• 3/10/10
-Stall directions for Rodeo Houston...read
more
• 3/10/10
- Please note, the co-approved barrel
race in LEMOORE, CA has been changed from 3/13/10
to 3/14/2010.
• 3/2/10
- WPRA Board of Directors meeting in
Houston, Texas...read
more
• 3/2/10
- MONROE, LA 3/19/2010 - 3/20/2010 has
been cancelled.
Attention RodeoHouston Barrel Racers 3/2/10In our continuing effort to improve
rodeo elements for our members we want to address the changes
that have been made this year at RodeoHouston for the barrel
racers...read more
The stage
has been set, see the Circuit Finals results...
Circuit and Event Election Results
Are In... 1/3/10
- Congratulations to new and returning Directors. Thank
you to those who are passing the torch to someone new!!!!
Badlands Director: Amber
West California Director:
Gina Graham Great Lakes Director: Donna
Irvin Futurity/Derby Director:
Kim Thomas Prairie Director: Tana
Poppino Roping & Rough Stock Director:
Jessica Melvin Turquoise Director:
Sarah Kieckhefer
We appreciate the hard work and dedication which our Directors
provide.
Pozzi
Races to First Puyallup Title by
Ann Bleiker (Photo
by Kent Soule) Read
more
Rookies
Battle for Title as Season Winds Down by
Jolee Lautaret (Photo
by Bob Click) Read
more.
Smith Claims
another Title by
Jolee Lautaret Photo by Kirt
Steinke Read
more.
Burger
Back in the Spotlight with Win in Dodge City by Ann Bleiker
8/3/09
-Since winning RodeoHouston
in March, world champion Mary Burger has been going about
her business as usual and trying to add more money to her
2009 world standings figure. Over the weekend, she added just
$1 shy of $6,000 ($5,999) to her 2009 earnings after winning
the average at the Dodge City (Kan.) Roundup Rodeo with a
three run total of 51.84 seconds... read
more
Papageorge Outraces Wilderness
Circuit Leaders for Preston Win by Jolee Lautaret
8/6/09 -Preston, Idaho-That Famous Preston
Night Rodeo has been held every year since 1934 with just
one year off due to World War II and has seen its share of
world and circuit champions claiming titles. Given its name
for being the first night rodeo in the world, Preston concluded
its three performance run on August 1 with a new name in the
spotlight for the barrel racers.
Lori Papageorge has not been a WPRA member
for long, joining two years ago and quickly filling her permit
at just a handful of rodeos. She only goes to close rodeos
each year, saying she doesn't like to travel more than...
read more
Fox Captures her First Cheyenne
Frontier Days Rodeo Title by Ann Bleiker 7/29/09 -The month of July will be one to
remember for barrel racer Tiffany Fox... read
more
Smith Takes
Snake River Stampede Title by
Jolee Lautaret
7/24/09
- Nampa, Idaho - The Snake River Stampede has
been around in one form or another since 1911 but has grown
in leaps and bounds in recent years to be among the top 10
ProRodeos of the year. Women's Pro Rodeo Association barrel
racing was added to the line-up back in the 1980's and since
that time, barrel racers have often made Nampa a "can't
miss" stop along the trail to the Wrangler National Finals
Rodeo as well as the Dodge Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo
presented by US Smokeless Tobacco.
Held in the Idaho Center since 1997, the
rodeo is one of the few indoor rodeos during the long summer
season. With $30,000 added committee... read
more
Brittany
Pharr Moves to the Top Spot in the WPRA NFR Standings
7/24/09
-
Brittany Pharr, who had an amazing Fourth of July run pocketing
over $29,000, has continued to add to her yearly earnings
by winning the average at the California Rodeo Salinas and
was third in the average at the recent Snake River Stampede
in Nampa, Idaho. With these finishes she moved past Mary Burger
for the lead in the WPRA NFR standings which will determine
the WPRA Barrel Racing World Champion on December 12 in Las
Vegas, Nev... read
more
Fox
Leads the Average at Cheyenne by Ann Bleiker
7/24/09 -After turning in the winning time
of 17.40 seconds in the first round of the 2009 Cheyenne (Wyo.)
Frontier Days Rodeo Tiffany Fox of Fox, Okla., returned for
the second round posting a time of 17.55 seconds. She is currently
third in the second round with that time but is well in command
of the average with a two run time of 34.94 seconds.
Jordon Peterson of Chilton, Texas, has
turned in the fastest time of the rodeo with a 17.39-second
run to lead all... .read
more
Congratulations
to WPRA member Tammy Key-Fischer, who won the Showdown round
at the Calgary Stampede on Sunday, July 12, 2009.
