Who is ready for Vegas? This edition highlights the Top 15 heading to the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo both presented by Teton Ridge. Also read about the Rookies of the Year and the Horses of the Year!
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November 2022
Hold’em or Fold’em
VEGAS BOUND
AMBERLEY SNYDER, BARREL RACER Photo by Sam-Sin Photography
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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 DD Deleo (719) 661-8793 deleo101@comcast.net Advertising Sales 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
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On the Cover : The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping presented by Teton Ridge is the pinnacle event in the sport of rodeo. Only the top 15 WPRA members in each discipline earn a ticket to these prestigious events. This issue is chalked full of information you will need to know about the ladies going for Gold in Las Vegas. Photos by: Fernando Sam Sin (Martha Angelone – Ace of Spades) and Kenneth Springer (Jordon Briggs – Queen of Hearts) President Corner..............................................................................................6 In The News.......................................................................................................8 Inspiration.........................................................................................................8 Taking Care of Business..................................................................................9 2022 ProRodeo Standings............................................................................ 10 2022 ProRodeo Breakaway Standings........................................................11 NFR Preview................................................................................................... 12 NFR Top 15 Barrel Racers............................................................................. 14 Rookie of the Year: Barrel Racing................................................................ 16 2022 PRCA/WPRA Circuit Standings............................................................17 Business Of.................................................................................................... 18 Breakaway Roping History........................................................................... 20 NFBR Day Sheet............................................................................................. 21 NFBR Preview................................................................................................. 22 NFBR Top 15 Breakaway Ropers................................................................. 24 Rookie of the Year: Breakaway Roping.......................................................26 Sponsor Spotlight: Wrangler........................................................................ 28 Horse of the Year: Breakaway..................................................................... 30 Horse of the Year: Barrels............................................................................ 32 2022 PRCA/WPRA Circuit Breakaway Standings........................................34 Hurrican Ian................................................................................................... 36 Pneu-Dart Women In Ranching................................................................... 38
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 NOVEMBER 2022
PRESIDENT’S CORNER C ongratulations to Lisa Lockhart on becoming just the second WPRA member to cross the $3 million mark in career earnings. She accomplished this feat at the Badlands Circuit Finals rodeo where she also won
and the AQHA for recognizing these great equine athletes that our members are blessed to ride. Over the last few months, the WPRA Board of Directors have been in active dialog regarding Board representation given the increased growth of the WPRA membership and specifically growth in breakaway roping. As a result, the Board requested that a smaller group of Board members explore options and come back with a recommendation for 2023. The Board is now looking for your feedback on their current recommendation. The recommendation is to add one (1) more Roping Director to the Board structure. With this recommendation, the Board would be made up of twelve (12) Circuit Directors and two (2) National Roping Directors. The two (2) National Roping Director positions would be determined by taking the top four (4) Roping Director nominees (identified during the nomination process) and placing them on the election ballot. The top two (2) winners from the election process would be placed on the Board. Please provide your feedback by November 15, 2022. Please note, there will be a General Membership meeting at the WPRA World Finals in Waco, Texas, on November 11, 2022. Finally, I would like to wish the best of luck to our Top 15 barrel racers and breakaway ropers. You have all had an incredible year and we cannot wait to cheer you on.
the average title and is now qualified for the 2023 NFR Open. Lisa joins Sherry Cervi in this very exclusive and elite group. I couldn’t think of two better role models in our industry to have achieved this milestone. Lisa will be making her 16th consecutive trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this December. I am really looking forward to this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping where our members will be competing for record prize money at both events. A big congratulations goes out to both our Rookie of the Year award winners – Bayleigh Choate (barrel racing) and Josie Conner (breakaway roping) who both qualified for the Finals in just their first year of ProRodeo competition. What an exciting time for these young ladies. Our members will be the first to tell you they aren’t anything without their equine partners and we congratulate those that took home the 2022 Nutrena Horse of the Year honors. Jordon Briggs and her standout gelding Rollo took top honors for the second consecutive year in the barrel racing, while Joey Williams and her mare Baybe won the title for the first time in the breakaway roping. I know both horses mean so much to these ladies and their families. Thank you to Nutrena
6 WPRA NEWS NOVEMBER 2022
IN THE NEWS Lisa Lockhart crosses $3 Million in Career Earnings Lisa Lockhart joined the WPRA in 1993 and on October 15, 2022 she became just the second WPRA member to cross the $3 million mark in career earnings. Lockhart who will be making her 16th consecutive appearance at the Wrangler NFR achieved this milestone during a rodeo she is very familiar with, the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo in Minot, N.D. At the end of the 2022 regular season, Lockhart was just shy of the mark by $2,006. She entered the Badlands Circuit finals as the No. 11 ranked cowgirl in the circuit but in true Lockhart fashion she finished as the average champion. In the first round, she finished fourth in a time of 14.07 seconds, good for $537. She and Promise Me Fame Guys “Levee” stepped it up in the second round winning the round in a time of 13.73 seconds and crossed the $3 million mark after collecting $2,149 for the round win. She entered the final round with the lead in the average and she went on to win the final round in an event best 13.60-second run worth another $2,149. She won the average in a time of 41.39 seconds on three runs and added another $3,223. Her career earnings now total $3,006,052. Lockhart joins Sherry Cervi in this exclusive and elite club.
