What a busy month July was in the rodeo world. Take time to get caught up on all the news. From Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi's rise to No. 1, to what makes the Fourth of July rodeos Emily Beisel's honey hole and a photo recap of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductees this is an issue you will want to check out. Enjoy the read!
www.wpra.com
August 2023
On Top Of The World
Pozzi Tonozzi’s Golden Summer Lands Her No. 1 in the World
Promise
This collection is our promise, a reminder of our unending commitment to authenticity, integrity, innovation, and quality, you have our word on it.
www.montanasilversmiths.com | Follow us OFFICIAL SILVERSMITHS OF THE WPRA
This collection
is our promise, a reminder of our unending commitment to
Nutrena ® Athlete and Wrangler NFR ® Barrel Racer, Stevi Hillman
authenticity, integrity, innovation, and quality, you have our word on it. e Rebound, restore, reclaim.
Powered by probiotics, preferred by pros. Like Stevi Hillman.
“We absolutely love the probiotics that are in ProForce feed. I think any time you can take a probiotic to help your gut, that’s great. All of our horses love the ProForce line. I haven’t had one horse not eat a ProForce product.” -Stevi Hillman
Visit nutrenaworld.com/rider/stevi-hillman to FIND out how Stevi does it.
CONTENTS
News
431 S. Cascade Colorado Springs, Colo., 80903 PH: 719 - 447 - 4627 FX: 719 - 447 - 4631 Please contact the WPRA office for all correspondence regarding the WPRA News.
Jimmie Munroe WPRA President Ann Bleiker (719) 330-4293 ableiker@yahoo.com Managing Editor Paige Louis Thomas (719) 633-7700 paigeink@gmail.com Graphic Designer Allie Bohus Josie Fladager Tim Gentry Ted Harbin Joe Kusek Kristen M. White Contributing Writers WPRA Office (719) 447-4627 (877) 977-2462 Fax: (719) 447-4631 www.wpra.com
On the Cover : Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi’s golden summer has her positioned well for a run at a third gold buckle. This summer alone Pozzi Tonozzi has won Reno (NV), Calgary, Vernal (UT), Salt Lake City (pictured here) and Dodge City (KS). She has now won over $188,000 with two months left in the regular season. The skies the limit for this veteran barrel racer who will be heading to her 17 th NFR at season end. Photo by Ric Andersen President’s Corner......................................................................................................................6 In The News.................................................................................................................................8 Taking Care of Business............................................................................................................9 2023 WPRA ProRodeo and Rookie Standings......................................................................10 2023 ProRodeo Breakaway and Rookie Standings.............................................................11 Cover Story: Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi ...................................................................................... 12 Cowboy Christmas (Barrels): Emily Beisel............................................................................14 2023 PRCA/WPRA Circuit Standings...................................................................................... 16 Business Of.............................................................................................................................. 17 NFR Open (Barrels): Jessica Routier...................................................................................... 18 NFR Open (Breakaway): Maddy Deerman............................................................................19 Cowboy Christmas (Breakaway): Shelby Boisjoli.................................................................20 Estes Park: Shelley Morgan.................................................................................................... 22 Futurity/Derby Standings....................................................................................................... 23 Junior Standings...................................................................................................................... 23 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductions....................................................................................... 24 2023 WPRA Roping World Standings.................................................................................... 26 2023 PRCA/WPRA Breakaway Roping Circuit Standings.....................................................27 Winner’s Circle: Breakaway.................................................................................................... 28 Winner’s Circle: Barrels........................................................................................................... 30 Salt Lake City: Justine Doka.................................................................................................... 31 20 14 24
WPRA News does not endorse and is not re- sponsible for the contents of any ad in this publication. Neither that information nor any opinion which may be expressed here constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor and commentaries are those of the authors and not necessarily those of WPRA NEWS. WPRA News (ISSN 1093-9202) is pub- lished monthly by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Subscriptions are $45 a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to WPRA News , 431 S. Cascade, Colorado Springs, Colo., 80903 WPRA News is designed to provide cur- rent news and results to the members of the WPRA and WPRA All-Women Rodeo. Direct all editorial and advertising corre- spondence to WPRA News , 431 S. Cascade, Colorado Springs, Colo., 80903 Trademark 2017 WPRA NEWS Published by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Printed, produced and read in the U.S.A.
4 WPRA NEWS AUGUST 2023
PRESIDENT CORNER T his month’s column comes with much gratitude for a number of people in the industry. July was definitely an interesting month that had a lot of things going on all at once.
Inductions in Colorado Springs. What a great class of inductees and it was a true honor for me to be there to celebrate their accomplishments. The WPRA inducted Sherry (Combs) Johnson and Fay Ann Horton Leach in the class of 2023. It was great to have both of these ladies there to celebrate this milestone. Unfortunately, it was the last big event on earth for Sherry Johnson as she passed away from her battle with COPD on August 2. What a legacy she left on the WPRA and may she now rest in peace. Two days after Sherry passed away, we got word that longtime friend of the WPRA John Farris had passed away at the age of 95. John and his beloved wife, Mildred, who passed away in 2013 served the rodeo community for 51 years. In 2016 they became the first husband and wife to enter the ProRodeo Hall of Fame together in the notable category. John worked every National Finals Rodeo from 1967-2011 in some capacity or the other with the most notable being the timed event chute boss who always oversaw the staking of the barrel pattern. While record temperatures have been being set from coast to coast this year, the level of competition you ladies have brought week in and week out to rodeos across the country has been just as hot. I am excited to see how these next two months play out and I know the fans are excited to watch it as well. Keep up the great work and be safe in your travels.
First, I would like to thank our entire membership for their patience during the very untimely shutdown of ProCom. What a trying time it was for everyone in the industry but appreciate your professionalism with making the best of a rough situation. We are all cautiously optimistic the worst is behind us on that unfortunate situation. Second, I would like to thank everyone for the team effort that was on display this year at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in regards to the ground situation. We could see that things were heading in the wrong direction and were appreciative of Tom Hirsig and Randy Spraggins for allowing us to bring the team together to get things right. We were fortunate due to the format to have this opportunity but believe the results of the short round in Cheyenne spoke volumes for the importance of good safe ground. Not only is it better for the athletes but if everyone can perform to the best of their ability the fans get treated to a first-class show. I had the opportunity to visit Salt Lake City for the progressive round, Cheyenne and Salinas for some general membership meetings. I appreciate those that took the time to attend one of these meetings and share your thoughts and questions and for allowing us to address your concerns as well as provide additional input for additional board discussions. I also had the pleasure to attend the 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame
6 WPRA NEWS AUGUST 2023
Jodee Miller
100X EQUINE DALLAS, TEXAS WWW.100XEQUINE.COM (800) 677-3574
SUPPLEMENTS CREATED BY NATURE. SUPPORTED BY RESEARCH. OPTIMIZED BY SCIENCE.
