12/1/11
While the team at the WPRA works year round to prepare
for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, their work
really kicks up a notch after the WPRA World Finals
in October.
One of the many awards and forms of recognition
that the top 15 qualifiers receive each year is
a saddle from the WPRA Saddle Rotation program.
The WPRA works with as many as 12 different saddle
makers from across the country to deliver these
gorgeous saddles. The saddles, which are sponsored
by both saddle companies and individuals, serves
as a special reminder of a special achievement.
WPRA Vice President, Jerri Mann oversees the program
and puts in a lot of time to ensure its success.
"Hats off" to our saddle sponsors, saddle
makers and Jerri for an amazing job!
Also before the WNFR competition even begins, the
WPRA Officers and staff participate in the PRCA
convention at the South Point Hotel. Specifically
the WPRA runs eight (8) "Round Table"
sessions over 2 days. These meetings are extremely
important to the WPRA, as it is an opportunity to
discuss major topics with the many committees who
attend it on some very important topics. This year
the topic is about how to ensure better and more
consistent ground during the barrel race and the
rodeo over all. As we know, it is one of the most
important factors for the barrel racers. It can
make or break a run. Later on in the week I will
go into more detail about the round table sessions,
but preparation for these meetings starts well before
the WNFR even begins and takes more than just one
staff member at the WPRA.
Another one of the big events that requires a lot
of preparation is the WPRA Star Luncheon. (I'll
be writing more about it later on this week.) With
hundreds of attendees, including all the top 15
barrels racers, it is exciting. The top 15 receive
their qualifier saddles and other awards, while
rodeo committees and other outstanding individuals
are recognized as well.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
The Women's Professional Rodeo Association, formerly
known as Girls Rodeo Association (GRA), was formed
in 1948 when a group of women came together to promote
and advance women on the sport of rodeo. Some history
books say several of the original members were female
ranchers who had been forced to take over family
operations, as husbands and fathers were called
to service in World War II.
Up until the GRA was formed, women had played an
important role in rodeos competing and winning against
their male counterparts, but as the years went on
the system did not grant them competitive opportunities
in the arena, and when it did, it was under unfair
conditions. Basically the role of women in rodeo
was reduced to beauty pageants, with prizes instead
of prize money.
In 1948, when the GRA was officially formed, the
ladies drafted rules and a point system for determining
year-end champions and they went to work persuading
rodeo committees and producers to hold women's contests.
Although the women were extremely competent in all
disciplines of rodeo, committees were given the
option of choosing which event they wanted in their
rodeos and most picked barrel racing.
In 1981, the GRA officially changed their name to
what is now known as the Women's Professional Rodeo
Association (WPRA) and they went to work to have
barrel racing held at Professional Rodeo Cowboy
Association (PRCA) events, demanding equal prize
money to the other men's events. They achieved their
goal in 1985, becoming the first professional women's
sports organization to have equality with their
male counterparts.
With over 2,300 members from all over the United
States, and Canada, in 2004 WPRA members competed
for nearly $5million in total prize money at rodeos
all over the country. There are 12 circuit finals
rodeo held throughout the country, including the
Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Today there are
many barrel racers who hold world titles and have
broken records against their male counterparts they
once were unequal with. With a 14 member board,
along with the president and vice-president, the
WPRA strives to always promote and grow women within
rodeo today.
The
WPRA wishes to thank our generous sponsors and
asks you to please checkout their websites and
learn about their product offers!
The Women’s Pro Rodeo Association | 431 South Cascade | Colorado Springs, CO 80903 | (719) 447-4627 | (719) 447-4631 (fax)