Nominations Open for ProRodeo Hall of Fame
The colorful history and equally colorful legends of professional rodeo live on at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs, Colo. In 2017, WPRA members and equine animals were inducted for the first time. To be considered for nomination a WPRA member must be a World Champion Barrel Racer® that is retired from full-time competition or a member who has made
significant contributions toward the advancement of the WPRA, who are not otherwise eligible in the barrel racing category. Eligibility based on individual’s contributions to the sport of barrel racing and the WPRA. In addition, horses who have carried a WPRA member to a world championship can also be nominated. The deadline for nominations for the Class of 2023 is February 15. More information can be found at www.wpra.com then click on the office tab and ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
Lisa Lockhart and Levee at the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo. Photo by Alaina Stangle
8 WPRA NEWS NOVEMBER 2022
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Rule of the Month The 2023 rodeo season began October 1, 2022! WPRA members may continue to compete with their 2022 membership through the remainder of the calendar year. In order for circuit count and money won to go towards 2023 standings, a 2023 membership must be purchased on or before December 31st. 2023 WPRA memberships are available now at WPRA.com Refer to rule 1.3.4.1.2. Thursday, November 24 Employee Appreciation Day Friday, November 25 Observe Christmas Eve Friday, December 23 Observe Christmas Day Monday, December 26 Observe New Year’s Eve Friday, December 30 2023 HOLIDAY Observe New Year’s Day Monday, January 2 From the Corner office: WPRA 2022 Holiday Schedule 2022 HOLIDAY Thanksgiving Day
WPRA Announces 2022 Committee and Contract Awards The WPRA would like to congratulate their contract award winners that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen and keeps the Association alive and well. Each winner will be officially recognized during the WPRA Star Celebration at the South Point Hotel and Casino. Announcer of the Year Steve Kenyon Stock Contractor of the Year Sammy Andrews – Andrews Rodeo Company Judge of the Year Sam Minick Mildred Farris Secretary of the Year Marlene Dreesen Small Rodeo of the Year Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo (Vinita, OK) Medium Rodeo of the Year Woodward Elks Rodeo (Woodard, OK)
Lenora Reimers Heritage Award Jerri Mann Outstanding Individual of the Year Janet Cropper Distinguished Partnership Wrangler Jeans and Shirts Outstanding Rodeo Committee Partner Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo (NFR Open) – Colorado Springs, CO Lifetime Family Heritage Award Peterson Family – Kristie and Jordon Outstanding Service & Dedication Award George Gibbs Innovative Rodeo of the Year Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup presented by Resistol ºBreakaway Trailblazer Farm City Pro Rodeo (Hermiston, OR)
Large Rodeo of the Year Ogden (UT) Pioneer Days
Thought of the Month Give thanks not just
Media Award Kendra Santos Corporate Partner of the Year Succeed
Appreciate and never Take for granted All that you have!
On Thanksgiving Day, But every day of your life.
“There is always something to be thankful for.”
NOVEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 9
2022 WPRA PRO RODEO STANDINGS Official Standings as of Oct. 6, 2022 *2021 WPRA World Champion *1. Jordon Briggs Tolar, TX $177,779 2. Dona Kay Rule Minco, OK $127,442 3. Wenda Johnson Pawhuska, OK $121,594 4. Stevi Hillman Granbury, TX $120,602 5. Hailey Kinsel Cotulla, TX $119,390 6. Shelley Morgan Eustace, TX $110,461 7. Sissy Winn Chapman Ranch, TX $101,848 8. Margo Crowther North Fort Myers, FL $96,871 9. Emily Beisel Weatherford, OK $93,965 10. Kassie Mowry Dublin, TX $92,553 11. Bayleigh Choate (R) Fort Worth, TX $90,893 12. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi Lampasas, TX $88,432 13. Jessica Routier Buffalo, SD $86,863 14. Lisa Lockhart Oelrichs, SD $84,871 15. Leslie Smalygo Skiatook, OK $84,453 16. Cheyenne Wimberley Stephenville, TX $82,678 17. Paige Jones Wayne, OK $82,321 18. Michelle Darling Medford, OK $82,016 19. Taycie Matthews (R) Wynne, AR $76,780 20. Ivy Saebens Nowata, OK $71,448 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
RESISTOL ROOKIE STANDINGS 1. Bayleigh Choate Fort Worth, TX
$90,893 $77,569 $35,770 $30,096 $29,307 $23,532 $21,552 $18,484 $17,789 $16,114 $14,324 $12,754 $12,547 $9,570 $9,200
Taycie Matthews
Wynne, AR
Presley Smith Jamie Olsen
Denham Springs, LA
Brock, TX
Kailee Murdock Jennifer Neudorf
Litchfield Park, AZ
Grand Prairie, AB, Canada
Katie Chism
Henry, WI
Chelsie Stodghill
Prineville, OR Garden City, TX
Jordan Driver
10. Laura Mote
Llano, TX
11. Savannah Woodfin 12. McKenna Coronado
Stephenville, TX Kanarraville, UT
13. Tristan Parrish 14. Anita Ellis 15. Londyn Ross
Yakima, WA Blackfoot, ID Bluff Dale, TX
Where The Elite Compete SM Jordon Briggs, 2021 WPRA World Champion Barrel Racer, Photo by Kenneth Springer
Kylee Scribner, 2021 WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year, Photo by Phillip Kitts
10 WPRA NEWS NOVEMBER 2022
2022 WPRA PRO RODEO BREAKAWAY STANDINGS Official Standings as of Oct. 6, 2022 *2021 WPRA World Champion
ROOKIE BREAKAWAY STANDINGS 1. Josie Conner Iowa, LA
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Martha Angelone Erin Johnson Lari Dee Guy Taylor Munsell Taylor Hanchey
Stephenville, TX
$109,097 $72,088 $68,039 $67,891 $65,521 $64,352 $64,245 $63,678 $58,862 $56,749 $56,086 $54,997 $54,172 $49,303 $49,233 $48,691 $45,712 $43,584 $43,235 $43,034
Fowler, CO Abilene, TX
Alva, OK
$50,122 $37,353 $30,992 $28,357 $18,964 $18,336 $15,703 $14,648 $13,040 $12,662 $12,561 $11,114 $10,823 $10,181 $9,457
Carmine, TX
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Tiffany Schieck
Floresville, TX Lexington, TX Comanche, TX Hydesville, CA
Shelby Boisjoli
Stephenville, TX
