Girls, Cowboys, and Creatures of the West: Rose Miller’s Timeless Journey

Photo: Rose Miller, acclaimed author and animal advocate, at her Prescott, Arizona home, surrounded by the enduring spirit of her beloved animals.

Celebrating the Deep Bonds Between Humans and Animals

Rose Miller reflects on her journey with horses, mules, and dogs, shares lessons of love, healing, and resilience, and honors strong Western women in her heartfelt, authentic books rooted in life.

R 
ose Miller’s lifelong connection with animals began on a Pennsylvania farm and continued through raising her family on a horse farm in Indiana. Horses, mules, and dogs were her constant companions, teaching her valuable lessons in compassion, resilience, and joy. From this well of experience, Miller has written several books, including The Horse That Wouldn’t Trot, Mules, Mules and More Mules, Always Have a Dog in Your Life, and her latest work, Girls Can Be Cowboys Too!. Filled with heartfelt stories of love, loss, and strength, Miller’s books celebrate the deep bonds humans share with animals and the hardy spirit of the women of the West.

Miller’s journey as an author began under inspirational, yet bittersweet, circumstances. Initially, she never saw herself as a writer. But her oldest daughter, before her untimely passing, encouraged her to document her life, acknowledging her many accomplishments. “She passed away from breast cancer before I started,” Miller reflects. “But I could feel her encouraging me from the other side, and one day I began to write from the heart.”

Rose Miller masterfully weaves heartfelt stories of animals and people, offering wisdom, authenticity, and warmth that deeply resonates.

This heartfelt approach is the hallmark of Miller’s work, which unfolds in a conversational style. Her deep understanding of animals shines through in every story, drawing readers into her world, where livestock and pets aren’t just creatures—they are family, mentors, and beloved companions.

Highlights from the Interview:

• Rose Miller’s inspiration to write came from her daughter, who encouraged her to document her life and accomplishments.
• Transition from Tennessee Walking Horses to mules brought her newfound joy and lessons in companionship.
• Challenges of training mules versus horses and their distinct temperaments.
• Advocating against animal cruelty in the showing of Tennessee Walking Horses through her book The Horse That Wouldn’t Trot.
• Her latest book, Girls Can Be Cowboys Too!, celebrates the strength and authenticity of Western women.

Miller’s life with horses began in the 1970s with Tennessee Walking Horses she bred, trained, and showed. Her deep connection to this breed led her to write The Horse That Wouldn’t Trot, a compelling book in which she examines the harrowing practice of soring—a cruel method used to force show horses to adopt an aesthetically pleasing gait. This issue, she notes, has yet to be fully resolved, but the fight to eliminate it continues.

After leaving the competitive world of horse showing, Miller embarked on a new chapter by raising mules. “Owning mules was different,” she says with a hint of admiration. “They were all about safe fun. Mules are thinkers—they don’t rely purely on instinct like horses. But this quality comes with challenges. For instance, if a mule has a traumatic experience, it can carry a grudge and even act on it months later. Building mutual trust is key to success with them.” This fascination with their behavior led to her book Mules, Mules and More Mules, a tribute to her delightful and, at times, exasperating experiences with these unique animals.

Dogs have also played a central role in Miller’s life, as reflected in Always Have a Dog in Your Life. She and her family have lovingly cared for 25 dogs over the years. “Losing them never gets easier,” she shares, “but that loss reminds us of the joy they bring, the lessons they teach, and the healing they offer. Each new dog helps heal your soul, over and over again.”

Miller’s most recent book, Girls Can Be Cowboys Too!, shifts focus from animals to the indomitable women of the West. Moving to Arizona in later years brought her into close contact with strong, independent women from ranching and rural backgrounds. Building trusting relationships with these women came naturally as they bonded over their shared love of animals. “These women are incredible,” she says with admiration. Through traveling to ranches and conducting interviews, Miller captured their stories and wove them into a tapestry of resilience and authenticity, celebrating lives rooted in the rugged beauty of the West.

Another theme that resonates powerfully in Miller’s writing is grief. As emotional as it is to lose beloved animals or loved ones, she views it as an inevitable part of life. “You must continue doing what you love and follow your heart. With animals, loss undeniably comes. But with that loss comes the ability to heal and make space for new love and companionship.”

For aspiring writers, Miller offers advice grounded in her own journey: “Write from your heart. Use your memories, your photos, and lean on an honest, trusted friend for feedback. Personally, I like writing about real-life stories without too much fluff—just tell the truth. Write the kind of stories you enjoy reading.”

Miller’s storytelling captures the complexity of lives intertwined with animals—stories not just of companionship and loyalty but also of loss, perseverance, and the ability to find joy even amid heartache. Her books are a testament to the enduring connection between humans, animals, and the wide, untamed spirit of the West. Through her words, she invites readers to share in that world, remembering that even in loss, the next great chapter awaits.

Editor’s Note
GIRLS CAN BE COWBOYS TOO! Volume II by Rose Miller is a heartwarming and inspiring tribute to strong, resilient women. Filled with captivating stories of courage, humor, and life on the ranch, this book celebrates empowered women overcoming challenges alongside their animals. An engaging read, it highlights bravery, community, and love for nature. A must-read for anyone who cherishes authentic, empowering tales!