The WPRA deeply appreciates our donors in the Saddle Rotation program. This program provides a saddle to each WNFR Qualifier, as well as provides a saddle recognizing the Fastest Time, Rookie of the Year and the Reserve World Champion. Watch below and click for more information.
Over the past few years the WPRA has used the theme line, “Where the elite compete®” and while only a theme line, it really does convey the value we try to provide to our members. We've stood at the pinnacle of barrel racing success for over 60 years, representing our roots at the rodeos.
Yet the barrel racing market has changed, most noticeably in the last 15 years. During that time the broader category of barrel racing has experienced unprecedented growth with the introduction of jackpots, the “D” format and futurity events. This is in contrast with the overall world of rodeo, which has not experienced similar growth.
This WPRA Board, as well as the past one, recognized that in order to be a healthy and growing association, to be “Where the elite complete,” we need to do three things. First, we need to expand our vision. Second, we need to become more inclusive of a broader base of barrel racers. Third, we need to make investments to support our growth. If you think of our association as a pyramid, with rodeo competition at the top, you quickly recognize the pyramid also needs a solid and strong base — which not only supports the whole structure but provides a clear path to the top.
The decision made last week to fund the Tour rodeos was a decision made to invest in one part of our future — supporting the top of the pyramid where professional rodeo lives. As you know, Directors are elected and represent a wide range of members from different geographies with similar and dissimilar views. While it was not an easy decision, the majority of the Directors felt it was the right thing to do.
The decision made in the past and continuing today to develop the WPRA World Finals is also a decision to invest in another part of our future — supporting the rest of the pyramid with a variety of events.
Both of these decisions have financial consequences. The Board knows this and also knows it is their responsibility to oversee funding, while ensuring the well being and growth of our association. The Board has been tasked with doing this and will report on their progress.
As we move forward we understand the importance of improving the flow of communications between all members of our organization. It is an area in which we will provide much more time and energy. While your Circuit Director is available to share information and answer questions, we recognize they can’t be everywhere all the time. Starting today, we are introducing more ways to get important information out to you and providing more ways for you to provide your input back to us.
On our WPRA home page, please note 5 new communications areas in the upper left hand corner, just under the WPRA logo. They cover the following important ways to increase our communications with you.
1. Board meeting summaries is a new area which will hold information from each of our 3 yearly Board meetings, as well as other meetings where important member decisions are being made.
2. Contact us, which has been on the site since December, is a very easy way to get a quick answer to standard questions. When you click on it, an email addressed to us automatically pops up and you write in your question. Members have been using it since December with good reviews.
3. President’s update is another new area in which Kathi Myers, WPRA President, has committed to providing you with a monthly update on important issues affecting the WPRA.
4. Help shape the WPRA with your input is another new area where we ask you to reach out to us with your input on a number of WPRA issues. This information, in addition to direct feedback, will be used by Directors when making decisions.
5. Have a rule proposal for 2010 is our last new area which will help us receive, track and process your new rule proposals for 2010.
In closing, your Board continues to work on issues which are important to you and the future of the WPRA. We are committed to growing the association, to continuously improving communications with you and living up to our theme line “Where the elite compete.”
The
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The Women’s Pro Rodeo Association | 431 South Cascade | Colorado Springs, CO 80903 | (719) 447-4627 | (719) 447-4631 (fax)