IN THE NEWS WPRA World Champion and ProRodeo Hall of Famer Sherry Johnson Passes Away By Ann Bleiker
Longtime NFRTimed Event Chute boss John Farris passed away Friday, August 4, at Duncan Regional Hospital, at
With heavy hearts the WPRA announces the passing of Sherry (Combs) Johnson. Johnson of Addington, Oklahoma, passed away on August 2, 2023, at the Duncan (OK) Regional Hospital after her battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Johnson recently completed the family trifecta on July 15 when she joined the ProRodeo Hall of Fame alongside her world champion horse Star Plaudit “Red,” who earned induction in 2017 and her sister Florence Youree, who was inducted as part of the Class of 2019 in the notable category for the WPRA. During Johnson’s WPRA career she qualified for 12 National Finals Rodeos, the first coming in 1959 at the first GRA (predecessor to the WPRA) Finals in Clayton, N.M. and the last in 1991 under the bright lights of Las Vegas, a span of four decades (1959-68, 1970, 1991).
the age of 95. John was born March 21, 1928, in Iowa Park, Texas. On May 31, 1955, John married fellow rodeo contestant Mildred Cotten Farris and the two eventually made their home on the Farris Family’s Ranch outside of Addington, Oklahoma. Mildred passed away May of 2013. Joining the RCA in 1959, John rode saddle bronc, bulls, bareback, roped and even did a little steer wrestling. Riding rough stock till the age of 44, when most would hang up their spurs John transitioned to working behind the scenes. From 1967 until 2011, he worked every National Finals Rodeo in some capacity. Most notably as the timed-event chute boss and he staked of the barrel-racing each year. He was named Texas Circuit Man of the Year in 1997,
and inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2006, along with Mildred. Both were inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, in 2004. In June 2023, John was awarded the Ring of Honor by the Gladewater Roundup Rodeo. In 1999, he was named the WPRA Outstanding Individual. Funeral service for John Allen Farris will be at 10:30 on Wednesday, August 9 at the First Baptist Church of Waurika, Oklahoma with Mike Bates and Mike Mathis officiating. A burial will follow at Waurika Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home; visitation will be held at the Dudley Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Rodeo Historical Society Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, or National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Ft. Worth, Texas, or to American Cancer Society.
She won her first WPRA world title in 1961 in the all-around category, but the highlight of her career would come in 1962 when she won the barrel racing world title aboard Star Plaudit “Red.” Star Plaudit holds a very unique record in the world of professional rodeo, one that is not likely to ever be duplicated. The sorrel gelding won two World Championships in the sport in a single year and contributed to a third, at the age of 12. Red carried his owner Johnson to the GRA World title in the barrel racing and close family friend Tom Nesmith to the RCA world title in the steer wrestling and helped the Oklahoman also claim the RCA All Around championship, all in 1962. While Red is considered Johnson’s once-in-a-lifetime horse, she also trained six other horses that carried her to the NFR and an additional three that carried other competitors to the “super bowl” of rodeo. Johnson gave back to the WPRA serving on the Board of Directors from 1963-1971, including a stint as the Vice President. She was named Coca-Cola Woman of the Year in 1997 and was inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in 2005. Johnson would have turned 85 on August 16.
8 WPRA NEWS AUGUST 2023
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
WPRA 75th Poster WPRA celebrates 75 years of women in professional rodeo with this limited 75th Anniversary Poster created by western sports artist Ron Bonge. A nod to the determination, athleticism, and rich history of female rodeo athletes, this art piece features WPRAs flagship event, Barrel Racing, along with Tie-Down and Breakaway Roping, as well as two former WPRA events, Bareback Riding and Bull Riding. The poster also displays a timeline of GRA and WPRA insignia from 1948 to present-day.
WPRA 2023 Holiday Schedule Holiday Day of Week From the Corner Office
Date
Labor Day
Monday Thursday
September 4 November 23 November 24 December 22 December 25 December 29
Thanksgiving Day
Day After Thanksgiving Friday
Christmas Eve Christmas Day New Year’s Eve
Friday
Monday
Friday
2024 Holiday New Year’s Eve Day
Monday
January 1
DidYou Know A horse can use twice the oxygen per kilogram of body weight of any human athlete. This is called maximal oxygen consumption (O2max). This means that for each kilogram that a horse weighs, that mass can consume two times the oxygen during maximal exercises before it fatigues, making horses able to push longer and harder. Read more facts about the horse’s respiratory system at https:// flairstrips.com/respiratory-system-overview/.
Thought of the Month Life is Better when We follow this To Be List Be Kind Be Thankful
Be Understanding Be Strong Be Forgiving Be Loving
Rule of the Month The Walk-up Replacement Policy has shown to be a very helpful tool for WPRA athletes so far this season. Remember that a contestant must be eligible when utilizing a walk-up replacement. If a contestant is ineligible, they will be removed from the results, any money won will be redistributed and a fine will be assessed. Refer to rule 9.3.21. in the WPRA Rulebook.
