FWSSR To Implement New Drag Procedure During 2025 WPRA Barrel Racing Competition

By Ann Bleiker

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR), working in cooperation with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), will increase added money and implement a new drag procedure during the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament WPRA-approved barrel race at the 127th edition of the legendary event January 17 through February 8, 2025.

“The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo appreciates its longstanding relationship with the WPRA and its contributions to the sport of rodeo,” said FWSSR Rodeo Director Cal White. “We are delighted to recognize the value the women bring to the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament with an increase of more than $30,000 to $153,000 in 2025 for both barrel racing and breakaway roping, the only two ProRodeo events strictly for women. This is a part of the Tournament’s overall purse increase of 25% from $1.2 million in 2024 to $1.5 million in 2025.   We also join the WPRA in its objective to provide the safest, most even competition surface possible for contestants and animal athletes alike and barrel racers will see significant improvements in 2025.”

In addition to continuing its policy of hand-raking between each run, the FWSSR will now drag after every four barrel racers with two tractors. The Show will also continue to chisel or deep rip the competition bed surface in between performances, as well as monitor and apply water as needed, followed by a grooming drag before, during and after each performance to ensure a level competition surface.

“The WPRA is pleased to work with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo to add a drag during the barrel race helping to continue to elevate the sport to the next level,” stated Jimmie Munroe, WPRA President. “It is important that we, along with our rodeo committee partners, provide a safe environment for our members and their equine athletes that allows for them to perform at their very best.”

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