Colorado Springs, Colo.-When the WPRA first began co-sanctioning large divisional races for WPRA points, the vision was to partner with the best productions in the country to create more opportunities for all WPRA members.

This vision has played out with partnerships with tremendous producers from California to Florida and all points in between. It was no more evident than over Mother's Day weekend at the 12th Annual Rocky Mountain Super Race.

Spin 3 Productions produced the race in Colorado Springs, Colo., and it was once again a huge success with 832 entries competing for their share of a $26,147 total payout. The title sponsor is Great West Truck and Trailer, owned by Josh Motley, and presenting sponsor were Formula 707 and Melanie Luark. Bob Berg buckles were donated by Egolf Ranch of Creede, Colo., and UBU Rolloffs.

The Rocky Mountain Super Race is known to produce some of the best races in the nation, with great ground, outstanding awards, and superior professionalism. Embracing the idea of cooperation, their races are sanctioned with Mile High Barrel Horse Association, Better Barrel Races, American West 4D, American Barrel Racing Association, Southern Colorado Barrel Racing Association as well as the WPRA.

Two WPRA members dominated their respective divisions and climbed up the WPRA standings with their wins.

In the open, newly elected Mountain States Director Laura Lambert was by far the most consistent contestant over the three days of competition. She claimed $3,086 in winnings on three different horses, including the 1D average win aboard Frenchmans Easy Snip, better known as Easy.

"The Rocky Mountain Super Race has always been on the top of my list to attend," says Lambert. "Spin 3 Productions is doing a wonderful job producing the event, keeping things professional, and looking out for the best interest of the barrel racers."

Lambert and the 9-year old Easy, a son of renowned sire Frenchmans Guy, won second on Friday with a time of 17.596 seconds, fifth on Saturday with a time of 14.764, and second on Sunday with a 14.546 to take the average win. Lambert also piloted A Master Disaster, "Dennis," to 1D wins. The 6-year old son of Perks Master was second on Saturday and third on Sunday. While Easy is Lambert's rodeo horse, she plans on also hauling Dennis this year.

All told, Lambert pocketed nearly $1,700 in 1D earnings which counts towards the WPRA World and circuit standings. She moved from the bubble position of 10th to third in the Mountain States Circuit for qualification to the WPRA World Finals in Tulsa, Okla. Only the top 10 from each circuit qualify.

"I am planning on attending Tulsa," says Lambert. "I think it is a great event that we all need to take advantage of and support. This is the WPRA's premier event."

Another Mountain States cowgirl was climbing the ranks with wins in Colorado Springs. Thirteen year old Cassidy Wahlert was the top cowgirl in the youth races, coming out with the youth 1D average win.
Her wins pulled her into the top 10 of the WPRA World standings for the juniors.

Showing her versatility, Wahlert rode two different horses but claimed top honors aboard Regarded Highly better known as Rugger. Like his rider, Rugger is also 13, a registered paint that Wahlert trained on the barrels herself, with some pointers from mom (Reenie) and dad (Ron).

"My dad bought Rugger when he was two and broke him to be a ranch and roping horse," Wahlert says of her mount, whom she also uses for pole bending. "I started going to the pasture to check cattle with my dad and he mounted me on Rugger. My mom was running barrels and I just started taking him around the barrels while my mom was riding."

Wahlert and Rugger went to their first junior rodeo when they were both eight. They have found success in the WPRA juniors program, which Wahlert joined the year of its inception. She has been to two straight WPRA World Finals since and is definitely planning on a return trip in 2009.

No doubt Wahlert is looking to claim some of the scholarship money given to the World Champion Junior and World Finals Champion to help pay for college at Texas A & M, where she plans to study holistic horse medicine, including horse dentistry, chiropractic, and "stuff that helps the horses feel good and perform better."

Her chosen career has a lot to do with her love of the sport of barrel racing.

"I love to run barrels because it is an event that bonds the horse and rider," she says. "Rugger is my best friend and I get to enjoy barrel racing every weekend with him. The sportsmanship that comes with rodeo is unlike any other sport. Everyone cheers everyone on."

Wahlert appreciates the help of fellow barrel racers like Lynn Brown, Kelly Yates, and of course Mom.

Like her young competitor, Lambert is also appreciative of her life in barrel racing.

"My horses are a true blessing to me," Lambert says. "I don't take a minute for granted with them. God has really blessed me with some incredibly talented equine partners and I work daily to make the most of my horses. I would also like to thank my sponsors, Formula 707 and Great West Truck and Trailer."

She is likewise complimentary of Spin 3 Productions. "Bonnie Wheatley, (producer) and her staff produced a top rate barrel race with great ground all weekend. You know when you go to these barrel races, that you will be welcomed, treated well, and have the opportunity to run at a lot of money."