Happy Mother's Day - be sure to check out the story on the mother-daughter duo of Kelly and Kenna Kaminski. Also check out the story on Dona Kay Rule's win in San Angelo and all the coverage from California.
www.wpra.com
MAY 2022
Rule Rockets to Top of Leaderboard in San Angelo
The Amberley Cowboy Angel, pin or necklace, is a symbol of hope and encouragement. It is a reminder that we can soar beyond restrictions. You are never alone. Angels above watch over those they love
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O F F I C I A L S I L V E R S M I T H S
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 Ted Harbin Joe Kusek Neal Reid 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 : Dona Kay Rule turned in the fastest time (13.96 seconds) of the San Angelo Rodeo during the final round as the last cowgirl out in the 2022 edition. In so doing, Rule took home the average title in a time of 43.72 seconds on three runs and moved to third in the WPRA ProRodeo World Standings. She did so on her two-time Horse of the Year High Valor. Photo by Ric Andersen President Corner..............................................................................................6 In The News.......................................................................................................8 Inspiration.........................................................................................................9 2022 ProRodeo Standings............................................................................ 10 2022 ProRodeo Breakaway Standings........................................................ 11 San Angelo: Dona Kay Rule.......................................................................... 12 Breakaway Circuit Standings. ...................................................................... 13 Mother’s Day Feature.................................................................................... 14 2022 PRCA/WPRA Circuit Standings............................................................ 16 Business Of. ................................................................................................... 17 Taking Care of Business. .............................................................................. 18 2022 Roping World Standings...................................................................... 19 Sponsor Spotlight: Troxel Helmets.............................................................. 20 Recap: Austin, TX........................................................................................... 22 Oakdale Breakaway Roping. ........................................................................ 24 Oakdale Barrel Racing. ................................................................................. 25 Every Buckle Has A Story.............................................................................. 26 Futurity/Derby Standings. ............................................................................ 27 Junior Standings. ........................................................................................... 27 Red Bluff Barrels ............................................................................................ 28 Red Bluff Breakaway ..................................................................................... 30
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 WPRAAll-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 MAY 2022
PRESIDENT’S CORNER I t was so great to see the California rodeos back on
will July 16 at 10 a.m. MT at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
the schedule this year as they are important to the entire industry but especially to our members. We were also excited about all the ones that added breakaway roping for the first time this year and those like Red Bluff that were among the first group of PRCA Rodeos to feature the event prior to COVID. The finals in the barrel race at Clovis, CA this year was one of the fastest that I can remember anywhere. The top 4 places in the finals were all 16 second runs. Hats off to the committee for having tremendous ground and dragging at halfway. It was exciting to see some of our members going to the California rodeos for the first time like 15-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Lisa Lockhart, who won Oakdale. Congratulations to all. What an exceptional Class of 2022 for the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame that was announced on April 12. I am especially excited about two ladies, Ardith Bruce (1964 WPRA World Champion Barrel Racer) and Cindy Rosser (WPRAnotable) that will represent the WPRA for enshrinement this summer. Both have dedicated their lives to the betterment of our association and the sport of professional rodeo in various capacities and are very deserving of this great honor. If you are able to join us in Colorado Springs to honor these ladies and the PRCA inductees, please do. The event
The ProRodeo Hall of Fame induction will happen in conjunction with the NFR Open, formerly known as the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. We hope those who have qualified for this prestigious event will plan to bring your families and enjoy all the Pikes Peak region has to offer. This month, we get to celebrate all our mothers in a special way on Mother’s Day whether they are still with us here on earth or watching from above. We have many mothers and daughters that have been and are currently members of the WPRA. We highlighted one duo this month with two-time world champion barrel racer Kelly Kaminski and her daughter Kenna. We hope you enjoy this special story. Enjoy this last month before the busy and hectic summer run and cherish the time with family and friends. Travel safe and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!
6 WPRA NEWS MAY 2022
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IN THE NEWS Every Buckle Has a Story Campaign
Beutler (stock contractor), Rick Young (contract personnel – clown), Mel Potter (notable), Frontier Rodeo’s Medicine Woman (livestock – saddle bronc), Whiskey (livestock – steer wrestling horse owned by world champion Roy Duvall), and Nebraska’s Big Rodeo - Burwell, NE (rodeo committee). John Van Cronkhite will also be honored posthumously with the Ken Stemler Pioneer Award during the Cowboy Ball on July 15.
The WPRA is proud to expand our footprint with our longtime partner Montana Silversmiths through Every Buckle Has a Story to spotlight female rodeo athletes along with the special equine partners that made their dreams come true. WPRA Members: We want to hear about your most memorable buckle and the horse behind it all.