Bryana Lehrmann Hali Williams Gianna O’Day Addie Weil Aspen Miller Lauren Hopkins Rheagan Cotton
Jordi Edens
Gatesville, TX Volborg, MT Spearfish, SD Kingston, OK
Joey Williams Rickie Engesser
Edna, KS
10. Cheyanne Guillory 11. Beau Peterson 12. JJ Hampton 13. Cadee Williams 14. Samantha Fulton 15. Josie Conner (R) 16. Danielle Lowman 17. Jackie Crawford *18. Sawyer Gilbert 19. Tacy Webb 20. Kelsie Domer
Santa Fe, TX
Council Grove, KS Stephenville, TX Weatherford, TX
Lipan, TX
Fairfield, TX
10. Delaney Kunau 11. Kimberly Williams 12. Cheyenne Blackmore
Declo, ID
Miller, SD Iowa, LA Gilbert, AZ
North Powder, OR
Hillside, AZ
13. Fallon Ruffoni 14. Paige Stout 15. Montana Brown
Arroyo Grande, CA
Stephenville, TX
Decatur, TX
Buffalo, SD Midway, TX
Centerville, TX
Dublin, TX
Where The Elite Compete SM
Sawyer Gilbert, 2021 WPRA World Champion Breakaway Roper, Photo by Joe Duty
Madison Outhier, 2021 WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year. Photo by Fernando Sam-Sin
NOVEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 11
NFR PREVIEW Briggs Back to Defend World and Average Title
By Ann Bleiker T he Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is the pinnacle event in the sport of rodeo featuring the Top 15 WPRA jockeys and horses battling it out 10 straight nights inside the confines of the Thomas and Mack arena. “The NFR is never easy,” noted reigning world champion Jordon Briggs. “I feel like in Vegas it is whoever deserves it the most, and whoever’s week it is gets it out there. I know I am going in with a $50,000 cushion but that doesn’t really mean anything with what Vegas pays. That can go away in a hurry … like two rounds.” Briggs made history last year aboard Famous Lil Jet “Rollo” when she won the world title and joined her mother, four-time world champion and ProRodeo Hall of Fame member Kristie Peterson, on the list of champions. In doing so, they became the first ever mother- daughter duo to win a WPRA world barrel racing title. “First it was a lot of pressure to hear world champion with my name because I felt it came with the expectation to follow-up this year with the same results after such a great Finals (last year),” said the 34-year-old. “After I won, I said it wasn’t going to sink in until I heard someone announce it. You don’t get time to soak it in as you start back the year at Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston. You just have to be perfect all over again to defend it.” She has definitely put herself in the driver’s seat to defend that title after amassing $177,779 at just 31 rodeos, leading a very talented field of horse and rider combinations. “My main goal was to get into the big rodeos and to do well at them,
so I didn’t have to run my horse very much this summer,” said Briggs, when describing her season. “He (Rollo) must have had the same goal, as we had a great winter. Houston was definitely a huge deal. That was probably one of my favorite wins. To win RodeoHouston allowed me the ability to be more relaxed the rest of the year.” Almost a little too relaxed, as she hadn’t realized the WPRA has a rule that you must compete in a minimum of 25 ProRodeos to be eligible for the NFR. “The craziest thing that happened as I was done entering for the summer and was on my way to getting 25 rodeos. I had no idea there was a minimum number of rodeos I had to compete in to be eligible for the NFR. I was going to rodeo 23, 24, 25, when I learned that. The week of Dodge City got me my count. It worked out even though I didn’t know the rule. Thankfully I learned that from Wenda (Johnson) before it was too late. I knew she always goes to very few rodeos so figured she was a reliable source on the rule.” Several other ladies join Briggs and Johnson in having qualified for the 2022 NFR with very few rodeos attended. Dona Kay Rule comes in ranked No. 2 with $127,442 earned at just 37 rodeos and Kassie Mowry, ranked 10th, comes in with $92,553 won at just 26 rodeos, with her two biggest paychecks coming from the Calgary Stampede and RodeoHouston. Briggs will be making her third NFR trip, Rule her 4th at the young age of 64 (Mary Burger still holds the record of competing in the 2016 NFR at the age of 68) and Mowry will be Jordon Briggs and Rollo returns to the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in the driver’s seat to defend her world and average titles. Briggs enters with a $50,000 cushion but know that can be erased in two rounds at the NFR. WPRA photo by Kenneth Springer
One of the highest ranked newcomers to the NFR will be Texas Circuit champion Sissy Winn, who finished the year ranked seventh with $101,848. She will be looking for go-round wins and votes for the Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award, an award she won at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, shown here. Photo by James Phifer
12 WPRA NEWS DECEMBER 2021 12 WPRA NEWS NOVEMBER 2022
talking about her two-time Horse of the Year Rollo. “I knew he was a horse that I wanted to rodeo on because he is so solid. He is the reason that makes me want to rodeo and do this.” So how will the champion approach the 10 days in the desert? “Just be grateful that we are there in the first place and try not to put too much pressure on myself. It is going to be a little bit different this year, as I had no expectation last year. I was just happy to be there. Last year, my horse was pretty young still and he had never run 10 times in 10 days, especially in that tiny arena. You just never know if your horse is going to get tight or what to expect running that many times in the same arena. So, I think this year it is going to be a little harder because I have expectations now. I will just have to really focus on making my run every day and not get so caught up in trying to duplicate last year. “My goal is always the average no matter what rodeo I go to. I think if your goal is to be good in the average, then you are good through everything. I want to go make solid runs and stay good in the average and then believe the best horse wins at the end.”