“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”
AUGUST 2023 WPRA NEWS 9
2023 WPRA PRO RODEO STANDINGS Unofficial Standings as of August 2, 2023 *2022 WPRA World Champion 1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi Lampasas, TX $169,404 2. Jordon Briggs Tolar, TX $131,739 3. Kassie Mowry Dublin, TX $128,408 4. Lisa Lockhart Oelrichs, SD $111,432 *5. Hailey Kinsel Cotulla, TX $89,848 6. Sue Smith Blackfoot, ID $89,657 7. Emily Beisel Weatherford, OK $89,593 8. Taycie Matthews Wynne, AR $87,766 9. Ilyssa Riley Hico, TX $84,365 10. Paige Jones Wayne, OK $80,872 11. Jessica Routier Buffalo, SD $79,005 12. Kelly Allen Stephenville, TX $73,850 13. Sissy Winn Corpus Christi, TX $73,436 14. Wenda Johnson Pawhuska, OK $72,950 15. Sara Winkelman Big Lake, MN $70,503 16. Jackie Ganter Abilene, TX $67,569 17. Dona Kay Rule Minco, OK $64,116 18. Summer Kosel Glenham, SD $62,313 19. Stevi Hillman Granbury, TX $59,545 20. Shelley Morgan Eustace, TX $57,732 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
RESISTOL ROOKIE STANDINGS 1. Victoria Procter Ledbetter, TX
$19,434 $17,433 $16,758 $15,030 $14,350 $9,355 $8,701 $8,464 $8,069 $7,785 $7,117 $6,911 $6,872 $6,183 $5,839
Kalli McCall
Lufkin, TX Llano, TX
Rainey Skelton Sophie Nolen Grace Gardiner Acey Pinkston
Stephenville, TX
Paradise, TX
Stephenville, TX
Sage Kohr
Laramie, WY Tenino, WA Mankota, SK
Julia Johnson
Karli Cowie
10. Kaycee Killingsworth 11. Miley Bunting 12. Rachel Werkman
Thrall, TX
Red Bluff, CA Wellsburg, IA
13. Makala Pierce 14. Tasia Behnke 15. Jetti Lorenz
Stephenville, TX Muscatine, IA Madisonville, TX
Where The Elite Compete SM
Hailey Kinsel, 2022 WPRA World Champion Barrel Racer, Photo by Kenneth Springer
Bayleigh Choate, 2022 WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year, Photo by Kenneth Springer
10 WPRA NEWS AUGUST 2023
2023 WPRA PRO RODEO BREAKAWAY STANDINGS Unofficial Standings as of August 2, 2023 *2022 WPRA World Champion 1. Hali Williams Comanche, TX $105,376 2. Shelby Boisjoli Stephenville, TX $96,729 *3. Martha Angelone Stephenville, TX $89,035 4. Sarah Angelone Lipan, TX $84,969 5. Taylor Munsell Alva, OK $74,689 6. Cheyanne Guillory Kingston, OK $71,739 7. Joey Williams Volborg, MT $71,086 8. Kelsie Domer Dublin, TX $64,625 9. Jackie Crawford Stephenville, TX $59,910 10. Erin Johnson Fowler, CO $55,525 11. Bradi Good Abilene, TX $51,036 12. Danielle Lowman Gilbert, AZ $49,950 13. Josie Conner Iowa, LA $48,767 14. Samantha Fulton Miller, SD $48,308 15. Tiffany Schieck Floresville, TX $45,985 16. Nicole Baggarley Las Cruces, NM $44,588 17. Beau Peterson Council Grove, KS $43,408 18. Madison Outhier Fulshear, TX $41,296 19. Rickie Engesser Spearfish, SD $41,077 20. Kendal Pierson Wardlow, AB $40,941 RESISTOL ROOKIE STANDINGS 1. Braylee Shepherd Nephi, UT 2. Jacelyn Frost Randlett, UT 3. Shaya Biever Vernon, TX 4. MaryBeth Beam Poetry, TX 5. Jade Kenney Canyon, TX 6. Bethany Stallons Emelle, AL 7. Rylee George Oakdale, CA 8. Erika Frost Randlett, UT 9. Kenzie Kelton Mayer, AZ 10. Quincy Sullivan Peralta, NM 11. Tayle Brink Wittman, AZ 12. Kadin Jodie 13. Shyanne Allen Mount Ayr, IA 14. Kayley Kennemer Anderson, AL 15. Joslynn Masters Mount Ayr, IA
$22,882 $21,952 $19,035 $16,802 $15,103 $14,970 $13,380 $11,647 $9,630 $9,528 $8,723 $8,440 $8,368 $6,497 $6,362
Churchrock, NM
Where The Elite Compete SM Martha Angelone, 2022 WPRA World Champion Breakaway Roper, Photo by Jackie Jensen
Josie Conner, 2022 WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year, Photo by Jackie Jensen
AUGUST 2023 WPRA NEWS 11
THREE MILLION DOLLAR COWGIRL Pozzi Tonozzi Relishing 2023 Rodeo Season By Ann Bleiker
I t is hard to believe after two decades as a member of the WPRA, there are still so many rodeos that two-time world champion Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi has never graced the winner’s circle, but she is checking off that list fast and furious in 2023. “It is crazy to have so many firsts this late in my career,” Pozzi Tonozzi said with a chuckle. “After doing this for 20 years, it has been an exciting year. Usually when you have been doing something for this long, it is hard to get excited about things. “It feels a lot like 2012 when Duke was winning everything. Obviously, it is always fun to win but that is not usually reality. It has been incredible.” There actually might not be enough superlatives to truly describe the type of year that the Lampasas, Texas, cowgirl is having. A few first-time highlights include: • Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo (Odessa, Texas) champion • Reno (Nevada) Rodeo champion • Calgary Stampede champion • Dinosaur Days Rodeo (Vernal, Utah) champion • Gold medalist at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo – Salt Lake City • Dodge City (Kansas) Roundup champion And, last but not least, the newest member of the $3 million in career earnings club, joining Sherry Cervi and Lisa Lockhart. “Crossing the $3 million in career earnings is for sure the cherry on top,” said Pozzi Tonozzi. “It is funny as I have always been known as No. 3 – when the announcers introduce me it is the third winningest barrel racer, so I am just trying to catch up to No. 2. “It is an incredible milestone that not everyone gets to cross in their rodeo career. It has been just a really fun summer.” Pozzi Tonozzi has come a long way since she was an 8-year-old, wanna-be cowgirl who was not from a rodeo family but wanted a horse