Submit your story for a chance to be featured in the WPRA’s monthly publications as well as WPRA.com and social media channels. If your most memorable buckle is made by Montana Silversmiths, you’ll also receive a Custom Talking Feather necklace from Montana Silversmiths, engraved with your horse’s name on it to wear close to your heart. Please submit the following for your chance to be featured: • Your story – limit of 500 words • Photo of your Montana Silversmiths buckle • Action photo of you and your horse • Sample article can be found on page 26 of this issue • Email to Hannah Miller in the WPRA office - hannahk@wpra.com
Ardith Bruce, who was born July 22, 1931 and currently resides in Fountain, Colorado, has been a member of the WPRA since 1960, reaching the pinnacle of the sport in 1964 when she won the world title aboard a horse known as Red, registered as Straws Kingwood Snip. The duo won $6,510 that year, edging Sissy Thurman by $400 to win the title. That same year, Red was the AQHA Reserve World Champion Barrel Horse and in 1965 was the first GRA/WPRA barrel horse to ever be featured in color on the cover of the Quarter Horse Journal. “Oh wow,” said Bruce upon learning of her induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. “This is a surprise to me but I feel deserving of this recognition. I am honored to be joining an elite group of hard working ladies that have received this honor before me.” Bruce landed among the top 15 seven consecutive years from 1963 thru 1969. In 1967, she and Red won the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo the first year it was held in the Astrodome. Red loved running close to home – he won the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Bruce’s hometown of Colorado Springs six times. She was inducted into the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1997. Bruce was among the early GRA members to conduct barrel racing clinics and often traveled to Hawaii to conduct them. In addition to barrel racing, she spent a great deal of time on the race track and
2022 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class Announced COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Class of 2022 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductees were announced on Tuesday, April 12 and will mark the 43rd annual induction. A total of 11 will be inducted including two representatives from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) on July 16. 1964 WPRA World Champion Ardith Bruce will be inducted into the WPRA Barrel Racing category, while Cindy Rosser will be inducted as a WPRA notable. Bruce and Rosser will join the following on the PRCA side – Trevor Brazile (all-around), Bobby Mote (bareback riding), Bobby Harris (team roping), the late Jake
8 WPRA NEWS MAY 2022
That is quite an honor and it is great that the ProRodeo Hall of Fame is recognizing the women of the WPRA. “It is truly a great honor to be in there with some great people.” Rosser has had a hand in rodeo production all her life and in 1986 was named the PRCA Secretary of the Year, in 1998 she was selected as the NFR Rodeo Secretary and in 2012 was the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo secretary. She has also carried the American flag in the opening ceremonies and has trained numerous horses to jump through paper, stand in a Liberty Bell, a birthday cake, a ring of fire, and more. She also produced and designed openings and sponsor flags at the NFR for 10 years. In 1995, she was named the Coca-Cola WPRA Woman of the Year, in 2015 she received the Lenora Reimers Heritage Award through the WPRA and in 2019 was honored with the Tad Lucas Award from the National Cowboy Museum. Rosser is also a member of American Bucking Bull, Inc. and has sat on their Board of Directors for more than 6 years. She currently resides in Marysville, California. Full information on the PRCA inductees can be found at www. prorodeo.com. The 2022 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductions are scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. MT on July 16 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Fresh New Look for WPRA Website Have you visited our official website (www.wpra.com) lately? If so, then you have seen it has had a major facelift. We hope you enjoy this new, fresh look and that your experience specifically on mobile devices is much smoother. Continue to check back often for the latest news, results, standings and schedules.
became the first female licensed outrider in the State of Colorado. She also gave back and remained loyal to the association for decades even after retiring from full-time competition. When the Association’s headquarters was moved to Colorado Springs, Bruce was there to help get things up and running. Her dedication and loyalty to the association carried over to the next generation with her granddaughter, Amber
Bruce West, serving a term on the WPRA Board and now her great granddaughter is running barrels in college. Ardith was the one to put together a celebration party when Scamper was the first barrel horse to be inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and was once again on hand to see the first WPRA members inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2017. Cindy Rosser, similar to Bruce, has been a staunch supporter of the WPRA for decades and has worked every facet of the rodeo business. Born December 7, 1954 to Cotton and Linda Rosser in Yuba City, California, she grew up horseback and rodeo has remained her life’s work. She joined the GRA/WPRA in 1969 and served 20-plus years on the Board of Directors. She was the California Circuit Barrel Racing Champion in 1982. “You are kidding…wow, wow, wow,” said Rosser when she learned of her induction while working cattle on the family ranch. Rosser is only the second WPRA notable to earn induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame with Florence Youree being the first. “I am honored to be put in the same category as Florence, an early member of the GRA.
MAY 2022 WPRA NEWS 9
