WPRA NEWS April 2023

2022 Resistol Rookie of the Year Buckle By Josie Conner

T o tell you the truth I never thought I would have the opportunity to win a Resistol Rookie of the Year buckle…. ever. Until 2021, the only available women’s rookie of the year buckle was for a barrel racer. I love to rope; but rewind 10 years back as a kid I wanted to run barrels. My dad quit buying me barrel horses when I turned 9 or 10 years old because he didn’t want me to want to become a WPRA barrel racer and live on the road. My mom and I now think it’s funny how things worked out because he now drives me crisscrossing the United States on those same roads as a WPRA Breakaway Roper. My journey to get this buckle was not an easy one; but I enjoyed it! It took grit, determination, sweat, tears, broken bones & sacrifices. It took my team of horses…both Tonka & Dutch and it took my entire family! I love the people I have met, the different places I have been & the time I got to spend with my friends & family along the way! This buckle represents one of the many doors that have opened for the breakaway ropers. This buckle represents never quit working even in the face of adversity and be ready when the opportunity presents itself. This buckle represents to never lose faith in your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ because he always has your back. I am both proud and thankful for everything it took to get this buckle and everything this buckle represents.

APRIL 2023 WPRA NEWS 25

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