making her third appearance at the NFR. On the other end of the spectrum, it took veteran Lisa Lockhart 93 rodeos to earn her 16th consecutive qualification after a last weekend push at the end of the regular season to land her No. 14 on the standing’s leaderboard with $84,871. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi’s qualification matches Lockhart with 16. The only two WPRA members to have more qualifications are Charmayne James and Sherry Cervi with 19 each. Lisa Lockhart had to claw her way into the top 15 in 2022 to qualify for her 16th straight NFR. Promise Me Fame Guys “Levee” (shown here) helped carry the fan favorite to another NFR and also carried her across the $3 million mark in career earnings at the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo in October. In so doing, she became just the second WPRA member to accomplish that feat joining Sherry Cervi in this exclusive and elite group. Photo by Jackie Jensen
WRANGLER NFR PAYOFF TOTAL: $10.900 MILLION
Guaranteed prize money: $1.2 million Competition prize money: $9,700,098
Each of the 10 Full Go-Rounds: $93,270 each 1ST
$28,913.70 (per man in team roping) $22,851.15 (per man in team roping) $17,254.95 (per man in team roping) $12,125.10 (per man in team roping) $7,461.60 (per man in team roping) $4,663.50 (per man in team roping) $74,149.92 (per man in team roping) $60,159.36 (per man in team roping) $47,567.87 (per man in team roping) $34,976.38 (per man in team roping) $25,182.99 (per man in team roping) $18,187.71 (per man in team roping) $12,591.50 (per man in team roping) $6,995.27 (per man in team roping)
2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH 6TH
A total of four NFR newcomers are among the list of qualifiers this year including WPRA Rookie of the Year Bayleigh Choate. Joining Choate for their first opportunity to run down the alleyway into the little yellow arena are Sissy Winn, Margo Crowther and Leslie Smalygo. Not only will Briggs be back to defend her world title but also her average title. In 2021, she followed in her mother’s footsteps in an additional way, winning the average title and setting a new NFR average record inside the Thomas and Mack with a total time of 136.83 seconds on 10 runs. This surpassed Nellie Miller’s record of 137.32 set in 2017. “His consistency is why I knew he was special and why I kept him,” noted Briggs when
Average Payout: $279,811 each 1ST
2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH 6TH 7TH 8TH
In 2021, Jordon Briggs took home the NFR average title and the WPRA World Championship. If Briggs is able to defend both titles in back-to-back years, she will join a very elite group to accomplish that feat – Kristie Peterson (Jordon’s mother), Charmayne James and Jane Mayo. WPRA photo by Rod Connor
NOVEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 13
NFR TOP 15 BARREL RACERS
1. JORDON BRIGGS Hometown: Tolar, TX Horse: Famous Lil Jet “Rollo” NFR qualifications: 3 (2009, 2021-22) Joined WPRA: 2007 Reigning World Champion Barrel Racer and NFR Average Champion; joined her mother, Kristie Peterson, as the first mother-daughter duo to win a WPRA World Title 2022 earnings: $177,779 Career earnings: $622,030
2. DONA KAY RULE Hometown: Minco, OK Horse: High Valor “Valor” NFR qualifications: 4 (2019-2022) Joined WPRA: 2016
3. WENDA JOHNSON Hometown: Pawhuska, OK Horses: Macgyver Moonflash “Mac,” Steal Money “Mo” NFR qualifications: 3 (2020-22) Joined WPRA: 2018 2022 earnings: $121,594 Career earnings: $358,401 Holds arena record (16.08 seconds) at Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
4. STEVI HILLMAN Hometown: Weatherford, Texas Horses: French Zone “Hollywood”, RV Brijett “Brijett”, Sand In My Socks “Sandi” NFR qualifications: 7 (2016-22) Joined WPRA: 2012 2022 earnings: $120,602 Career earnings: $1,166,302 Crossed the $1 million mark in career earn- ings during the 2021 NFR
2022 earnings: $127,442 Career earnings: $627,652 Had a hip replacement the first part of the 2022 season
5. HAILEY KINSEL Hometown: Cotulla, TX Horses: DM Sissy Hayday “Sister”, DH Jess Stellar “Jules” NFR qualifications: 6 (2017-2022) Joined WPRA: 2015 2022 earnings: $119,390 Career earnings: $1,695,024 Three-time WPRA World Champion Barrel Racer
6. SHELLEY MORGAN Hometown: Eustace, TX Horse: HR Fameskissandtell “Kiss” NFR qualifications: 4 (2009, 2020-22) Joined WPRA: 2008 2022 earnings: $110,461 Career earnings: $894,078 A former school teacher and basketball coach
7. SISSY WINN Hometown: Chapman Ranch, TX Horses: Chewingthehotwire “Chewy”, AR Dash Ta Flame “Scoop” NFR qualifications: 1 (2022) Joined WPRA: 2017 2022 earnings: $101,848 Career earnings: $231,590 Won the 2022 year-end title in the Texas Circuit
8. MARGO CROWTHER Hometown: North Fort Myers, FL Horse: Shes Packin Fame “Sissy” NFR qualifications: 1 (2022) Joined WPRA: 2005 2022 earnings: $96,871 Career earnings: $153,024 Survived Hurricane Ian, born and raised in Fort Myers, FL
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9. EMILY BEISEL Hometown: Weatherford, OK Horses: Namgis D 33 “Chongo,” Namgis D 56 “Foxy,” Biddin on Fame “Beau” NFR qualifications: 4 (2019-2022) Joined WPRA: 2013 2022 earnings: $93,965 Career earnings: $756,373 Dental hygienist
10. KASSIE MOWRY Hometown: Dublin, TX Horses: Famous Ladies Man “Emmett”, CP He Will Be Epic “Will” NFR qualifications: 3 (2005, 2017, 2022) Joined WPRA: 2003 2022 earnings: $92,553 Career earnings: $436,446 Only went to 26 rodeos en route to NFR, Won Calgary Stampede
11. BAYLEIGH CHOATE Hometown: Fort Worth, TX Horse: TJR Stinson Blue “Boozer”, Hail To Be Famous “Dash” NFR qualifications: 1 (2022) Joined WPRA: 2022 2022 earnings: $90,893 Career earnings: $90,893 2022 WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year
12. BRITTANY POZZI TONOZZI Hometown: Lampasas, TX Horses: Babe On The Chase “Birdie,” RC Black In Famous “Pickles,” Kisskiss Bangbang “Mona” NFR qualifications: 16 (2003, 2005-13, 2017-22) Joined WPRA: 2003 2022 earnings: $88,432 Career earnings: $2,785,933 Won California Rodeo Salinas and National Western Stock Show and Rodeo (Denver) for fifth time in her career
13. JESSICA ROUTIER Hometown: Buffalo, S.D.
14. LISA LOCKHART Hometown: Oelrichs, S.D. Horses: Rosas Cantina CC “Rosa,” Prime Diamond “Cutter”, Promise Me Fame Guys “Levee” NFR qualifications: 16 (2007-2022) Joined WPRA: 2000 2022 earnings: $84,871 Career earnings: $3,006,052 Crossed the $3 million mark in career earn- ings becoming only the second WPRA member to accomplish this feat
15. LESLIE SMALYGO Hometown: Skiatook, OK Horse: NFR qualifications: 1 (2022) Joined WPRA: 2019 2022 earnings: $84,453 Career earnings: $124,861 More than doubled her career earnings in 2022, prior to 2022 earnings totaled $40,408.