2022WPRA PRO RODEO STANDINGS Unofficial Standings as of April 26, 2022 *2021WPRAWorld Champion *1. Jordon Briggs Tolar, TX $93,896 2. Hailey Kinsel Cotulla, TX $65,536 3. Dona Kay Rule Minco, OK $56,119 4. Wenda Johnson Pawhuska, OK $51,417 5. SissyWinn Chapman Ranch, TX $47,259 6. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi Lampasas, TX $45,791 7. Shannon McReynolds La Luz, NM $35,669 8. Kassie Mowry Dublin, TX $34,350 9. CheyenneWimberley Stephenville, TX $34,191 10. Emma Charleston Reeds, MO $32,452 11. Stevi Hillman Weatherford, TX $31,320 12. Cassidy Champlin Pilot Point, TX $28,063 13. Emily Beisel Weatherford, OK $27,815 14. Margo Crowther North Fort Myers, FL $26,500 15. Jimmie Smith McDade, TX $25,911 16. Nellie Miller Cottonwood, CA $25,527 17. Ilyssa Riley Hico, TX $24,609 18. Abby Phillips Marshall, TX $23,034 19. Ericka Nelson Century, FL $22,555 20. BryAnna Haluptzok Tenstrike, MN $22,537 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
RESISTOL ROOKIE STANDINGS 1. Bayleigh Choate Fort Worth, TX
$19,252 $14,303 $11,901 $9,843 $9,764 $5,239 $4,756 $3,353 $3,061 $2,911 $2,434 $2,317 $2,063 $1,564 $1,456
Kailee Murdock Presley Smith
Litchfield Park, AZ Denham Springs, LA
Jamie Olsen
Brock, TX
Taycie Matthews
Wynne, AR Llano, TX Terrell, TX
Laura Mote Bugg Beeler
Chelsie Stodghill
Prineville, OR
Katie Chism
Henry, WI
10. Jordan Driver
Garden City, TX Lexington, TX
11. Bryana Lehrmann 12. Teneille Angland 13. Oceana Champion 14. Madison Camozzi 15t. Deb Shefveland
Cisco, TX Ukiah, CA
Petaluma, CA Monticello, MN
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
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2022WPRA PRO RODEO BREAKAWAY STANDINGS Unofficial Standings as of April 26, 2022 *2021WPRAWorld Champion
ROOKIE BREAKAWAY STANDINGS 1. Josie Conner Iowa, LA
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Erin Johnson Kelsie Domer
Fowler, CO Dublin, TX
$50,250 $38,387 $31,111 $28,621 $24,099 $18,818 $18,665 $18,115 $17,815 $17,218 $17,070 $16,571 $13,670 $13,590 $12,040 $11,605 $11,335 $11,038 $10,940 $9,958
Martha Angelone
Stephenville, TX
Lari Dee Guy JJ Hampton
Abilene, TX
$11,038 $6,780 $5,036 $2,478 $2,389 $2,150 $2,036 $1,733 $1,733 $1,537 $1,448 $1,354 $1,320 $1,312 $1,243
Stephenville, TX
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Bryana Lehrmann Gianna Cianfichi
Lexington, TX Santa Rosa, CA
Samantha Fulton Laramie Johnson CadeeWilliams Hope Thompson
Miller, SD
Shreveport, LA Weatherford, TX
AddieWeil
Edna, KS
Rayne Bruised Head Cheyenne Blackmore
Standoff, AB, Canada
Abilene, TX Spearfish, SD
Hillside, AZ
10. Taylor Engesser 11. Amanda Coleman 12. Shelby Boisjoli 13. Taylor Munsell 14. Cheyanne Guillory 15. Amber Crawford 16. Jordi Edens 17. Bailey Gubert 18. Josie Conner 19. Jackie Crawford *20. Sawyer Gilbert
Lauren Hopkins Jordan Driver
Lipan, TX
Stephenville, TX Stephenville, TX
Garden City, TX Okeechobee, FL
Lacey Nail
Alva, OK
10. Keylie Tatum 11. Fallon Ruffoni 12. Paige Stout 13. Rebekah Davis 14. Mandi Holland 15. Montana Brown
La Plata, NM
Gainesville, TX Springtown, TX Gatesville, TX Hungerford, TX
Arroyo Grande, CA
Decatur, TX
Newcastle, OK Phoenix, AZ Centerville, TX
Iowa, LA
Stephenville, TX
Buffalo, SD
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
MAY 2022 WPRA NEWS 11
WITH EXPERIENCE, COMES KNOWLEDGE Rule Rises to the Top in San Angelo By Ted Harbin T here are several things about barrel racing at the SanAngelo Stock Show and Rodeo that make it unique. For one, there were 260 entrants, with more than 210 ladies who competed in the opening round inside the First Community Credit Union Spur Arena. Of those, the top 120 advanced to the progressive round, which took place through the 10 preliminary performances inside Foster Communications Coliseum. “I love that they get a lot of entries,” reigning world champion Jordon Briggs said prior to the April 15 short round. “They let everybody run, so it pays really well, and it gives everybody a shot. When they bring back that many to the performances, it lets everybody get their feet wet in the coliseum.” “There were only eight-tenths (of a second) between first and 120th. That’s a tough barrel race.”
It just got tougher. In the championship round alone, there were multiple lead changes, with the final one coming on the last run of the rodeo. Dona Kay Rule, running bottom of the ground, posted the fastest run of the rodeo when she and High Valor rounded the cloverleaf pattern in 13.96 seconds to win the round and the average title. She had already placed in the first two go-rounds, then she and her famous horse dominated the short round. “Just competing there is pretty exciting,” said Rule, a three-time
From slack to a packed house no matter what day they ran, San Angelo offers a nice change of pace for all the girls in the mix. Reigning champion Wenda Johnson of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, won the opening round in 15.47 seconds. Shannon McReynolds of La Luz, New Mexico, won the second round nearly a second and a half quicker, in 14.12. That’s why this large, indoor rodeo is uniquely San Angelo, but there’s a lot more to it.
12 WPRA NEWS MAY 2022 DECEMBER 2021 WOMEN’S PRO ROD O NEWS MAY 2022
2022 PRCA/WPRA CIRCUIT STANDINGS BREAKAWAY ROPING Unofficial as of April 26, 2022 BADLANDS 1. Brandi White $1,534 2. Sloan Anderson $1,505 3. Syerra Christensen $1,492 4. Amber Carson $1,297 5. Patty Burress $1,005 6. Halley Kleemann $916 7. Bailey Berg $713 8. Kristy Lawrence $622 9. Kayla Olson $422 10. Teddi Morman $131 11. Calby Hanson $130 CALIFORNIA 1. Hanna Snodgrass $2,336 2. Allie Hoskins $2,284 3. Gianna Cianfichi $1,763 4. Cathy Cagliari $1,632 5. Fallon Ruffoni $1,448 6. Kate Branco $688 7. Noel Lambert $344 8. Karri Jones $282 9. Elizabeth Hirdes $140 COLUMBIA RIVER 1. CourtneyWood $1,283 2. DanyelleWilliams $951 3. Julia Reeves $896 4. Melody Hale $74 FIRST FRONTIER No standings at this time GREAT LAKES 1. Jesse Alsup $739 Bailie Schuldt $739 3. Sierra Smith $478 4. Halle Tatham $217 MAPLE LEAF No standings at this time MONTANA No standings at this time MOUNTAIN STATES 1. Erin Johnson $2,517 PRAIRIE 1. Emma Charleston $3,870 2. Ari-Anna Flynn $2,471 3. Taylor Munsell $1,183 4. Amber Coleman $1,078 5. Alyssa Bigon $917 6. Christi Braudrick $820 7. Hannah Lee 8. KeAnn Hayes SOUTHEASTERN 1. Lacey Nail 2. Makayla Mack 3. Shelby Osceola 4. Heather McLaughlin 5. Hollie Ladner 6. Lindsey Pender 7. Taylor Smith 8. Blythe Odom 9. AmandaWeekley TEXAS 1. Martha Angelone 2. JJ Hampton 4. Alex Loiselle 3. Bailey Gubert 5. Lari Dee Guy 6. Jackie Crawford 7. Hope Thompson 8. Amber Crawford 9. Jordi Edens 10. Josie Conner 11. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh 11. Whitney Thurmond 12. Bryanna Lehrmann 13. Cassidy Boggs 15. Ashley Goforth TURQUOISE 1. Leigh Ann Scribner 2. Cheyenne Blackmore 3. Maddy Deerman 4. Keylie Tatum 5. Tibba Smith 6. Bethanie Shofner 7. Jessi Swartwood 8. Wyatte Grace Andrews 9. Kassidy Dennison 10. Shelby Schweitz 11. Brooke Pomeranz Kelly Torske 13. Nicole Baggarley 14. Kayse Mahoney Shawnee Sherwood WILDERNESS 1. Oaklie Sanders 2. Shelbie Allen 3. SuzanneWilliams
