BADLANDS CIRCUIT First – Mandan (ND) Rodeo Days Second – Range Days Rodeo – Rapid City, SD Third – Rodeo Rapid City, SD Most Improved – Mandan (ND) Rodeo Days
2023 JUSTIN BEST FOOTING AWARD WINNERS T he Women’s Professional Rodeo Association congratulates the following rodeo committees who have gone above and beyond this past year to ensure safe ground for the animal athletes of rodeo, specifically the barrel racing horses. Every year since the early 1990s the WPRA and Justin Brands have honored rodeo committees in each of the 12 circuits with the Justin Best Footing Awards. The Justin Best Footing Awards® program was created when Tom Feller, director of event marketing for Justin Brands, approached the WPRA about partnering on a program that would focus on the health and well-being of the animal athlete. Not only does the program keep animal athletes performing at the top level, but it also recognizes the hard work and time rodeo committees put into making their ground as safe as possible for the barrel horse and all rodeo livestock. Rodeos across the country are continuing to step up and either provided a hand rake or a tractor drag halfway through during their performances. As a result, there continues to be arena records set with the improved ground conditions allowing the horsepower in the WPRA to run at an elite level. This award is determined by votes by the WPRA membership and Circuit Directors and represents our members’ voices saying “thank you” for a job well done. The WPRA recognizes the top three rodeo committees in all 12 circuits as well as the most improved ground committee in each circuit. Committee awards provided by Justin include cash bonuses (ranging from $350-$1,000), plaques and, at certain award levels, a pair of Justin exotic boots. In addition, names of each winner for each of the 12 circuits are put into a drawing for an additional $1,500 bonus from Justin. This year’s winner was Mandan (ND) Rodeo Days.
CALIFORNIA CIRCUIT First – California Rodeo Salinas Second – Red Bluff Round- Up Third – 80th Annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Most Improved – Marysville Stampede
COLUMBIA RIVER CIRCUIT First – Elgin (OR) Stampede Second – High Desert Stampede – Redmond, OR Third – Tonasket (WA) PRCA Rodeo Most Improved – Crooked River Roundup – Prinev- ille, OR
FIRST FRONTIER CIRCUIT First – Goshen (CT) Stampede Second – Apple Hill Stables Rodeo, Levante, ME Third – Gerry (NY) Volunteer Firemen’s Rodeo Most Improved – Painted Pony Championship Rodeo – Lake Luzerne, NY
44 WPRA NEWS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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