Horse: Fiery Miss West “Missy” NFR qualifications: 5 (2018-22) Joined WPRA: 2010 2022 earnings: $86,863 Career earnings: $830,339 Won the 2022 year-end title in the Badlands Circuit
NOVEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 15
ROOKIE REALITY Choate Clinches Rookie Title En Route to First NFR
By Kristen M. White A year ago – maybe even six months ago – Bayleigh Choate would have doubled over with laughter if you’d told her that in 2022, she’d not only win the WPRA Rookie of the Year title, but also qualify for the National Finals Rodeo, and with the second-most money won in a regular season by a rookie ever. It’s funny how sometimes things work out. “For the first six months, I didn’t expect anything to happen, because it was all so terrible,” Choate recalled. “I’d work so hard all week, and then at the rodeos I’d look so unprepared. I was so tired of going around the barrels for nothing and it wasn’t very fun.” She’d just hit a barrel in Montgomery, Alabama, and was headed home to regroup when she got a call that there was an opening in Rodeo Austin. She said she figured since it was on the way home she’d make the runs. “I was basically just thinking, ‘I’ll go run these barrels so I can go home,’” Choate said with a laugh. “I was excited to finally draw up in a perf, because I’d been in slack almost every single rodeo for six months.” And then … Rodeo Austin was amazing. She put down a nice qualifying run, won the semifinals at the rodeo, cashed checks to the tune of $11,581 and had a glimmer of hope in her eye. “I knew all along that my horse had the caliber to do it, and whatever needed to click, clicked. I couldn’t tell you what it was, what happened in the trailer from Alabama to Austin … but it never turned off. I don’t know what happened!” Austin skyrocketed Choate to #1 in the rookie standings, although only by a few hundred dollars so she wasn’t counting her chickens just yet. By June she was on the bubble for the NFR, hovering around 15 or 16 in the world, and things began to see more like reality than simply hopes and dreams. Choate solidified things when she was the biggest money winner among barrel racers during the Fourth of July run, thanks largely to an amazing performance at the Ponoka Stampede. There, she made a clean sweep of things, winning every round. The checks she cashed there put
Choate to fifth in the standings and she said she slowed down a bit to give herself and her horses a much needed break, but held on and ended 11th in the world to qualify for the NFR. Winning the rookie title is what Choate originally had her sights set on, although she wasn’t even sure about that to start. She hadn’t planned to buy her card for the 2022 season, but when she won in Denton, she qualified for the Fort Worth rodeo, where she couldn’t compete on a permit. “I thought I was going to waste my rookie year!” she said. “My one horse Boozer was 4 at the time, young and inexperienced, and I didn’t have Dash (her other horse) yet. I had planned to get some experiences and wait until I had more horses, but …” The rodeo gods seemed to have other plans, and now in hindsight Choate said it’s crazy to look at her overall story of her rookie year. Boozer, or TJR Stinson Blue, loves the indoor building rodeos, but does not like running outside. After things clicked in Austin, Choate was thrilled – but knew with summer around the corner she needed another horse for outdoor runs. It turned out to be Dash (Hail To Be Famous), a horse that had been hurt in 2020 and wasn’t expected to ever run again. But thanks to a special vet who put in a lot of work, he was back and although he’d never run in a performance, Choate threw him into the mix in Ponoka and he shined. “I think he was so scared and that’s why he ran so fast – he was scared to death!” she said with a laugh. So, the rookie, running on two rookie horses, continued to put together a season to remember. Wining the Rookie of the Year title is something she says she wishes she could give to her horses, who have done more than she ever dreamed was possible. The reality of an NFR qualification hasn’t really set in yet, Choate said. She plans to give Boozer the call a few nights and maybe Dash a few nights, possibly a third horse on some others. “I’m just going in with an open mind to do my best. Literally talking about it doesn’t feel real!” she said. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience. I mean, I pray that I go 20 times, but you never know what tomorrow or next year will bring. You never know what the next run holds. So I’m taking the pressure off and just want to enjoy the experience.” When WPRA Rookie of the Year Bayleigh Choate looks back on her 2022 season she will no doubt have fond memories of her sweep at the Ponoka Stampede that put her in the driver’s seat in the rookie race, a place she never relinquished. As a result, she also earned a qualification to race down the alleyway at the Thomas and Mack in Las Vegas. Photo by Jeremy Wombold
Bayleigh Choate enters her first Wrangler NFR ranked 11th after earning $90,893 during her rookie year, the second most money won by any WPRA rookie prior to the Wrangler NFR. Taci Bettis set the record in 2017 with $97,023. Photo by Jeremy Wombold
16 WPRA NEWS NOVEMBER 2022
2022 PRCA/WPRA CIRCUIT STANDINGS
Unofficial as of Oct. 17, 2022 *Qualified for NFR Open BADLANDS *1. Jessica Routier
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Sissy Warren Jamie Lenzner Alyssa Gabrielson BryAnna Haluptzok Shannon Jensen
$11,281 $10,546 $9,383 $8,845 $8,529 $8,507 $8,026 $7,890 $7,520 $6,856 $6,581 $13,564 $13,386 $11,463 $11,376 $10,732 $10,158 $8,335 $7,805 $7,621 $5,385 $4,979 $3,796 $3,785 $3,551 $3,532 $21,534 $16,152 $13,118 $12,045 $10,856 $10,710 $8,476 $7,955 $7,871 $7,265 $6,521 $6,054 $4,923 $4,868 $3,669 $27,784 $22,886 $14,904 $13,730 $11,233 $10,110 $6,802 $6,793 $6,120 $5,495 $5,463 $5,319 $5,142 $4,743 $4,720 $20,898 $18,960 $18,404 $16,501 $15,792 $14,805 $13,264 $12,893 $12,435 $8,621 $7,595
12. Ari-Anna Flynn 13. Cayla Small 14. Wenda Johnson 15. Randi Holliday
$6,778 $6,631 $6,523 $5,476 $15,720 $14,697 $12,361 $11,462 $11,228 $10,707 $10,027 $9,836 $9,505 $9,484 $8,688 $8,063 $8,024 $7,611 $7,316 $26,109 $22,498 $21,286 $17,274 $16,755 $16,145 $15,768 $15,450 $14,363 $14,234 $13,656 $12,154 $12,136
14. Abby Phillips 15. Lisa Thornton
$10,807 $10,735
TURQUOISE 1.