National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Minco, Oklahoma, just outside the Oklahoma City metro area. “They make you feel pretty welcome. I think this was their 90th year. Being more mature in age, I realize how important that is. Being 64, it feels like I’m obligated to do well there.” She may be compelled to do well because it’s a bit of a honey hole for her prized mount. Valor, now a 13-year-old sorrel gelding, helped Rule to a second-place finish a year ago. The talented red speedster – named the 2019 and 2020 Purina Horse of the Year – helped the Oklahoma cowgirl to big money in a short span; Rule earned $20,359 this April pushing her two-year total to more than $37,500. “All the years I’ve been going to San Angelo, we’ve competed in the two buildings with two setups,” she said. “I like both arenas, and thankfully I have a horse that doesn’t care if it’s a bigger or smaller arena. “I personally like a bigger arena, because you have more space to make up for mistakes. When you go in the smaller arena, you’ve got to limit your mistakes to post a fast time.” With experience comes knowledge, and Rule has plenty of both. Now, instead of building championship saddles, she’s winning them, even if she and her red rocket are the last ones to compete in the rodeo. “As we got ready to run, I sat there and really prayed about it,” she said. “I asked God, ‘Let me do what I can do. Whatever happens, happens.’ “We couldn’t hear anything where we were. The only thing I knew was to do my job the best I could. Coming out with the win … honestly, I cried.” A big part of that was having her husband, John, with her. For years, they worked together as owners of National Saddlery and were the makers of the ProRodeo world championship saddles. He’s still a renowned Western artist, and he’s been busy with a bronze sculpture. Having him along for the 700-mile round trip was nice, especially since she ran in the final preliminary performance and championship rounds on back-to-back nights. “It was cool having him there,” she said. He may not be able to be on the road as much with her as she battles to qualify for a fourth time to the NFR – though she qualified in 2020, she was unable to compete in Arlington, Texas, because of a positive COVID test. She returned to the Thomas & Mack Center this past December and proved why she should be there, winning two go- rounds, finishing sixth in the average and earning more than $100,500 over 10 December nights. “The older I get, the harder it is to stay out on the road,” Rule said. “I’m going to take a little bit of a break now. I’ve had a couple things go south on me, so I’m being a little bit sore myself and I want to give my horse a break and go back to it in July. “I’m hoping to go to Calgary this year. I’ve never been to Canada in my life, so I’m going to see if I can make that work.” Being able to take a two-month break is also why the win in San Angelo was so important to Rule. She moved up to fourth in the world standings as of April 18 and will cherish the time away from the road. “Having that little bit of a pad will make it easier for me to go home, and I won’t feel so panicked about it,” she said. “We’re just going to go to the ones that make the most sense for Valor and me and see where we end up.”
$647 $494
$1,733 $1,295
$885 $733 $717 $489 $434 $297 $145
$8,791 $8,346 $6,119 $5,863 $5,332 $4,719 $4,618 $4,138 $4,042 $4,025 $3,787 $3,769 $3,612 $2,838 $2,820 $2,583 $1,795 $1,732 $1,537 $1,191 $1,145 $1,092
$786 $738 $722 $630 $630 $355 $234 $234
$2,408 $1,636 $1,319
MAY 2022 WPRA NEWS 13
MOTHER’S DAY FEATURE The Kaminskis more than just Mother and Daughter By Kristen M. White K elly Kaminski and Kenna Kaminski are partners, friends, family, traveling buddies and each other’s biggest supporters. After all, there’s no one who understands the challenges of rodeo and traveling the road quite like another competitor. And when that competitor is your parent or child, the relationship is that much more dynamic. Kenna grew up watching her mother, Kelly, engrave her name into the history books, becoming a two-time, back-to-back World Champion barrel racer in 2004 and 2005. These days, it’s Kenna hitting the professional road, and she knows that a big piece of why she’s there comes directly from her mom. “Growing up, I got to experience a lot through my mom and meet a lot of other people who have also helped me hone my craft,” Kenna said. “There’s something to learn from everyone. And growing up on the road, you learn to go with things – plans don’t always take shape and you have to be able to roll with things. I’ve witnessed it all with my mom, how to take one day and one run at a time.” The Kaminski duo is much more than mother and daughter. They’re traveling partners. They cheer each other on. They work together at the Kaminski ranch, with the horses they train and barrel races they put on at the center of daily life. And they’re also friends. “We have so much in common, so it’s more like we’re best friends than mom and daughter most of the time,” Kelly said. “For the most part, she’s always been in the truck with me (Kenna was homeschooled online, allowing her to grow up on the road). It’s really a neat thing to be able to share my passion for horses and barrel racing and the