Cervi
Wins Casper, Moves a Step Closer to Securing Her 12th Trip
to the Wrangler NFR by Jolee Lautaret
7/14/09 -
Casper, Wyo.-There are few records in the annuals of the WPRA
that Sherry Cervi has not broken at one time or another. The
Marana, Ariz., cowgirl is inching her way towards another
one in 2009. Already an 11-time qualifier to the Wrangler
National Finals Rodeo, Cervi is looking for another trip to
Las Vegas in 2009 - a trip which would put her in a tie for
the second most qualifications in the WPRA's 61-year history.
Cervi took a big step toward cementing her 2009 WNFR berth
at the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo held in Casper July
7-11... read more
WPRA.com
Exclusive - Fourth of July Blog by Jolee Lautaret
Monday, June 29-
We are beginning our Fourth of July from home this
year and I can't help but be somber today. The incredibly
terrible loss of Riley Key, son of my friend and former fellow
WPRA Board member Tammy Key-Fischer, has more than dampened
the usual excitement and anticipation that precedes the lucrative
Fourth run... read more
Pharr Pockets $29,372 to Lead All Barrel Racers During the
Fourth of July Run by Ann Bleiker
7/7/09 -
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Brittany Pharr, who won her first
world title in 2007, is eyeing another gold buckle and following
her lucrative Fourth of July run, she closed the gap between
her and WPRA standings leader Mary Burger...read
more
One
Tough Champion, Sears Wins her First Set of Reno
Rodeo Spurs by
Ann Bleiker
7/1/09
Winning a set of Reno Rodeo spurs had always
been a goal of 2008 WPRA World Champion Lindsay
Sears but was a win that had always eluded her.
Even this year after turning in two picture perfect
runs on 2008 AQHA/WPRA Horse of the Year Martha
to win the first two rounds and lead the average
a chance at the title was in question after a
freak accident at the rodeo in High River, Alberta...
read more
Reeves
Moves Up after Rodeo de Santa Fe Win by Jolee Lautaret
7/1/09
Santa Fe, N.M. - By all accounts 2009 has been quite a year
for Savanah Reeves. It all started back in December for the
Dublin, Texas cowgirl. She graduated from Tarleton State University
in Stephenville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
If that wasn't enough, she married PRCA steer wrestler and
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier Matt Reeves as well.
Now, Reeves is ranked 10th in the
WPRA NFR standings and inching ever closer to her dream of
qualifying for the Wrangler NFR. She moved up two notches
last week with her big win at the 60th Annual Rodeo de Santa
Fe in New Mexico... read more
Sears
Takes Sisters Win
by Jolee Lautaret
6/18/09 Sisters, Ore.-The weather in
central Oregon can be unpredictable even in the middle
of June but one thing is known - the Sisters Rodeo will
go on, rain or shine, and the best in professional rodeo
will come compete. The Sisters Rodeo is the third largest
in the state and was named the 2006 Rodeo of the Year
by the Columbia River Circuit. Although the town, named
for the Three Sisters mountain peaks which dominate the
southwestern skyline, boasts just about 1,800 people,
the rodeo adds $9,500 to each event, putting it among
the most lucrative rodeos of the year ...
read more
No
Experience Necessary, But Can Be Helpful
by Jolee Lautaret
6/23/09 North Platte, Neb.-Two
WPRA ladies from opposite ends of
the experience spectrum shared the
title at the NEBRASKALand Days and
Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte,
Neb., June 17-20.
Delores
Toole has been there, done that. The
Manter, Kan., cowgirl and her great
gelding, Paa Rocket have been to three
Wrangler National Finals Rodeos...
On the other hand, Korrina
Lynn Hughes has been on the rodeo
trail for just two years...read
more
Member Update... 6/27/09
- Lindsay
Sears, struggling to recover from a broken leg,
took the early lead in the barrel racing on the
opening day of the Ponoka Stampede. Sears sustained
a fractured left leg while leaving the infield
during the June 21 closing performance of the
High River rodeo....click
to continue
6/23/09
- Maegan Reichert was also seriously injured
recently in Canada when her horse, Marvin kicked
her. We understand she was flown back to Texas
for medical attention. Maegan is in our thoughts
and prayers.....we hope for a speedy recovery!!