so badly that she would pester her father. “I would circle horses in the classified ads, and then when my dad got home from work, I would set the newspaper in front of him asking him to call these people” Pozzi Tonozzi recalled in a video posted by Professional’s Choice on social media. “That happened for about three years, and he finally gave in. I think my parents thought this was just a phase I would grow out of, but then it turned into an obsession.” So, what do her parents think now of the newest $3 million barrel racer? “They are now my biggest fans and thanks to The Cowboy Channel they can watch all my runs instead of waiting on a phone call,” said Pozzi Tonozzi. Throughout her illustrious career, she has been blessed to swing her leg over a host of talented equine partners. “It started with Leroy then Stitch then Duke, and after I had those three horses, I didn’t think there would ever be another dry day,” Pozzi Tonozzi said with a laugh. “And then there were three years I didn’t make the finals, and I had to rebuild my program. Then came Steeley, Mona and Katniss. “This year was totally unexpected as we didn’t really know what Benny was going to do and how he would transition over to rodeo. Not to mention being able to stay off Birdie and ride her only in the situations that she loves. She has won more because I have been able to keep her sound. And now Titan is coming around the corner.” Jets Top Gun “Benny” has transitioned over to ProRodeo like a veteran, taking his rider to some rare air. Owned by Busby Quarter Horses and sired by the late Blazin Jetolena, Benny has carried Pozzi Tonozzi to all her major wins this summer and hopes to carry her to a Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi is no longer the bridesmaid at the Reno Rodeo. In 2023, Pozzi Tonozzi set an arena record (16.70) en route to her first set of Reno Rodeo spurs given to each champion. She edged reigning world champion Hailey Kinsel by one-one hundredth of a second with a total time of 51.35 seconds on three runs. Photo by Click Thompson
Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi then took her talents north of the border and won the Calgary Stampede for the first time in her 20-year WPRA career. She did so aboard Jets Top Gun “Benny” owned by Busby Quarter Horses. Photo by Covy Moore
12 WPRA NEWS AUGUST 2023
being of all performance horses. “I have always felt it was important to put back in the industry, because it is one that as soon as you quit competing, this industry forgets about you. It is just the way it is,” said Pozzi Tonozzi. “I have always tried to stay on top and had futurity horses coming up. If rodeos weren’t going well, then I would try to do the futurity. And Conquer Equine was a no-brainer when we moved to Lampasas and got more centrally located. We met some friends and found someone to run it – Codi McCorkle. It was a no-brainer after being put in the right situation not only from a business standpoint but to help our own horses. “Crazy if you work hard enough and keep your head down how things will come together, and they have. Twenty years later we are starting to reap the benefits.” Conquer Equine Rehab and Fitness is owned by Brittany and her husband, Garrett Tonozzi. Their facility is committed to offering services to get horses sound and back to work faster because they understand the importance of competing and having your athlete at its best. And it looks like the couple’s 6-year-old daughter, Tinlee, plans
third gold buckle. “I am so thankful for this horse,” said Pozzi Tonozzi. “I have never felt a horse like this before and how he goes around the barrels. I am thankful for the Busby’s, my husband and my daughter. This is so awesome.” Following their win in Dodge City the first weekend of August, Pozzi Tonozzi had collected $188,921 on the year with two months of rodeos left in the regular season. Tiany Schuster holds the record for most money won in a regular season (prior to the NFR) with $250,378 set in 2017. Reigning world champion Hailey Kinsel holds the second spot on that list with $192,834 set in 2018. Kinsel also holds the top two spots in highest single-year earnings with $350,700 and $349,076 set in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Pozzi Tonozzi could take aim on both records in 2023. Although she is in the driver’s seat for her third gold buckle, she is not quite ready to allow herself to think about that. “I tell people you don’t think about gold buckles until round eight (of the NFR),” said Pozzi Tonozzi, who has qualified for 16 NFRs with 17 to be checked off in 2023.
to carry on the family rodeo interests; she is competing in the barrel racing. In fact, Tinlee recently ran her fastest time of the summer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, aboard Chocolate Chip. She is also making wardrobe plans for her trip in December to Las Vegas. “Tinlee is super excited as she already has her dresses picked out for the NFR,” Pozzi Tonozzi said laughing. “I didn’t think she was a dress kind of girl, but she is ready for Vegas.” While Pozzi Tonozzi’s first two titles came before she was a wife and mother, there is no doubt that if this season ends with another gold buckle, it will have extra special meaning for her. “It is super fun to do it with the family,” she said. “It is now definitely more of a team feel with Garrett and Tinlee, and it makes the wins that much more special.” Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi was all smiles after collecting her first set of Reno Rodeo spurs given to each champion. Pozzi Tonozzi, who has been a member of the WPRA for 20 years, can’t believe all the first she is experiencing in 2023 but she is loving the ride. Photo by Fernando Sam-Sin
Pozzi Tonozzi might not have come from a rodeo family, but she continues to make a mark on not only the barrel racing industry but the rodeo industry as a whole. She has definitely invested her winnings back in not only a successful breeding program but also in the well Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and Benny captured the gold medal at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City and in so doing surpassed the $3 million mark in career earnings. Pozzi Tonozzi now joins Sherry Cervi and Lisa Lockhart in this very prestigious group. She is hoping to turn her gold medal performance into a gold buckle at the end of the year at the NFR. Photo by Ric Andersen
AUGUST 2023 WPRA NEWS 13
STRATEGIC PLANNING Beisel Banks over $25,000 Over Fourth of July By Ann Bleiker E mily (Miller) Beisel joined the WPRA in 2013; in 2019 she qualified for her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. That was the same year she won the most money of all barrel racers during what is known in the rodeo world as Cowboy Christmas. This is the week covering the Fourth of July, where more than 30 sanctioned rodeos are held.