industry in general with her.” Of course, it’s not always rainbows and sunshine.As with all families (or traveling partners or friends), there are some “heated discussions” that happen along the way, both women noted with a chuckle. It’s to be expected. And some of Kenna’s younger years were more of a challenge, as Kelly was faced with the inevitable teenage belief that “parents don’t know anything.” Even though as a world champion, it was clear Kelly knew plenty about barrel racing, tips and words of wisdom that she could impart on her daughter. But advice from a parent is the hardest advice to take. “When she was really young, I remember being at a barrel race and she’d just gotten a horse and I was going over how to ride it with her,” Kelly recalled. “She looked at me and said, ‘Mom, be quiet. I’m trying to focus.’ Which is what I always told her! As she got more mature, one day she said, ‘Okay, I need some coaching,’ and there we were.” When Kenna was growing up, they would host other barrel racers and families at their ranch who were in town for spring Texas rodeos, and often the moms would “switch kids” to work on things, finding that the younger counterparts always listened better to someone who wasn’t their parent. When Kelly was teaching clinics, she would remind other parents that no matter how many times they advised their kids on something, that same advice coming from someone else (Kelly) was always more impactful. Once the Kaminskis got through the challenging years (“the attitude with mom thing” as Kelly labeled it with a laugh), Kenna really started to shape a career path all to herself. “Kenna is very coachable,” Kelly said. “She really listens well and she likes to learn new things. She’s constantly studying and trying to get better and work on her horsemanship. I would say she’s one of the Kenna Kaminski (left) and Kelly Kaminski (right) are much more than just mother and daughter they are best friends and rodeo travel partners. Although they admit there are still heated discussions at times, they both truly respect and are thankful for each other. Photo by William Kierce
14 WPRA NEWS MAY 2022
DECEMBER 2021 WPRA NEWS 14
best riders I know.” So much of what Kenna knows came from her childhood. She absorbed knowledge probably without even realizing it, and that came in handy as she started her own professional career. “There are things I remember about being on the road with my mom, traveling,” she said. “I might not even remember things specifically,
started to fade,” she said. “As I get older and learn, it’s not that big of a deal anymore.” It’s been a progression for Kelly, too. “I used to get really, really nervous when she would compete. Now, I just get really nervous. So it’s getting better,” Kelly said, laughing. And while she might be a bundle of nerves watching her daughter compete, it’s also been an amazing experience to see her compete and grow. “When she’s running, if I’m not, I get just as competitive as if I’m still doing it,” Kelly said. “I’m running with her, basically. I have all these emotions that come up.” The duo spends a lot of time together, and while the daily grind of training and hauling can be a lot, they make the most of their time together too. They are self-professed lovers of exploration, calling themselves “perpetual tourists.” “Whenever we’re somewhere, we go exploring, seek out new areas,” Kelly said. “Whether it’s geological or the history of the people, we love traveling across the country.” Kenna said she picked up the travel bug from her mom, a former schoolteacher, and noted that she loves hitting up National Parks. “Each one is so different, so it’s kind of our thing to do,” Kenna said. “We live in a really beautiful country and it’s neat to get to see all the different places.” Kelly was recently recognized for her rodeo accomplishments with her induction into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas, and Kenna was by her side to see yet another milestone in her mother’s career. So whether for work or for play, in the arena or on the road, the Kaminskis are quite the mother/daughter duo. As Kenna’s career blossoms, they’re writing themselves into the WPRA history books as an unforgettable pair of competitors. This past December, history
but when I first started competing, we would pull in somewhere and it would feel familiar. I remember snippets. “Just having my mom in the truck, and her knowledge of traveling, where to stay and what to do, that’s been really helpful on my side of things, knowing those ins and outs.” Kelly’s historical knowledge of rodeos and grounds also benefitted Kenna early on. “She knew my horse and what type of ground she liked and setups, so with my mom’s background and knowledge we were able to go to rodeos that fit my mare’s style and avoid other situations,” she said. But with all of that knowledge, experience and success brought its own challenges. Kenna had to forge her own path and make her own name, one that wasn’t under Kelly’s shadow. “Being second generation … I mean, growing up, this is all I ever wanted to do. I knew it growing up, and I feel like I was under my mom’s shadow a little bit, but over the past few years it’s gradually Kelly Kaminski won back-to-back world titles in 2004-2005 aboard Rockem Sockem Go “Rocky” and her daughter Kenna, although very young at the time, had a front row seat to it all. Kenna knew then that she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps. WPRA photo by Mike Copeman
was made in the WPRA with the first mother-daughter duo winning a WPRA World Title when Jordon Briggs joined her mother Kristie Peterson. Maybe one day Kenna and Kelly Kaminski will be added to that list. Kenna Kaminski says she is finally feeling like she isn’t riding in her mother’s shadow and is forging her own way in the ranks of ProRodeo. In 2021, history was made in the WPRA with the first ever mother-daughter duo winning a world title in the WPRA when Jordon Briggs joined her mother, Kristie Peterson, on that illustrious list. Maybe one day, Kenna will do the same. Photo by William Kierce
MAY 2022 WPRA NEWS 15
15 WPRA NEWS DECEMBER 2021
2022 PRCA/WPRA CIRCUIT STANDINGS
GREAT LAKES 1.
Unofficial as of April 26, 2022 BADLANDS 1. Nikki Hansen
3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Presley Smith (R) Elizabeth Schmid Kristin Hanchey Taycie Matthews (R)
$9,310 $9,065 $9,011 $8,523 $7,443 $6,934 $6,368 $5,724 $5,642 $5,481 $5,089 $4,390 $4,091 $12,682 $11,197 $11,177 $10,040 $9,159 $8,789 $8,744 $8,448 $8,418 $8,034 $7,029 $6,507 $6,494
14. Bayleigh Choate (R)
$6,082 $5,882
SissyWarren
$5,318 $3,061 $2,201 $2,010 $1,799 $1,490 $1,456 $1,040
15. Gabbie Grothe
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Katie Chism (R) Kricket Gintner Lacinda Rose
TURQUOISE 1.
$7,216 $3,010 $2,877 $1,942 $1,599 $1,106
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Jessica Routier
Kailee Murdock (R)
$8,947 $8,103 $5,724 $3,157 $2,836 $2,392 $2,036 $1,998 $1,945 $1,450 $1,341 $1,241 $1,147 $1,143 $1,118 $1,950 $1,742 $1,475 $1,054
Nicole Love
Nicole Bice
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Jana Bean Tarryn Lee
Shannon Jensen Kristen Meyer Deb Shefveland (R)
8
Sarah RoseWaguespack
Deb Thompson Hallie Fulton Lisa Lockhart
9.