$23,984 $17,146 $16,387 $14,968 $12,317 $11,554 $11,411 $11,256 $7,196 $7,055 $7,002 $6,794 $4,862 $4,437 $4,293 $18,959 $17,500 $12,002 $11,142 $10,686 $9,884 $9,045 $8,581 $8,491 $6,972 $6,393 $5,426 $5,092 $4,536 $4,501 $36,738 $21,443 $14,419 $13,562 $12,547 $10,656 $9,623 $9,455 $9,002 $8,255 $8,095 $7,911 $7,057 $6,623 $6,336 $8,456 $6,134 $5,851 $5,719 $5,274 $5,061 $5,033 $4,464 $4,278 $4,166 $4,056 $3,514 $3,372 $3,190 $2,878 $19,511 $18,297 $16,994 $12,770
Jana Bean
$11,893 $11,509 $10,548 $9,280 $8,521 $7,832 $7,202 $6,529 $5,605 $4,227 $3,924 $3,716 $3,525 $3,290 $2,168 $24,552 $22,600 $22,321 $16,757 $12,754 $12,198 $10,776 $9,117 $8,924 $8,446 $8,160 $7,144 $6,637 $5,493 $4,128
SOUTHEASTERN 1.
2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Nikki Hansen Summer Kosel Nicole Bice Hallie Fulton Molly Otto Fonda Melby Cydney Peterson
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Kailee Murdock (R)
10. Marne Loosenort 11. Shelby Janssen 12. Danyelle Hovland 13. Austyn Tobey 14. Jenna Beaver 15. Ronda Casey
Margo Crowther Presley Smith (R) Ericka Nelson Kristin Hanchey
Cindy Smith Susan Siggins
*4. Lisa Lockhart
2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 6
Tarryn Lee
Shannon McReynolds
Taycie Matthews (R) Sarah Rose Waguespack
Christina Gould Leia Pluemer Kiersten Pettus
MAPLE LEAF 1.
Ashley Parks Emilee Jackson Elizabeth Schmid
10. Kristen Zancanella 11. Lakken Bice 12. Allison Pauley 13. Kristi Steffes 14. D’Ann Gehlsen 15. Taylor Hanson
Bradi Whiteside
10. Tara Seaton 11. Sharon Harrell 12. Carrie Jankee 13. Lisa Anderson 14. Sarah Kieckhefer 15. Amy Sanborn (R)
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Jennifer Neudorf (R) Kylie Whiteside Brooke Wills Lynette Brodoway Taylor Manning Diane Skocdopole Shelby Spielman Suzanne DePaoli
10. Josey Owens 11. Ashley Rogers 12. Christine DeRenzo
13. Erin Wetzel 14. Nicole Love 15. Alex Dollar TEXAS *1. Sissy Winn *2. Ilyssa Riley
CALIFORNIA 1.
WILDERNESS 1.
Megan Champion
Macee McAllister Marcie Wilson
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Kathy Petska
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Cranna Roberts 11. Bertina Olafson 12. Mariah Mannering 13. Taylor Eller 14. Lisa Zachoda 15. Melissa Thiessen
Payton Schoeppach
Meka Farr
Shelby Bates Nellie Miller Katie Pascoe
Terri Wood Gates
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Cheyenne Wimberley
McKenna Coronado (R)
Latricia Mundorf Kylee Scribner Jackie Ganter Stephanie Fryar Michelle Alley Cassidy Champlin
Kristy Yerrington Lynette Clyde
Cheyenne Hattesen Madison Camozzi (R)
Kellie Collier
MONTANA 1.
Shelley Holman
Jillette Atkinson (R)
10. Tonia Forsberg
Abigail Knight Brittney Barnett Tammy Carpenter
10. Italy Sheehan 11. Anita Ellis (R) 12. Amberley Snyder 13. Savannah Bennett 14. Amanda Butler 15. Kaitlin Schuck
11. Oceana Champion (R) 12. Kristi Youngblood
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Chani Graves 11. Jamie Olsen (R) 12. Bayleigh Choate (R) 13. McKenzie Morgan
13. Ali Anton 14. Kris Gadbois
Erin Williams Ashley Day
15. Meghann McNulty (R)
Maggie Poloncic Lindsay Kruse Hailey Garrison Tayla Moeykens
COLUMBIA RIVER 1.