Now, with a few more years of experience under her belt and sporting her married last name, Emily took the top spot once again over the Fourth, collecting over $25,000 in earnings. “It was pretty neat that it was the same three horses that I rode in 2019,” said Beisel “I have been out here and tried every route with them. It wasn’t the same route exactly I took in 2019 just because every year the dates change just a little bit, but I tried to put the horses in the same arenas that they have had success in. They are creatures of habit, and there are arenas they like and ones they don’t like. Their styles really complement each other, which makes it nice because where one doesn’t like an arena the other does. I am able to rotate them, which keeps them fresh and keeps the miles off of them. “When I went to make my plan, I focused it on Chongo’s run of rodeos, the ones I knew he would do well at. I filled in with whatever my best draws were back in the States with Pipewrench and Beau.” Beisel does her own entering and now with six summers with these three horses, she leans into the strategy that works best for her team, and then lets the chips fall where they may. “One has to find the strategy that works best for them,” said Beisel. “This is the strategy that works for me and just because it works for me doesn’t mean it will work for someone else. Everybody has a different strategy, and I think the most important is knowing where your horses are the strongest. For me, it has been those Fourth of July rodeos.” The Ponoka (Alberta) Stampede was a key rodeo for Beisel in 2019 and again in 2023 to accomplish this feat. In 2019, Miller won the first round in a time of 17.240 seconds and followed that with a 17.342 in the final round to win that round and easily take the average title with a total time of 34.582 seconds. The only round Miller didn’t win was the Showdown round, where she finished fourth in a time of 25.932. All totaled Miller won $14,953. In 2023, Beisel got a little redemption north of the Border winning the Showdown Round. She finished third in the first round in a time of 17.420
seconds, was 17.66 seconds in the final round finishing out of the money but was good enough to land her second in the average in a total time of 35.08 seconds. She and Chongo then won the Showdown round in a time of 17.28 seconds. The team added $16,835 to her 2023 earnings. “It was redemption for us,” said Beisel. “This was a bucket-list win after coming so close in 2019. I was smarter this year, which comes with the experience of being on the road and knowing my horse that much better. I knew when it mattered this year. It is about being consistent and progressing.” It also brought things full circle for Beisel to think back to her first thought of running Chongo in Ponoka four seasons ago to now having him carry her to the title there. “Chongo surprises me sometimes,” said Beisel, who works as a dental hygienist when not racing around the cloverleaf pattern. “I remember when I got to Ponoka in 2019 and was riding in the arena thinking I had messed up and brought the wrong horse for that arena, but he did amazing at Ponoka. He is typically not a horse that loves the barrels out in the wide open like that and the ground is a little tricky up there. “I thought maybe 2019 was a fluke, but he went back this year and worked just has hard so he must like it, which I cannot complain. It is like him liking the Thomas & Mack – I never dreamed he would like that small arena, but he does so no complaints from me.” Beisel is hoping her trio of horses will carry her to a fifth consecutive NFR qualification; sitting seventh in the world as of the first of August, she is well on her way. While there are world champions that never add the feat of winning the most money over the Fourth of July to their resume, Beisel has mastered it twice. “It is a testament to the team of people that have helped me and the team of horses I have,” said Beisel. “There is a lot of planning that goes into it, and I try to organize it the best I can, but it still takes people to help me. My mom stayed with Chongo in Canada, and my friend Karen Jones helped me with my other rig and horses in the United States. Without those two, it would not have been possible. I am not going to lie; I was exhausted when it was all said and done. “I really know those rodeos for these horses. That is such a small window to capitalize on, and to me, it is definitely worth giving 150-percent effort Emily Beisel raced her way to the top of the Cowboy Christmas leaderboard for the second time in her career. Beisel tallied $25,277 during the Fourth of July with her largest check coming in Ponoka, Alberta, with her largest United States check coming at the Cody (WY) Stampede (shown here) banking over $4,000. Photo by Hailey Rae
Emily Beisel and Chongo finished in a tie for fifth at the Cody Stampede over the Fourth of July run of rodeos with a time of 17.48 seconds. The money they won in Cody helped carry them to the top of the leaderboard for that week of rodeos amongst all barrel racers. Photo by Hailey Rae
14 WPRA NEWS AUGUST 2023
Montana), $2,410; and the Molalla (Oregon) Buckaroo Rodeo, $2,013. All totaled she won a total of $25,277, edging Paige Jones by a hair more than $500. Jones finished with $24,776. The timing of Beisel and Jones finishing 1-2, couldn’t have been better, especially when looking at their horsepower and the ranch their mounts came from. “What a 4th of July in the rodeo arena for Youree Ranch horses,” 2003 WPRA World Champion Janae Ward Massey wrote on her social media page. “Emily Beisel and Paige Jones banked over $50,000 between them on Bazinga, Pipewrench, Chongo and Beau. Way to go girls, can’t wait to see you in the bright lights of Vegas! You make the ranch proud.” The Youree family has played a big part in the history of the WPRA, and their breeding program continues to make headlines. Jones will be looking for her first Wrangler NFR qualification at season’s end and was ranked 11th as of Aug. 7.