Ashley Rogers
Susan Siggins Sharon Harrell Christina Gould Kiersten Pettus Blythe Beshears
10. Christine DeRenzo
Alexis Baratka Sandi Brandli
11. Jill Hayes
Molly Otto
$869 $814 $782 $737 $721 $673 $555 $518 $428 $428
$901 $871 $843 $693 $590 $555 $384
12. Josey Owens 13. Kindyl Scruggs
Cindy Baltezore Summer Kosel
10. Cassidy Hamman 11. Sharon Ann Munn 12. Jamie Lenzner 13. Alyssa Gabrielson
14. Lindsey Hayes-Banks
10. Patricia Finney 11. Jill Moody 12. Katie Rossow 13. BrandeeWardell 14. Emilee Pauley 15. Brenna Kohle
Cindy Smith
15. Megan Swint
10. Shannon McReynolds
TEXAS 1.
11. Lisa Anderson 12. Sarah Kieckhefer 13. Mariah Morgan 14. Leia Pluemer 15. Jaime Hinton
14. Ronda Casey
SissyWinn
15. CassidyWebster (R)
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
CheyenneWimberley McKenzie Morgan
MAPLE LEAF 1.
Branda Marsh
Diane Skocdopole Lynette Brodoway KylieWhiteside Bradi Whiteside Melissa Thiessen
$2,125 $1,275 $1,062
Michelle Alley
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Cassidy Champlin
CALIFORNIA 1.
WILDERNESS 1.
Jimmie Smith Jordon Briggs Chani Graves Jackie Ganter
Nellie Miller
$7,638 $5,419 $4,960 $4,631 $3,723 $2,601 $2,536 $2,063 $1,998 $1,564 $1,540 $1,397 $1,308 $1,110
Lynette Clyde Jennifer Barrett
$531 $425 $372 $212
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Megan Champion Cheyenne Hattesen Payton Schoeppach
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
KallieWright
Lisa Zachoda Taylor Eller
Amberley Snyder MarcieWilson Amanda Butler
10. Kylee Scribner 11. Abby Phillips 12. Lisa Thornton 13. Shelley Morgan
Kathy Petska Tonia Forsberg
$632 $527 $422 $211
MONTANA 1.
Kristi Youngblood
Maggie Poloncic Abigail Knight Cierra Erickson Jessie Kukowski Ashley Day Cally Goyins CaseyWagner
$2,700 $2,295 $1,890
Stacy Glause Sara Cheeney
Oceana Champion (R)
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Shelby Bates
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10. Madison Camozzi (R)
$945 $540 $337 $270
11. Karla Sanchez 12. Kay Cochran 13. Katie Pascoe
14. Brittany Manner (R)
MOUNTAIN STATES 1.
15. Kaiden Ayres
$934
Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi
$11,847
COLUMBIA RIVER 1. Kacey Gartner
2.
Ivy Saebens
$146
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$4,037 $2,321 $1,211
PRAIRIE 1.
2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Jessica Dawn Lewis
Leslie Smalygo Tamara Reinhardt Camrin Sellers Emily Beisel Tracy Nowlin Suzanne Brooks Lindsey Evers Michelle Darling SadieWolaver
$2,672 $2,303 $1,849 $1,764 $1,524 $1,424 $1,371 $1,342 $1,116
Jordan Minor
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Josie Baze
$959 $959 $656 $505 $404 $252 $702 $610 $519 $427 $336 $244 $107 $107
Rainy Robinson
Chelsie Stodghill (R)
Cheyenne Allan Jodi Goodrich
Dominique Hart (R)
FIRST FRONTIER 1. Dawn Powell
10. Lanita Peirce
$972 $876 $785 $761 $747 $744
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Wendy Chesnut April Masterson Incarnata Tesiero
11. Ivy Hurst
12. Korrina Hughes 13. Timber Allenbrand
Jody Snyder
14. Ryan Ivy 15. Amy Long SOUTHEASTERN 1.
Hannah Kennedy
Kristine Roy
Riley Shetron (R)
Margo Crowther
$11,239 $10,899
Visa and Mastercard accepted Subject to underwriting guidelines
2.
