics, and making sure everything’s set before the first cattle drive of the day.
Afternoon
Q: After the first cattle drive is over, how do you spend your lunch break and afternoon?
A: The team and I always go out to lunch in the Stockyards. If we’re not doing Herd Experiences, the drovers are horseback, raising awareness about the 4 p.m. cattle drive. I’m typically in a lot of meetings. I’m currently forecasting our 2027 budget and preparing for the FIFA World Cup. We’re ordering a huge soccer ball for the steers, so I’m looking forward to that.
Evening
Q: What time does your day end?
A: After the last cattle drive, we take the horses back to the barns, they’re fed dinner, and then I clock out about 4:45 p.m.
Q: What do your evenings look like?
A: I love speaking engagements. Otherwise, I go straight home. My husband and I love to eat out for dinner. We’re not couch potatoes by nature. I help him manage the ranch and then I go to bed with the chickens.
Q: Umm... Excuse me?
A: I get in bed very early, around 8 p.m.
Q: This question is for our foodies. Where do you and your husband love to go eat?
A: Fred’s Texas Cafe, Los Vaqueros, Flying Fish, and Railhead.
Q: What is the best part of the job?
A: Every day’s the best day. I love it that much.
And that’s not an exaggeration. When asked how she spends her spare time, or if she has hobbies, Georgia responded with one word: “Horses.” She enjoys training young horses the most, stating, “There’s something spectacular about training horses and watching that lightbulb moment go off for them.”
Right now, the Fort Worth Herd is busy organizing its annual gala, Cowboys Conversations. If you’d like to catch Georgia in the zone, grab a table for the Wednesday, April 29 event.