to make sure I capitalize as much as I can. You have to know your honey hole, and the Fourth of July is mine. You can never perfect your Fourth of July run as there are so many factors. A lot of luck goes into it as well, and I have been fortunate.” Besides the big check in Ponoka in 2023, Beisel also picked up checks at the Cody (Wyoming) Stampede, $4,019; Home of Champions (Livingston, Emily Beisel captured the win at the Ponoka (AB) Stampede aboard Chongo and added $16,835 to her 2023 earnings. This was a redemption trip for the duo having narrowly missed the title in 2019. (right image) Emily Beisel was overcome with emotion after winning the Showdown round at the Ponoka Stampede and was shown celebrating with a fist pump. A downed barrel in 2019 cost them the title making this one that much sweeter. Photos by Jeremy Wombold
AUGUST 2023 WPRA NEWS 15
2023 PRCA/WPRA CIRCUIT STANDINGS BARREL RACING Unofficial as of August 4, 2023 BADLANDS 1. Jessica Routier $15,592 2. Hallie Fulton $12,503 3. Taylor Hanson $7,097 4. Nicole Bice $6,586 5. Fonda Melby $6,577 6. Molly Otto $5,921 7. Lisa Lockhart $5,446 8. Allene Nelson $5,350 9. McKenzie Jendersee $5,295 10. Bobbi Olson $5,071 11. Alyssa Gabrielson $5,006 12. Lakken Bice $4,664 13. Amanda Lewis $4,404 14. Nikki Hansen $3,730 15. Kristi Steffes $3,424 CALIFORNIA 1. Kathy Petska $23,415 2. Payton Schoeppach $18,516 3. Hayle Gibson $15,561 4. Shelby Bates $12,513 5. Tonia Forsberg $10,601 6. Shelley Holman $9,592 7. Kaillee Hamre $7,795 8. Sheena Robbins $7,562 9. Miley Bunting (R) $7,117 10. Taylor Arakelian $5,683 11. Kay Cochran $5,491 12. Maren Powers (R) $5,308 13. Kristi Youngblood-Spurr $4,900 14. Leia Pluemer $4,878 15. Ali Anton $4,484 COLUMBIA RIVER 1. Pamela Capper-Coker $12,416 2. Rachelle Riggers $11,541 3. Megan McLeod-Sprague $10,803 4. Sharon Gow $10,313 5. Lindsey Ham $10,288 6. Kacey Gartner $8,830 7. Mary Shae Thomas $8,576 8. Julia Johnson (R) $8,464 9. Kaycie Kayser $6,400 10. Cheyenne Allan $5,855 11. Jimi Jones $5,343 12. Colleen Kingsbury $5,140 13. Karen Gleason $4,842 14. Arley Hughes $4,601 15. Cambria Estep $4,503 FIRST FRONTIER 1. Jodi Lyn Colton $4,636 2. Jamie Fowler $3,995 3. Brooke Klinger $3,958 4. Madison Ann Iager $2,742 5. Ali Montgomery (R) $2,629 6. Kerri Frazier $2,331 7. April Masterson $2,015 8. Christina Mulford $1,682 9. Samantha Vallone $1,599 10. Beth Ann Borowy $1,366 11. Dawn Powell $1,303 12. Joanna Reid $1,220 13. Jennifer Guzzi (R) $1,193 14. Haley Dewalt $1,019 15. Willie Horzepa $1,003 GREAT LAKES 1. Lacinda Rose $10,732 2. Jamie Lenzner $10,566 3. Austyn Tobey $9,404 4. Kricket Gintner $9,185 5. Ronda Casey $8,350 6. Tasia Behnke (R) $6,183 7. Ashley Peterson $6,179 8. Nikki Singler $6,025 9. Jillian Zaun $4,790 10. Sandi Brandli $4,742 11. Lucy Ferch (R) $4,389 12. Caitlyn Clair $4,302 13. Morgan Anderson $4,222 14. Sissy Warren $4,176 15. Aubrey Sprouse $3,260 MAPLE LEAF 1. Lynette Brodoway $12,892 2. Brooke Wills $6,841 3. Traci MacDonald $6,721 4. Jennifer Neudorf $5,492 5. Karli Cowie (R) $5,326 6. Bertina Olafson $5,217 7. Lakota Bird $5,012 8. Shely Spielman $4,705 9. Lane Wills $4,252 10. Kirby Penttila $4,154 11. Kyla Simmons $3,647 12. Bradi Whiteside $3,600 13. Taylor Manning $3,523 14. Mariah Mannering $3,274 15. Nancy Leischner $2,742 MONTANA 1. Hannah Sharon $8,713 2. Allie Novotny $7,957 3. Heather Crowley $7,176 4. Ashley Day $7,035 5. Tammy Carpenter $5,881 6. Hailey Garrison $5,781 7. Tayla Moeykens $5,769 8. Abigail Knight $5,105 9. Brittney Sporer $3,693 10. Sabra O’Quinn $3,685 11. Tia Murphy $3,343 12. Celie Salmond $2,526 13. Bailee Murnion $2,515 14. Karen Boyd (R) $2,269 15. Haley Stevenson $2,034 MOUNTAIN STATES 1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi $21,709 2. Sage Kohr (R) $9,184 3. Kelly Yates $8,403 4. Kim Schulze $7,993 5. Shali Lord $7,950 6. Karson Bradley $5,582 7. Taryn Boxleitner $5,190 8. Chris Gibson $4,793 9. Kachena Lesmeister $4,026 10. Andrea Busby $3,356 11. Sydni Blanchard $3,305 12. Nicole Waggoner-Ludwick $3,221 13. Alex Odle (R) $3,094 14. Mejrusa Rustemovic (R) $2,996 15. Heidi Tillard $2,758 PRAIRIE 1. Emily Beisel $10,815 2. Ivy Hurst $8,794 3. Leslie Smalygo $8,296 4. Ivy Saebens $7,943 5. Wenda Johnson $7,248 6. Tracy Nowlin $7,059 7. Paige Jones $6,758 8. Emily Griffin $6,424 9. Emma Charleston $4,425 10. Andrea Haden $4,402 11. Timber Allenbrand $3,996 12. Taylor Johnson $3,952 13. Tamara Reinhardt $3,711 14. Lindsey Muggli $3,132 15. Katie Larson $3,029 SOUTHEASTERN 1. Margo Crowther $16,879 2. Nicole Love $16,443 3. Erin Wetzel $14,500 4. Taylor Carver $12,992 5. Kristin Hanchey $12,389 6. Chloe Gray $11,537 7. Ashley Parks $11,461 8. Sarah Rose Waguespack $9,210 9. Cindy Patrick $8,642 10. Dallas Sawczak $7,794 11. Ashley Rogers $6,801 12. Bobbie Jo Alcazar 13. Emilee Jackson 14. Taycie Matthews 15. Sally Young TEXAS 1. Kelly Allen 2. Kassie Mowry 3. 4. Keyla Costa 5. Stephanie Fryar 6. Lindsay Sears 7. Hailey Kinsel 8. Ilyssa Riley 9. Jackie Ganter 10. Natalie Bland 11. Jamie Olsen 12. Sydney Graham 14. Tiany Schuster 15. Janet Staton TURQUOISE 1. Tara Seaton 2. Doskie Edwards 3. Casey Mathis 4. Sarah Kieckhefer 5. Cindy Smith 6. Sabrina Ketcham 7. Lisa Anderson 8. Madison Bean 9. Jordan Kircher 10. Halle DeWitt 12. Sharon Harrell 13. Bailee Switzer 14. Kortni McConnell 15. Tibba Smith WILDERNESS 1. Sue Smith 2. Meka Farr 3. Macee McAllister 4. Italy Sheehan 5. 6. 7. Jennifer Kalafatic 8. Jillette Atkinson 9. Lauren Butler 10. Stacy Glause 12. Amberley Snyder 13. Amanda Butler 14. Darby Fox 15. Jennifer Barrett