Ericka Nelson
16 WPRA NEWS MAY 2022
DECEMBER 2021 WPRA NEWS 16
B U S I N E S S
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 Kathy Grimes Kelsie Miller FIRST FRONTIER Circuit Director Kathi Myers Pedricktown, NJ 856-498-7513 kathi.myers@wpra.com Spokeswomen April Masterson
Circuit Director Dillon McPherson
Kara Large Christi Braudrick SOUTHEASTERN
Barb Johnson Sarah Kieckhefer Caren Lamb Stacey Padilla LeAnneWolfe Toni Karre
Halley Kleeman BrendaWhite Liz Hirdes Toni Miller Columbia River Tayler Bradley Lynn Rodriguez First Frontier KatieWenger Sheri Nastri Great Lakes Whitney Locken Montana Cierra Erickson Jacey Fortier Megan Small Mountain States California
Wolf Point, MT 406-650-8458 Dillon.McPherson@wpra. com Spokeswomen Lindsay Kruse Laura McPherson
Circuit Director Bricklee Miller Starkville, MS 662-418-3963 bricklee.miller@wpra.com Spokeswomen
WILDERNESS Circuit Director
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 Jolee Lautaret-Jordan Kingman, AZ (928) 897-3022 Jolee.Jordan@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
Darae Larson Maria Taylor Jill Ferdina MOUNTAIN STATES Circuit Director
Julie Thomas Katti Breaux
Sabra O’Quinn Laura Kennedy Lindsey Pender Dallas Dewees Amie Montsdeoca TEXAS
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
Kerri Frazier Dawn Powell KristenWeber Beth Borowy Jayme Myers Kris Roy Kathy Clement
Prairie
Christi Braudrick
Wendy McKee Christy Hefley Kim Schulze Mackenzie Scott Lynn Kohr
Nikki Hansen Cally Kindred Jill Moody Stephanie Curtis
Southeastern
Lindsey Pender
Texas
Jackie Crawford Jordan Fabrizio
CALIFORNIA Circuit Director Katie Pascoe
PRAIRIE Circuit Director Kim Thomas Purcell, OK (405) 205-9469 Kim.Thomas@wpra.com Spokeswomen Shy-Anne Jarrett
GREAT LAKES Circuit Director
Turquoise Leigh Ann Billingsley Kayse Mahoney Nicole Baggarley Wilderness Codi Anne Judkins Codi McPherson Shelli Scrivner
Kelly Kaminski Shelley Morgan Kelly Tovar Tiany Schuster
Becky Nix Custer, WI (217) 720-0145 Becky.Nix@wpra.com Spokeswomen Lindsay Leverington
Morro Bay, CA 805-550-8481 Katie.Pascoe@wpra.com Spokeswomen
TURQUOISE Circuit Director
Kathy Petska Nellie Miller Marguerite Happy Tonia Forsberg Lyndee Stairs Karla Sanchez
LacyWilson Artesia, NM (575) 910-1692 Lacy.Wilson@wpra.com Spokeswomen
Kris Hanson Emily Miller Jamie Chaffin Tracy Nowlin
Julie Erkamaa AmyWheeler Sandi Brandli
Carole Hollers Brandi White
MONTANA
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
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.
MAY 2022 WPRA NEWS 17
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Rule of the Month All rodeo entry fees must be paid the Tuesday following the end of the rodeo by 3:00pm Mountain Time (whether turned out or competed.) There are a few different ways you can pay: Pay online on your WPRA Member Portal (you can add a credit to your account at any
Columbia River and First Frontier Circuit Directors During our most recent election there was no one on the ballot for the positions of Columbia River and First Frontier Directors. The Board of Directors have officially appointed Rainy Robinson to serve as the Columbia River Circuit Director, while Kathi Myers returns to the Board as the First Frontier Director. Welcome ladies and thanks for your service to the Association and our members. From the Corner office: WPRA 2022 Holiday Schedule 2022 HOLIDAY Memorial Day Monday, May 30 Independence Day Monday, July 4 Labor Day Monday, September 5 Thanksgiving Day 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
time to go towards future fees) Pay the secretary at the rodeo Call the WPRA office
All entry fees not paid on time will incur a $50 late fee. Please refer to Rule 9.2.4. in the 2022 WPRA Rulebook
Thought of the Month The most important person to Lead is yourself – The most important person to be With is yourself –
The most important person to Trust is yourself – The most important person to tell The truth to is yourself.
“Leadership is not about being the best. Leadership is about making everyone else better.”
18 WPRA NEWS MAY 2022
2022 ROPING DIVISION STANDINGSWORLD STANDINGS Unofficial as of April 22, 2022 *2021World Champion **2021 National Champion ALL-AROUND No rankings at this time BREAKAWAY **1. Josie Conner Iowa, LA $42,168 2. Martha Angelone Stephenville, TX $26,057 3. Danielle Lowman Gilbert, AZ $17,854 4. Jackie Crawford Stephenville, TX $17,577 5. Aspen Miller Santa Fe, TX $12,433 6. Angie Green Huntsville, TX $11,340 7. Josey Murphy Keachi, LA $10,923 8. Cheyanne Guillory Gainesville, TX $10,713 9. Hali Williams Comanche, TX $9,846 10. Ari-Anna Flynn Roland, OK $9,528 11. Morgan Sparks Marthaville, LA $9,291 12. Taylor Hanchey Carmine, TX $8,968 13. Bradi Good Abilene, TX $8,798 14. Taylor Munsell Alva, OK $8,004 15. Bailey Gubert Hungerford, TX $7,954 TEAM ROPING – HEADING 1. Hope Thompson Abilene, TX $20,740 2. Bailey Gubert Hungerford, TX $16,812 3. Rylea Fabrizio Stephenville, TX $7,500 4. Kayelen Helton Stephenville, TX $6,630 5. Jackie Crawford Stephenville, TX $6,055 6. Emily Gately (R) Orange, CA $3,500 *7. Lari Dee Guy Abilene, TX $3,480 8. Kenna Francis (R) Las Vegas, NM $3,270 9. Beverly Robbins Muscle Shoals, AL 10. Martha Angelone Stephenville, TX 11. Alex Loiselle Decatur, TX 12. CadeeWilliams Weatherford, TX 13. Jennifer Reichert Van Buren, AR 14. Kelsey King Honey Brook, PA 15. KatieWenger East Berlin, PA TEAM ROPING – HEELING 1. Lorraine Moreno Mathis, TX 2. Jessica Remsburg Leighton, AL 3. Rylie Smith Whitsett, TX *4. Annette Stahl Salt Flat, TX 5. Deborah Fabrizio Pueblo, CO 6. Danielle Lowman Gilbert, AZ 7. Courtney Crites Welch, OK 8. Rebecca Cannizzaro Wayne, OK 9. Kelsie Domer Dublin, TX 10. Emily Fabian Gansevort, NY 11. Kelley Moss Hume, VA 12. Elaina Damante Alma, AR 13. Patti McCutchen Alma, AR TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Sierra Hilgenkamp (R) Wall, SD 2. KatieWenger East Berlin, PA 3. Cheyenne Chamberlain Fort Ann, NY 4. DeNiess Kilgus Watsontown, PA *Kari Nixon Freedom, OK
$3,164 $3,120
$800 $400 $299 $288 $138
$16,180 $11,618 $10,234 $7,535 $7,500 $6,120 $5,670 $1,787
$625 $288 $222 $178
$31
$273 $112
$92 $70
not ranked
2021 WPRA World Champion Team Ropers – Lari Dee Guy and Annette Stahl
DECEMBER 2021 WPRA NEWS 19 MAY 2
SPONSOR Troxel is the official helmet of the WPRA. With over 4 million helmets in the field and a safety record second to none, Troxel continues to partner with forward thinking organizations to help break the stigma regarding helmet use in western riding disciplines.