Southeastern
Circuit gains funding from Seminole Tribes of Florida
6/15/09
Southeastern
Circuit officials have reached an agreement with
the Seminole Tribes of Florida for additional
sponsorship which will allow organizers to raise
prize money for the circuit’s season-ending
championship while also covering the cost of contestant
entry fees...
read more
Muncy
Looks to Uphold Family Name at the 61st
College National Finals Rodeo
by Ted Harbin
6/18/09 For most of her 19 years,
competition has come quite naturally for
Jordan Muncy. Maybe it's part of living
on the ranch owned by Blaine and Johnnie
Muncy near Corona, N.M. Maybe it's part
of growing up with Taos Muncy, a world-class
competitor in his own right.
"Everything we've ever done is a match,"
Jordan said of her relationship with her
brother, the 2007 saddle bronc-riding college
and PRCA world champion who is three years
older... read
more
Whyte Picking Up Right Where
She Left Off by Jolee Lautaret
.Medford, Wis.—
Just six months ago, the Dodge Great Lakes Circuit
Finals Rodeo presented by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco closed out
its three performance run. Eau Claire, Wisconsin cowgirl Tammy
Whyte earned three go round checks and second in the average
to move to the top of the season leader board and claim her
third straight Great Lakes Circuit Championship... read
more
Ottun
Makes the Most of Riverside Marine & Cycle Barrel
Daze
by Jolee Lautaret
6/5/09
Miles
City, Mont.-Barrel races held independently of
professional rodeos have long been part of the
WPRA's history whether the events were stand alone
races or held in conjunction with other events
such as women's rodeos or rough stock competitions.
The Wrangler Divisional Tour program began in
1989 and brought these barrel races under a single
program and allowed competitors to qualify for
the Women's National (now World) Finals Rodeo.
Although Divisional Tours are a thing of the past,
these barrel races are still just as important
to the Association and its members...read
more
President’s
Update Column — Website
May 27, 2009
By Kathi Myers, WPRA President
Dear WPRA Members:
It is hard to believe that I have only served
as president for a little more than two
months. It feels like it has been longer
because so many positive things have come
to fruition during that time.
... read
more
WPRA Circuit News on the Web You can
now catch up on all your Circuit News right here on WPRA.com!
At the top of the WPRA Home Page, click on News,
click on Current Circuit News and select your Circuit from
the list in red. Once at your Circuit page you can see your
Circuit Director, find her contact information, send her an
email, read the latest about your Circuit, and get updates
regarding slack and rodeos in your area.
Fifty-five and Counting —
Cowtown Rodeo Still Going Strong by Jolee Lautaret Woodstown-Pilesgrove,
N.J.— It’s officially summer.
Not just with the passing of the Memorial Day holiday but
with the opening night of the Cowtown Rodeo in Woodstown,
N.J... read more
Sears
and Martha Heating Up as Summer Approaches
by
Jolee Lautaret
5/21/09
Redding, Calif.-Defending
WPRA World Champion Lindsay Sears had a heck of weekend.
The Canadian cowgirl who spends her winters in Texas
has been patiently following her game plan all winter.
For Sears, entering is a science and she picks her venues
very carefully.
Unlike many contestants who went
to California for the lucrative spring run beginning
with Red Bluff and stayed through the Redding Rodeo,
Sears came out for Red Bluff, which she won, and went
back home to Texas...read
more
PRCA and WPRA Announce
Cooperative Efforts By Kathi
Myers, WPRA President
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (May 4,
2009) — The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
(PRCA) and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association
(WPRA) announced today that the two organizations are
working together on a number of initiatives designed
to enhance the ProRodeo experience for their respective
members... read
more
Moseley Begins May with a Win
in Guymon
By Ted Harbin 5/4/09 GUYMON,
Okla. — Even before Sunday’s final performance of the
Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo, Cassie Moseley knew she had some work
to do.