$5,843 $5,504 $5,254 $4,356 $30,671 $26,168 $22,641 $18,434 $17,912 $15,374 $14,478 $13,789 $13,311 $13,291 $10,614 $9,871 $9,714 $9,655 $9,040 $14,582 $10,410 $9,536 $7,249 $6,191 $4,905 $4,189 $3,829 $3,767 $2,753 $2,678 $2,615 $2,600 $2,109 $1,775 $45,200 $11,521 $6,441 $5,841
Jimmie Smith-Tew
13. Victoria Procter (R)
11. Quincy Sullivan (R)
Haylee Moosman Woodward $5,778
Savannah Bennett
$5,744 $5,714 $5,000 $4,933 $4,860 $4,489 $4,267 $4,055 $3,895 $3,265
11. McKenna Coronado
16 WPRA NEWS AUGUST 2023
BUS INESS
DIRECTORS & SPOKESWOMEN
PRESIDENT Jimmie Munroe 254-722-5128 jmunroe@wpra.com VICE PRESIDENT Heidi Schmidt Belfield, ND (701) 928-0260 Heidi.schmidt@wpra.com BADLANDS Circuit Director
COLUMBIA RIVER Circuit Director Rainy Robinson Caldwell, ID 208-870-5256 rainy.robinson@wpra.com Spokeswomen Lexi Burgess Megan Sprague Abby Sutfin
MONTANA Circuit Director Dillon McPherson
Phoenix, AZ 602-615-7663 Jenna@wpra.com Spokeswomen Barb Johnson Toni Karr Sarah Kieckhefer Stacey Padilla Tibba Smith Carly Todd
Spokeswomen
Event Directors Team Roping TBD Tie-down roping Kari Nixon Spokeswomen Badlands Brandi White California Allie Hoskins Liz Hirdes Columbia River Lynn Rodriguez Shayla Currin First Frontier Emily Fabian Great Lakes Danni Clover Montana Jacey Fortier Mountain States Erin Johnson Prairie Christi Braudrick Southeastern Lindsey Pender Texas Jordan Hollabaugh Turquoise Lynn Smith Wilderness Jessica Brinkerhoff
Jeanne Anderson Emily Beisel Jamie Chaffin Emma Charleston Michelle Darling Ari Anna Flynn Korrina Hughes Tracy Nowlin Beau Peterson Tana Poppino SOUTHEASTERN Circuit Director Bricklee Miller Starkville, MS 662-418-3963 bricklee@wpra.com Spokeswomen Brandi Geiger TEXAS
Wolf Point, MT 406-650-8458 Dillon.McPherson@wpra. com Spokeswomen Cierra Erickson Jill Ferdina
Lindsay Kruse Darae Larson Laura McPherson Valee Miller Katie Rasmussen Maria Taylor MOUNTAIN STATES
FIRST FRONTIER Lead Spokesperson Eileen Lang-Kramme
WILDERNESS Circuit Director
Nicole Bice Killdeer, ND 605-553-4546 Nicole@wpra.com Spokeswomen
Julie Herman Bluffdale, UT 801-548-4797 Julie.Herman@wpra.com Spokeswomen Meka Farr Kali Jo Parker Amberley Snyder Melissa Taylor Terri Wood Gates ROPING DIVISION Director - R1 Christi Braudrick Caddo, OK 918-207-9757 Christi@wpra.com Director - R2 Lynn Smith Elfrida, AZ 520-678-6702
Pilesgrove, NJ 856-364-7130 Eileen.lang.kramme@wpra. com Spokeswomen
Lakken Bice Hallie Fulton Nikki Hansen Cally Kindred Lisa Lockhart Jessica Routier
Circuit Director Carla Johnson Laramie, WY 307-761-1800 Carla.Johnson@wpra.com Spokeswomen Shali Lord Melanie Luark Wendy McKee Kelcey McNamee Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi Kim Schulze Mackenzie Scott Shelly Risner Vossler PRAIRIE
Jody Stockton Dawn Powell Beth Borowy Kris Roy Kristin Weber
Circuit Director Lois Ferguson West, TX (254) 744-2878 Lois.Ferguson@wpra.com Spokeswomen Stephanie Fryar
CALIFORNIA Circuit Director Sheena Robbins Fresno, CA 559-940-2638 Sheena@wpra.com Spokeswomen Vicki Cook
GREAT LAKES Circuit Director Melora Potter Marion, KY 270-704-0865 Melora@wpra.com Spokeswomen Sandi Brandli Ronda Casey Cassy Hooks Lindsay Leverington
Stevi Hillman Kelly Kaminski Shelley Morgan Kylee Scribner Jimmie Smith Tew Kelly Tovar Martha Wright TURQUOISE Circuit Director Jenna Duhon
Kris Gadbois Katie Pascoe Kathy Petska Christina Porter
Circuit Director Cindy Gillespie Ransom, KS 785-731-5306 Cindy@wpra.com
Lynn@wpra.com Assistant Directors Jennifer Casey Lari Dee Guy
Sissy Warren Conny Winkers
PROCOM TURNOUT/RELEASE DEADLINES Procedure: A contestant wishing to make a notified turn out or release must notify PROCOM no later than three hours prior to the performance/slack of which she is turning out, unless an earlier deadline applies (see follow- ing). Morning Slack: A contestant desiring to make a notified turn out or release for a morning section of slack must so notify PROCOM no later than the turn out deadline of the previous evening’s performance or 5 p.m. (Colo- rado Mountain Time) of the day prior to such section of slack if there is no performance the previous evening. It is important to remember that all times are based on Mountain Standard Time. The only official turnout or release is through PROCOM. Notifying the rodeo secretary is not official. PROCOM HOURS Entries and Call Back
DEADLINE FOR PAYING ENTRY FEES: 10.5.4 Contestants competing at the rodeo must pay entry fees to the rodeo secretary at the rodeo or entry fees must be received in the WPRA office by 3:00 PM Mountain time, Tuesday following the end of the rodeo. 10.5.4.1. Contestants turning out of a rodeo must have entry fees paid in the WPRA office by 3:00 PM Mountain time, Tuesday following the end of the rodeo.
CANADIAN INFORMATION C.P.R.A. Office (403)250-7440 Canadian Rodeo Entry System (800)661-8523 (403)250-7666 CRES Administration (403)250-7299 To enter CPRA rodeos, a current October 2014CPRA membership is required.
WPRA CREDIT CARD POLICY The WPRA will accept Visa/Mastercard/Discover/ Amex for the following: Dues • Fines • Entry Fees There will be a $10 charge on each transaction.
Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. MT Weekends 8:30 a.m. until last deadline ProCom numbers: (800)234-PRCA (7722) ProCom Local & Trades Line: (719)548-4800 Online ProCom Entry – through WPRA Portal portal.wpra.com
HEADQUARTERS 431 S. CASCADE
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. 80903 (719) 447-4627 • FAX: (719) 447-4631 WWW.WPRA.COM BUSINESS HOURS: MON. - FRI. 8:30 A.M. - 5 P.M.