WHY TROXEL? Pioneers - In 1992, Troxel was the first to develop a light- weight and vented ASTM approved equestrian safety helmet. Comprehensive - Troxel offers helmets and accessories for all riders from young children starting out to professional riders and instructors. Troxel is proud to create styles for English and Western alike to further encourage helmet use no matter what the discipline is.
20 WPRA NEWS MAY 2022
SPOTLIGHT After producing superior English styled helmets for some years, and studying statistics on horse related head injuries, Troxel realized that the number of people using helmets in Western and Trail riding was significantly lower. Troxel is the first company to put their research and
development team to work for Western and Trail riders. With the introduction of the Dakota “All Trials” helmet, Troxel was the first to offer helmets to the Trail & Western rider. Troxel is still the only helmet manufacturer supporting all equestrian disciplines with a comprehensive line of safety helmets. Troxel would like to introduce the new Terrain helmet! This next level, low profile helmet features 12 extra-large vents and a frontal reinforcement cage for maximum airflow and added impact resistance. With a patented, moisture-wicking Coolcore® headliner treated with innovative FUZE technology that fights odor-causing bacteria, this helmet is engineered for cool, comfortable rides. See the extensive line of Troxel helmet styles, fit and safety education at www.troxelhelmets.com.
DEEP-GEL EQUINE COMFORT BOOTS
MAY 2022 WPRA NEWS 21
AUSTIN RECAP DEVENPORT GETS IT DONE AT AUSTIN By Josie Fladager D estri Devenport proved to be the best inside Travis County Expo Center at Rodeo Austin in 2022. Riding SR Industry Titan, simply known as “Titan,” in the tournament style format in which times and placing advanced one forward,
evenport won the qualifying round in a time of 15.35 to easily advance to the Playoff round. While she didn’t place in the money in the playoff round she advanced off a tiebreaker to the final round where she once again took the top honor in a time of 15.31 seconds, the fastest of this year’s rodeo. Her total winnings of $13,642 took her from 104th in the WPRA Pro Rodeo Standings to inside the top 20 in late March. Going into this rodeo season, the Escondido, California native had some solid goals in mind. Devenport had never hauled very hard in the winter months before, but had an idea of what she needed to do to put her on track for her first NFR qualification. She wanted to have $20,000 won going into the spring and summer rodeos. However, a hit barrel at Odessa to have won the rodeo and qualified for Houston, among some other hardships, made it appear as if this goal was not going to be met as winter rodeos came to a close. As spring came closer, Titan, a 9-year-old stallion, made his way to the breeding barn. A couple weeks before Austin, Devenport made the call to Titan’s owners, Nick and Tom Wylie, to sell them on taking Titan to one of the last major rodeos of the winter. “I called the owners and said, ‘Here’s the deal, this is what it is going to pay and I’m on a mission. Winter didn’t go well. We need to win this rodeo,’ ” Devenport recalled saying.
seconds just edging 15-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi with a 15.39. After a competitive second round, Devenport found herself in a three-way tie with Margo Crowther and Sissy Winn. Having had the fastest time from the first round, Devenport won the tiebreaker to move onto the final round of eight. She and Titan took advantage of the opportunity, rounding the cloverleaf pattern in the fastest time of the rodeo, 15.31 seconds, a tenth of a second ahead of Pozzi Tonozzi once again. Devenport came out of the alley smiling as bright as her sparkly shirts and tack. With her mission accomplished, she was now set up much better than before to move into spring and summer rodeos. “[Titan] has been such a good horse to me and I knew that I could count on him when I was on a mission for Austin. I knew that I could count on Titan to understand what winning that rodeo meant,” she noted. For now, Titan is back at the breeding barn until the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo. Devenport has Buddy Rose, the horse on which she won Ellensburg in 2019, for this spring. The year is far from over and Devenport is looking forward to what the rest of the season has to offer. “Ultimately my goal for the rest of the year is to do the best that I can. [I want to] keep Titan and Buddy healthy and happy and able to win and keep climbing in the standings,” she explained. Gunning for the National Finals Rodeo this year more than she ever has before, Devenport is pumped up and ready to keep her momentum going. “It’s going to be a tough season, so hopefully we can have a good spring and summer and do everything we can to try to make the finals and be in the top 15 come October 1st!” Destri Devenport started the year with a goal of having $20,000 won at the winter rodeos going into the spring and summer rodeos with hopes of setting herself up for her first NFR qualification by season end. Things hadn’t gone quite as planned so she knew she had to go all in at RodeoAustin to have a chance at the goal. Luckily for Devenport she also had the support of Titan’s owners Nick and Tom Wylie. Titan, a 9-year old stallion, was at the breeding shed but the owners said go get him and see what you can do in Austin. The duo got the win stopping the clock in the final round in a time of 15.31 seconds. Photo by Peggy Gander
The Wylie’s response: “Go get him.” Having never ran at Austin, Devenport did not know exactly what to expect from the rodeo’s format, but knew she was confident in the sorrel, blaze faced stallion. Titan has a stellar track record for pens like Rodeo Austin, having won over $200,000 at large indoor races before. The duo came in hot and won the first round with a time of 15.35 Destri Devenport was grinning from ear to ear in the winner’s circle at RodeoAustin not only because she had won the prestigious rodeo for first time in her career but for also keeping her hopes alive for a 2022 NFR qualification. Photo by Peggy Gander
22 WPRA NEWS MAY 2022
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