Though she’d finished third in the
first go-round during slack, Moseley had waited six days to run
in the second round as part of the progressive round and by the
time she returned to Guymon — about four hours from her Farwell,
Texas, home — Moseley had seen the leaderboard change... read
more
One, Two
in WPRA World Standings Go 1-2 in Corpus Christi 4/29/09
Corpus Christi, Texas-While winter is all but done across the
country, there is still one building rodeo left in late April
for WPRA contestants to earn big dollars in their chase for
the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Texas Circuit Finals
Rodeo: the Buc Days Pro Rodeo in Corpus Christi, Texas... read
more
4/23/09
SECOND
RED BLUFF CHAMPIONSHIP FOR SEARS AND MARTHA
Red Bluff, Calif. - It's been three years since World Champion Lindsay
Sears and her great mare Martha have made the long trek to northern
California for the Red Bluff Round-Up Rodeo. Their result back in
2006 was the same as 2009 - a championship. "Martha
likes that place," Sears says of the big arena at the Tehama
County Fairgrounds in Red Bluff. "She loves those big outdoor
pens with a lot of space."Red Bluff certainly holds
some history for the WPRA's record setting pair...read
more
4/14/09
MANY
BLESSINGS ON THE ROAD FOR KIGHT
Logandale, Nev. - Road warrior doesn't even
come close to describing it. While Layna Kight was one of a handful
of pro rodeo contestants who split time last week between the Clark
County Fair & Rodeo in Logandale, Nev., and the Dodge National
Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho, she is probably the only
one who did not hop on a plane. No, she and husband Hoby covered
the 500 mile trek in the truck, horses in tow. Not just once - four
times.... Read the complete story
4/11/09
Round One at DNCFR
is Complete - Walter Takes the Win, Round Two Leader Is Nancy Hunter
Pocatello, Idaho - Californian Stacy Dial turned in a time of 15.69
seconds in her rerun on Friday afternoon which made the first go
round officially over. The time of 15.10 posted by Theresa Walter
from Billings, Montana, in the first performance, held through the
next 23 runners... read more
4/10/09
Cervi's Return to
DNCFR Proves Successful Pocatello,
Idaho - It has been several years since former world champion
barrel racer, Sherry Cervi, made an appearance at the Dodge National
Circuit Finals Rodeo and Thursday night she made it pay off... read
more
4/9/09
Montana Cowgirl Theresa Walter Leads DNCFR
Pocatello, Idaho –-Like
any other rodeo, the first runner in the first go-round sets the
pace. Theresa Walter’s time of 15.10 seconds did just that
and she continued on the... read
more
4/3/09 FIELD
SET FOR 2009 DNCFR...Lord,
Kieckhefer Among the 24 to Compete for the Title The
Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo (DNCFR) has traditionally been
held in March at Holt Arena on the campus of Idaho State University
in Pocatello. Conflicting dates meant that... read
more
4/3/09
The DNCFR will celebrate its 23rd Anniversary this year at the ISU
Holt Arena... read more
LAUGHLIN GIVES MYLLYMAKI A GOOD FEELING
4/1/09
Laughlin, Nevada - Rachael
Myllymaki has rodeos that she just loves to run in, no matter which
horse she is riding. One of those is the Laughlin River Stampede
held in the small community of Laughlin, Nevada. "I have a
good feeling when I drive into that town," she laughs. "That
rodeo has been so good to me, I can't help but enter." Read the
complete story Photo by Dan Hubbell RODEO
AUSTIN... MOODY HAS BEEN WAITING FOR THIS 4/1/09
Austin, Texas - Letcher,
South Dakota barrel racer Jill Moody has been waiting for this day
for several years, ever since she debuted her great grey mare TR
Dashing Badger - better known as Dolly - at her first rodeo, Rodeo
Austin held at the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo. Read
the complete story
Fargo, North Dakota-
Many thanks to 5 WPRA members for their hard work on sand
bag duty in Fargo, North Dakota. They are WPRA card holders-
Shannon Eck, Hali Gjermundson, Hope Sickler and 2 new
permit holders - Kassie Hohenstein & Amanda Klein.
Shannon manages the NDSU Equine Center which has become
the evacuation site for horses being flooded out.
Update
from Kathi Myers, WPRA President
This week WPRA President Kathi
Myers and PRCA Commissioner & CEO Karl Stressman
had an opportunity to meet with each other. Their dialog
covered a discussion of broad industry related topics
and specifically laid the ground work for an open discussion
regarding current unresolved issues between our organizations.
A good dialog prevailed, with an agreement to quickly
meet again to resolve current issues. Kathi and the
Board of Directors will be meeting soon to discuss the
next steps.
Kathi encourages
you to look here for updates as soon as they become
available.
Burger Wins Big at RodeoHouston
By Jolee Lautaret
Houston, Texas—Only thirty-five ladies in the sixty
year history of the WPRA have earned the title of WPRA World
Champion Barrel Racer. Of those, just seven have been able to
win multiple titles in non-consecutive years... read
more
Photo by Greg Westfall
FORMER
MISS RODEO UTAH LEADS ROOKIE OF YEAR STANDINGS
Colorado Springs,
CO—With a name like “Charm” one is bound
to find good fortune in the future. Twenty-year old
Jenna Whitaker of Kaysville, UT is simply charming –
an outgoing and lovely young woman with an incredible
enthusiasm for the sport of barrel racing. Her horse,
SR My Lucky Charm, is helping her find her way to the
top of the WPRA Rookie standings for 2009.