AUGUST 2023 WPRA NEWS 17
AND THEN THE RAINS CAME Jessica Routier and Missy Clean Up In a Muddy NFR Open Finals By Tim Gentry R ight around 5:30 in the evening, between the fourth and fifth performances of the NFR Open, the clouds over the Norris Penrose Event Center opened up and dumped more than a half-inch of rain on the ground. Nestled in the foothills of the
Rocky Mountains that tower over the west side of Colorado Springs, rainfall and runoff water turned the formerly dry ground of the arena into a mud bath. Sometimes you’re lucky and sometimes you’re good. Every once in a while, you’re both. Jessica Routier and Fiery Miss West (“Missy”) had caught the dead middle of the draw: first go Thursday evening and second go Friday afternoon. Both runs on dry ground and, more importantly, both very fast. Their 17.34 in the first go won them third place, and a 17.36 in the second put the pair in the average lead. Routier and Missy have been to the NFR Open many times and enjoyed a lot of success. In fact, their earnings at the event in 2018 helped propel them to their first NFR qualification, proving out the concept of the Circuit System to create a pathway to the highest levels of professional success even for those who prefer to stay closer to home. “I really think it’s a great option to have out there because I have a family, I have five kids,” explained the Buffalo, SD, cowgirl. “I don’t like to leave home as much as other people have to in order to make it to the NFR. That’s always allowed me to hit a lot of my circuit rodeos and then have that opportunity to win a lot of money at the NFR Open that can help you get to the NFR at the end of the year.” Earnings are one thing, but the NFR Open Championship had thus far eluded them. A pair of seconds, a third, a fourth and a fifth have helped her make five straight trips to the NFR. Her goal was to finally
grab that champion’s buckle, and with every drop of rain she felt better and better about her chances. “She has proven to be very successful in the mud, so I wasn’t completely disappointed that we had to run in [it],” said Routier with a soft chuckle. “I did feel bad I had to run twice in the mud within an hour of the two runs. Normally after you run in the mud, you’d find a hose and hose them all off as quickly as you can so they’re comfortable, but you couldn’t do that because then she would have been all wet when it was time to wrap her legs again before we ran.” The format for the last performance of the NFR Open brought the top eight contestants on two runs back for a semi-final run. Routier’s lead in the average had held up throughout the second go with 34.70 on two, as well as a check for fourth place in the second round. Now the number one qualifier for the semis, she had to make the top four to advance to the finals. Why settle for top four when you can win the semis outright? Routier and Missy conquered the conditions and laid down a 17.69, more than a tenth clear of second place. The deeper, more forgiving ground was just what Missy wanted to let her plant and slide through her turns the way she has throughout her career. Routier credits Missy’s ability to stay collected in her turns as a key to their success and ability to stay sound. “I like to be able to shape them into their turns and let them figure out the best way to get around,” said Routier of her hands-off style of riding. “[Missy] stays up under herself so nicely, it’s helped her on a lot of tricky ground situations. Like, even if she does slip, she usually can recover really fast because she’s so up underneath herself.” After their win in the semis, Routier did her best to wipe all the mud continued on page 21 Jessica Routier and Missy won the average at the NFR Open in a time of 34.70 seconds to advance to the top eight semifinals. Their first runs came on dry ground but by the time the semifinals and finals rolled around conditions had deteriorated to a muddy mess. However, Routier and Missy took advantage of the challenging conditions to come out on top for the first time in their career at the NFR Open. Photo by Fernando Sam-Sin
While most WPRA barrel racers were dreading the muddy situation for the final round of the NFR Open in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jessica Routier was excited for her chances to finally capture the title. Routier, representing the Badlands Circuit, knew that her horse Missy could handle and in fact thrive on the challenging ground conditions and they did exactly that taking home the title in a time of 17.69 seconds on the final round. Photo by Tanya Hamner
18 WPRA NEWS AUGUST 2023
BUSINESSWOMAN RUN Deerman Take Care of Business to Win NFR Open Breakaway Title By Joe Kusek I nterns don’t get much leeway in the workplace. While Maddy Deerman had already approved the issue with Human Resources before taking the job with the Mewbourne Oil Company, she was a bit hesitant approaching her manager of taking some days off in mid-July.
This was an important internship for Deerman who wants to be a petroleum geologist someday. She had already put rodeo, “My passion,” she said, on the backburner to work in the company’s exploration office in Midland, Texas. “I’ve always been steadfast putting education before rodeo,” said Deerman who is on schedule to earn her master’s in geology from Texas Tech in May of 2024. She earned her degree in Geo Science from Tarleton State. Manager Corey Mitchell had no problem with Deerman’s request with one stipulation: “You have to win.” Deerman returned from the NFR Open in Colorado Springs, Colorado with a trailerful of prizes after winning the breakaway roping. “I guess I get to keep my job,” joked the cowgirl from Hope, New Mexico after her biggest WPRA victory. “One of the most exciting things I was able to show my co-workers the belt buckle.” Deerman roped her way through the progressive rounds at the Norris Penrose Event Center to loop her final calf in the 3.0 seconds to win the four-competitor final round. She earned $15,624. The NFR Open features the year-end and Finals champions from professional rodeo’s circuit system. Deerman qualified by sweeping the Turquoise Circuit year-end and Finals last November. “I knew when I was going up there the goal was to win,” she said. “With the format, I didn’t need to be the fastest, I just had to catch.
Every time we had a practice set up, I worked on taking smarter, higher percentage shots. To rope smart. I always try to be in the moment. Not think too far ahead. “This was a big thing for me. With working this summer, this maybe will get me into the top 50 and the winter rodeos for next year.” Deerman opened with a 3.9 in the first round aboard Yeller, her 14-year-old horse that had carried her to the Turquoise Circuit titles. She switched to Whopper, her 14-year-old bay gelding for the final three throws. “Whopper is my go-to horse for a fast shot, which I thought I might need to have for the progressing rounds,” Deerman explained. “I got on Whopper to shave off some time. I am more of an aggressive and faster roper on Whopper.” The family purchased Whopper, registered as Lady Polka and by Prince of Polka and out of Howleys Lady Pay as a three-year-old. He was originally used on the family ranch. “I started riding him in junior high and didn’t get comfortable on him until my junior year in college,” she said. Deerman was 2.6 in the second round and the average time of 6.5 was enough to advance her to the field of eight. A 3.5 in the semifinals tied for second. After the first two ropers in the finals – KeAnn Hayes, of Blanchard, Oklahoma and Kendal Peirson of Wardlow, Alberta missed – Deerman delivered in muddy conditions. “I made a businessman’s decision,” Deerman said. “I just had to be sure and catch and at least get second.” Taylor Munsell, of Alva, Oklahoma had a loop of 2.1 seconds but broke the barrier. continued on page 21 Once in the final four round Maddy Deerman stayed focused on the challenge at hand. The two previous ropers ended with no times, so Deerman made a businessman’s decision to catch as worse case she would finish second. She caught in a time of 3.0 seconds and after the final roper broke the barrier the NFR Open title was hers. Goal accomplished. Photo by Tanya Hamner
Maddy Deerman arrived in Colorado Springs, Colorado with one goal in- mind to win the NFR Open Breakaway Roping title. Mission accomplished. Deerman knew with the format she didn’t have to be the fastest in every round but to be consistent and throw high percentage shots to catch every calf. Photo by Fernando Sam-Sin
AUGUST 2023 WPRA NEWS 19
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online