Cheyenne Allan Kacey Gartner Rachelle Riggers Chelsie Stodghill (R) Tristan Parrish (R)
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2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Cierra Erickson 11. Tia Murphy 12. Heather Crowley 13. Gayleen Malone 14. Latisha Larsen 15. Taylor Russell MOUNTAIN STATES 1. Andrea Busby
Teri Bangart
Rainy Robinson
Shelly Mull Bailey Cline
10. Abby Sutfin 11. Lexie Goss
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2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi
12. Jessica Dawn Lewis 13. Megan McLeod-Sprague
Kelly Yates
Shawnee Williams Ivy Saebens Shali Lord Chris Gibson Heidi Tillard Sydni Blanchard
14. Pamela Coker 15. Jordan Minor FIRST FRONTIER 1.
Christina Mulford Beth Ann Borowy Willie Horzepa
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Lake Mehalic 11. Kim Schulze 12. Jenna Pruitt 13. Mackenzie Scott 14. Emery Mask 15. Kelcey McNamee PRAIRIE *1. Emily Beisel
Jen Merriman
Stephanie Dyer (R)
Summer Konopinski (R)
Dawn Powell
Madison Ann Iager
Kerri Frazier
10. Riley Shetron (R) 11. Rebecca Campbell 12. April Masterson 13. Brooke Klinger 14. Joanna Reid 15. Lindsay Jones
2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Tamara Reinhardt Michelle Darling Leslie Smalygo Suzanne Brooks Taylor Johnson Emily Griffin Sadie Wolaver
*5. Ivy Hurst
GREAT LAKES 1.
Kricket Gintner Lacinda Rose Katie Chism (R) Sara Winkelman
Visa and Mastercard accepted Subject to underwriting guidelines
2. 3. 4.
10. Jamie Chaffin 11. Tammy Peterson
NOVEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 17
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 Kaylee Gallino Wasta, SD 605-441-5185 Kaylee.Gallino@wpra.com Spokeswomen Gale Beebe Rae Lynn Roesler Jessica Routier MacKenzie Benson TK Leibrand
COLUMBIA RIVER Circuit Director Rainy Robinson Caldwell, ID 208-870-5256 rainy.robinson@wpra.com Spokeswomen Teri Bangart Cheyenne Allan
MONTANA Circuit Director Dillon McPherson
Tracy Nowlin Kara Large Christi Braudrick SOUTHEASTERN Circuit Director Bricklee Miller Starkville, MS 662-418-3963 bricklee@wpra.com Spokeswomen Sabra O’Quinn Laura Kennedy Lindsey Pender Dallas Dewees Amie Montsdeoca TEXAS Julie Thomas Katti Breaux
Spokeswomen Barb Johnson
Brandi White Halley Kleeman Brenda White Liz Hirdes Toni Miller Columbia River Tayler Bradley Lynn Rodriguez First Frontier Katie Wenger Sheri Nastri Great Lakes Whitney Locken Montana Cierra Erickson Jacey Fortier Megan Small Mountain States California
Sarah Kieckhefer Caren Lamb Stacey Padilla LeAnne Wolfe Toni Karre
Wolf Point, MT 406-650-8458 Dillon.McPherson@wpra. com Spokeswomen Lindsay Kruse Laura McPherson
WILDERNESS Circuit Director
Kathy Grimes Kelsie Miller
Julie Herman Bluffdale, UT 801-548-4797 Julie.Herman@wpra.com Spokeswomen Meka Farr Terri Wood-Gates Melissa Taylor Kali Jo Parker Amberley Snyder ROPING DIVISION Director Lynn Smith Elfrida, AZ 520-678-6702 Lynn.smith@wpra.com Assistant Directors Jennifer Casey Lari Dee Guy Event Directors Team Roping TBD Tie-down roping Kari Nixon Spokeswomen Badlands Sadie Dale Jennifer Belkham Carole Hollers
Darae Larson Maria Taylor Jill Ferdina MOUNTAIN STATES Circuit Director
FIRST FRONTIER Lead Spokesperson Eileen Lang-Kramme
Pilesgrove, NJ 856-364-7130 Eileen.lang.kramme@wpra. com Spokeswomen
Carla Beckett Laramie, WY 307-761-1800 Carla.Beckett@wpra.com Spokeswomen Melanie Luark Shali Lord
Circuit Director Lois Ferguson West, TX (254) 744-2878 Lois.Ferguson@wpra.com Spokeswomen Martha Jordan Dena Kirkpatrick Stevi Hillman Tami Semas
Erin Johnson Charity Hoar
Jody Stockton Dawn Powell Beth Borowy Kris Roy Kristin Weber
Prairie
Nikki Hansen Cally Kindred Jill Moody Stephanie Curtis
Christi Braudrick
Wendy McKee Christy Hefley Kim Schulze Mackenzie Scott Lynn Kohr PRAIRIE Circuit Director Cindy Gillespie Ransom, KS 785-731-5306 Cindy@wpra.com Spokeswomen Shy-Anne Jarrett
Southeastern
Lindsey Pender
GREAT LAKES Circuit Director Melora Potter Marion, KY 270-704-0865 Melora@wpra.com Spokeswomen Lindsay Leverington
Texas
Jackie Crawford Jordan Fabrizio
CALIFORNIA Circuit Director Katie Pascoe
Turquoise Leigh Ann Billingsley Kayse Mahoney Nicole Baggarley Wilderness Codi Anne Judkins Codi McPherson Shelli Scrivner
Kelly Kaminski Shelley Morgan Kelly Tovar Tiany Schuster
Morro Bay, CA 805-550-8481 Katie.Pascoe@wpra.com Spokeswomen
Julie Erkamaa Amy Wheeler Sandi Brandli
TURQUOISE Circuit Director
Kathy Petska Nellie Miller Marguerite Happy Tonia Forsberg Lyndee Stairs Karla Sanchez
Lacy Wilson Artesia, NM (575) 910-1692 Lacy.Wilson@wpra.com
Kris Hanson Emily Miller Jamie Chaffin
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 following). 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. (Colorado 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
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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.
