MONTANA NEWS • June 21, 2010. NutraLix Barrel Daze a Smashing Success... In the earliest days of the then-Girls Rodeo Association, the ladies competed in many different events: they ran barrels to be sure but most also roped, some rode bulls or broncs, others competed in the cutting. "All girl" rodeos were just as popular with contestants as the then-Rodeo Cowboys Association events.

The NutraLix Barrel Daze event held June 12-13 in Miles City, Mont., is a throwback to those days. It's retro. Offering huge prize money in the barrel race, the event combines the best the WPRA has to offer with sanctioned breakaway roping, junior barrel racing, and futurity competitions... read more

June 21, 2010. Summer is HERE!!! All the green pastures will make for beautiful travel. A special thank you to all the committees, producers, judges and sponsors.  A Thank You takes just a moment and everyone works very hard and will very much appreciate it. Best of Luck to you all on a spectacular season.  130 Strong the MT WPRA continues to grow, Way to Go ladies!!!  The Women’s Professional Rodeo has a standard to uphold and we want to be the Thankful, Gracious, Women of this Circuit. Ride Hard and Happy to be doing what we love....

The Nevala family is awarding a Danyelle Campbell halter to one lucky barrel racer entered at the Belt Rodeo (June 19–20) in memory of Ray Nevala. Ray was one of the founders of the rodeo, which is now in its 50th year. Each barrel racer entered will have their name put in a drawing for the beautiful handmade halter. (Read the Letter to the Editor from Rhonda Kountz for details.)

The WPRA Pro Elite Stallion Incentive program has really taken hold in Montana for 2010. NutraLix Barrel Daze has $2,000 PESI Bonus money. If you are a WPRA member be sure and check to see if your mount’s sire is enrolled in the program. For a $150 one-time enrollment fee your horse will be eligible for all PESI Bonus money for the rest of his life regardless of whether the stallion stays in the program. There is $5,000 in PESI bonus money at both the Barrel of Gold and Roper Rally in Spearfish, along with a $1,000 PESI bonus at all Circuit Finals, a $15,000 NFR PESI bonus and $15,000 WPRA World Finals PESI bonus. As the program grows more money will be allotted at various venues across the U.S. As a WPRA member you may want to visit with your stallion owner and enroll your horses in the program.

All New circuit members, PLEASE be sure and get your horse’s registration papers in to Kitty so she can keep accurate track of the equine earnings for the MT Circuit.

Montana Equine of Three Forks will be the Title sponsor for the Montana Equine Women’s Finals. Thanks to Peter Heidmann and crew. NutraLix with their great performance products will be awarding product at all the WPRA Permit Only races held throughout the state. Thanks George and Karen Yost.

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but by doing it.

For all the latest happenings, check out www.montanawpra.com

April 19, 2010. How about this weather? As we enter this Spring Season everyone is getting prepared for the barrel racing events to come. Yippeee!!!! Our thoughts go out to Mandy Hamilton on her recent back surgery.That is one area not to mess around with, two of them later I know. We hope and pray she has great healing and definitely abides by the Dr.orders. We will miss her bright cherry Spirit this Season. Take Care Mandy. Check out her note to the circuit in the Letters to the editor. The WRTC are in full swing with events in Lolo and in early May the Northern States Roping and Kari Burns Memorial Breakaway roping in Billings. MG Barrel races in Augusta May 21-23 will start out the WPRA barrel racing events.The committees are sending in their approvals with slack after the perfs at a couple more rodeos to help with the consistency of the ground. Vaughn will be our first Circuit rodeo June 5-6 followed by the Cody co-approved Thurs June 10 and Friday June 11. Look forward to seeing you all.. Lana

January 11, 2010. Walters Ready to Compete at Montana Circuit Finals... Theresa Walter sure loves her licorice. The candy and the four-legged kind. Walter and her seven-year-old high-spirited mare Licorice, formally known as Fames Licorice Kiss, had another sweet WPRA season for the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit.

January 7, 2010. We are sad to report that Shelly Anzick has lost her best friend and great NFR horse Harneys Last Look, better known as Buster, due to complications with an old deep flexor injury. Buster will be missed by not only Shelly and her family but anyone that enjoys watching one of the truly great ones run barrels. Please keep Shelly in your prayers during this time of healing.