LITTLE
TAKES SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW RODEO CHAMPIONSHIP
San
Antonio, Texas — It was a week of highs and
lows for Ardmore, Oklahoma cowgirl Mattie Little that
finished with a high that almost can't be beat. Read
the complete story
MAYS AND JETHRO TOP CLOVIS RODEO
4/29/09
Clovis, Calif.-For 95 years, the central California community
of Clovis - "Gateway to the Sierras" - has hosted
one of pro rodeo's finest events. The Clovis Rodeo features
a number of events in addition to the PRCA/WPRA rodeo, including
a Ranch Rodeo, jackpot roping, Kowboys for Kids Day, Special
Kids Rodeo, and PBR bull riding. All told, the events of
the Clovis Rodeo contribute more than $100K annually to
local charities, which include the Boy Scouts, 4-H, FFA,
high school and collegiate rodeo, and the Central California
Blood Center, amongst others...Read the complete story
HOCK
INJURY DURING COMPETITION AT YUMA PROVES FATAL TO ROOKIE'S
FAVORITE MOUNT
California
cowgirl, Robyn Gorham, has sadly told us that she has
lost her great mount, Jose Flynn, aka “Mud”
after he sustained an injury to the hock area while running
in the slack at the Yuma, Arizona rodeo on February 12th.
Read
the complete story
Cowgirls
Timed Event Classic Awards First All Around Points of
2009 at Diamond W Arena
Alvarado,
Texas —The Diamond W Arena was the home of the 2006
& 2007 WPRA World Finals Rodeos. On Valentine’s
Day weekend, the ladies of the WPRA were welcomed back
as the Diamond W now played host to the first WPRA Timed
Event Rodeo of the 2009 season, the Cowgirls Timed Event
Classic, but was the major sponsor, donating $10K for
added prize money. Read
the complete story
Getting
Rapid in Rapid City - Routier and Bessert Tie for Victory
Rapid
City, SD - The Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo can be
a bit trying for a barrel racer. First, the weather is
unpredictable but more than likely, quite cold and getting
there can be an adventure. Second, the arena is tiny -
twelve seconds around the barrel pattern with a run in
and out of the short roping box. But for those who can
take it, the rodeo proves lucrative in the early months
of the season and can be a springboard to a great year.
Read the complete
story
Peterson
Prevails at Fort Worth
Photo by Kenneth Springer
Fort
Worth, Texas - Jordon Peterson, the 20-year-old daughter
of 4-time World Champion Kristie Peterson, protected her
lead during the Short Go at the 2009 Fort Worth Stock
Show Rodeo that ended after 30 performances in the historic
Will Rogers Coliseum on Sunday night, Feb. 8. Peterson
had clocked times of 16.75 and 16.86 in the previous go
rounds to lead the average by two and a half tenths going
into the Short Go. Read the complete story
The Women’s Pro Rodeo Association | 431 South Cascade | Colorado Springs, CO 80903 | (719) 447-4627 | (719) 447-4631 (fax)
Burger
Back in the Spotlight with Win in Dodge City
Fox
Leads the Average at Cheyenne
Cervi
Wins Casper, Moves a Step Closer to Securing Her 12th Trip
to the Wrangler NFR
One
Tough Champion, Sears Wins her First Set of Reno
Rodeo Spurs
Sears
Takes Sisters Win
No
Experience Necessary, But Can Be Helpful
4/23/09
SECOND
RED BLUFF CHAMPIONSHIP FOR SEARS AND MARTHA
Red Bluff, Calif. - It's been three years since World Champion Lindsay
Sears and her great mare Martha have made the long trek to northern
California for the Red Bluff Round-Up Rodeo. Their result back in
2006 was the same as 2009 - a championship. "Martha
likes that place," Sears says of the big arena at the Tehama
County Fairgrounds in Red Bluff. "She loves those big outdoor
pens with a lot of space."Red Bluff certainly holds
some history for the WPRA's record setting pair...
4/14/09
MANY
BLESSINGS ON THE ROAD FOR KIGHT 
4/10/09
Cervi's Return to
DNCFR Proves Successful Pocatello,
Idaho - It has been several years since former world champion
barrel racer, Sherry Cervi, made an appearance at the Dodge National
Circuit Finals Rodeo and Thursday night she made it pay off... 
4/9/09
Montana Cowgirl Theresa Walter Leads DNCFR
The
Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo (DNCFR) has traditionally been
held in March at Holt Arena on the campus of Idaho State University
in Pocatello. Conflicting dates meant that... 
4/3/09
The DNCFR will celebrate its 23rd Anniversary this year at the ISU
Holt Arena... 
RODEO
AUSTIN... MOODY HAS BEEN WAITING FOR THIS
Update
from 