18 WPRA NEWS NOVEMBER 2022
DECEMBER 2021 WPRA NEWS 18
WHERE DARLING MEETS DARING
MICHELLE DARLING CHAMPION BARREL RACER
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NOVEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 19
WOMEN’S BREAKAWAY ROPING HISTORY G irls’ breakaway first emerged in high school rodeo. The National High School Rodeo Association has been crowning a national champion since 1953. The event didn’t appear in college rodeo until 1969. The WPRA had was determined by the ProRodeo standings instead of the traditional WPRA co-approved standings. As a result of the WPRA and PRCA partnership women breakaway ropers now have more opportunities and the two Associations are working to make the event more “rodeo mainstream.”
tie-down roping dating back to 1948 but added breakaway roping in the 1970’s off and on until it was an annual event in 1989. The first- ever WPRA Breakaway Roping World Champion was Becky Berggen in 1974, followed by Becky Fuchs in 1975. A champion wouldn’t be named again until 1982 when Pam Minick won the title. In 2017, the breakaway ropers of the WPRA began making efforts to introduce their event into Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) events in the Columbia River Circuit (that includes the states of Oregon and Washington) with the hope this small spark would light a bigger fire within the industry. They introduced breakaway into iconic rodeos like Ellensburg, Washington and Pendleton, Oregon, and by 2019 the WPRA was sanctioning up to 30 breakaway roping events at PRCA rodeos. In 2020, the WPRA in partnership with the PRCA agreed to open it up to any sanctioned rodeo wanting to add breakaway roping to their list of events bringing a new spotlight to the event as never before. The WPRA started keeping standings for breakaway events held at PRCA sanctioned rodeos versus those events co-approved by the WPRA. As a result in 2020 the WPRA World Champion Breakaway Roper
In 2020, there were a total of 54 PRCA rodeos that featured ladies breakaway roping and that number grew to 214 in 2021. 2022 had over 350 rodeos including iconic rodeos like San Antonio and RodeoHouston. EVENT DESCRIPTION Don’t blink or you may just miss the run. In breakaway roping, the cowgirl has a flag tied close to the end of her rope and a nylon string tied from the rope to the saddle horn. Once the barrier is released and the calf leaves the roping chute, the cowgirl gives chase throwing the loop around the calf’s neck. When the rope grows tight after the calf is roped, the string breaks away from the saddle horn and the flag goes flying, signaling the timer to stop the clock. The time in the breakaway roping can sometimes get as fast as 1.7 seconds and since it is a timed event, the fastest time wins. A broken barrier results in a 10-second penalty.
Breakaway Roping World Champions 1974-2021 Becky Berggren 1974 Becky Fuchs 1975 Pam Minick 1982 Heather Hodson 1983 Betty Gayle Cooper 1989 Jayme Reaves 1990 Jimmi Jo Martin 1991 Jimmi Jo Martin 1992 Lisa Pulse-Gasperson 1993 Lisa Gasperson 1994 JJ Hampton 1995 JJ Hampton 1996 Lisa Gasperson 1997 Rhonda Harrison 1998 JJ Hampton 1999 Ashlee Miller 2000 April Harms 2001 Nora Hunt 2002 Tami Noble 2003 Kim Williamson 2004 Kim Williamson 2005 Leigh Ann Billingsley 2006 Tammy Lewis 2007 Lari Dee Guy 2008 Tana Felhauer 2009 Lari Dee Guy 2010 Erin Johnson 2011 Erin Johnson 2012 Hope Thompson 2013 Jackie Hobbs Crawford 2014 Erin Johnson 2015 Jackie Crawford 2016 Kelsie Chace 2017 Kelsie Chace 2018 Kelsie Chace 2019 Jackie Crawford 2020 Sawyer Gilbert 2021
20 WPRA NEWS NOVEMBER 2022
NOVEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 21
NFBR PREVIEW Angelone In Driver’s Seat For First Breakaway Roping World Title By Ted Harbin M artha Angelone changed her tone in a matter of seconds. “I had a decent year,” she said. “Actually, it was really good for me this year.” How does one season go from decent to “really good” upon reflection? It could be the number of wins she had during the campaign that ended Sept. 30. It could be that she had powerful horses that guided her to significant status.
It could be that she set a new standard with $109,230 in regular- season earnings and heads to the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping presented by Teton Ridge No. 1 in the world standings while holding a $37,000 advantage over the field. She leads a pack of 15 ladies who also have had a fantastic campaign to earn the right to compete for ProRodeo’s championship, which takes place Tuesday, Nov. 29, and Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center in Las Vegas at 2 p.m. daily. “It means the world to me,” said Angelone of Stephenville, Texas. “I’ve always had a goal of being the season leader going into the finals. It’s crazy to think that I beat the year-end standings by doing that.” She did, in fact, by a lot. A year ago, Sawyer Gilbert of Buffalo, South Dakota, finished as breakaway roping’s world champion with $71,654. Angelone trumped that by nearly $40,000 before arriving in Sin City. She did it with a consistent run through the 2022 regular season, one that has others marveling. “I really don’t think it’s possible to catch her,” said Erin Johnson,
who, like Angelone, is a three-time NFBR qualifier and the No. 2 cowgirl in the world standings. “Martha deserves it. She’s outroped everybody all year. “She’s still winning. She ropes great, and she has great horses. That’s what the world champion is supposed to be.” Angelone hasn’t secured the Montana Silversmiths gold buckle just yet. There are 10 rounds of competition set over two days in the City of Lights, and there’s a mathematical chance she can be caught. Johnson and others have their shots at it. “I’m thankful for the winter I had, because I’m not sure where I’d be without it,” said Johnson, a three-time WPRA breakaway roping world champion before it became a hot event in ProRodeo. “I’m disappointed that I didn’t come through and win more money through the summer. I had set myself up to win a world title, and I didn’t follow through. “Of course, things could be worse.” That’s true, but the cowgirl from the Plains of Fowler, Colorado, was pretty dominant early in the year. She won Houston and placed well at two other large, indoor Texas rodeos in Fort Worth and San Martha Angelone came close to a world title in 2020 but finished reserve world champion to Jackie Crawford. She is back for her third NFBR well in command and laser focused on a world title. She is looking to become the first rodeo athlete from the State of Virginia to win a world title. WPRA photo by Joe Duty
Erin Johnson roped the breakaway roping title at RodeoHouston in March and in so doing secured her third NFBR qualification. Johnson enters this year’s event ranked second. Johnson, a mother of three, has three WPRA Breakaway Roping world titles to her name earned in 2011, 2012 and 2015. Photo courtesy RodeoHouston
22 WPRA NEWS NOVEMBER 2022
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