Inside this issue are stories on the winners from Cheyenne, Salinas, Caldwell and Dodge City. What a busy month so be sure to check out the great stories inside. Also hear from four top WPRA members on why they feed Nutrena in our Sponsor Spotlight.
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September 2022 Homegrown Busby Rides Homegrown Horse to Win Home State Rodeo
AMBERLEY SNYDER, BARREL RACER Photo by Sam-Sin Photography
TROPHY BUCKLES & AWARDS STRENGTH OF MIND & COURAGE
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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 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 : Andrea Busby grew up in Lusk, Wyoming, and always dreamed of competing at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. In 2022, she not only competed but she won the title aboard a horse she raised making the win at the Daddy of ‘em All even sweeter. Photo by Jackie Jensen President Corner..............................................................................................6 In The News.......................................................................................................8 Inspiration.........................................................................................................8 Taking Care of Business..................................................................................9 2022 ProRodeo Standings............................................................................ 10 2022 ProRodeo Breakaway Standings........................................................11 Cheyenne - Barrels........................................................................................ 12 Cheyenne - Breakaway................................................................................. 14 Caldwell, ID..................................................................................................... 16 2022 PRCA/WPRA Circuit Standings............................................................ 17 Business Of.................................................................................................... 18 2022 Roping World Standings...................................................................... 19 Sponsor Spotlight: Nutrena......................................................................... 20 Salinas - Barrels............................................................................................. 22 Salinas - Breakaway...................................................................................... 24 2022 PRCA/WPRA Circuit Breakaway Standings........................................26 Futurity/Derby Standings............................................................................. 27 Junior Standings............................................................................................ 27 Winner’s Circle .............................................................................................. 28 Dodge City - 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 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 SEPTEMBER 2022
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PRESIDENT’S CORNER H ere we are in the last month of the regular season and what a race it is shaping up to be in both the barrel racing and breakaway roping to be in that elite Top 15 that earns a ticket to the Wrangler
to thank these committees for making the conditions better. We will be utilizing a new electronic voting platform this year and you will be seeing ballots in your email later this month. In the meantime, start thinking of which committees you feel deserve this honor including those that are the most improved. We have had numerous arena records set this year and feel the improved ground conditions at these rodeos have played a role in allowing the horsepower in the WPRA to run at an elite level. This makes it exciting for the fans and athletes alike. So keep up the great work and know your efforts are being noticed. This past month we have unfortunately lost several in our rodeo family. From legendary stock contractor Neal Gay, who developed the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, to Chuck Peterson, husband to Kristie Peterson and father to Jordon Briggs, to our 1984 world champion team roper Cherie Berthod, and finally to Stevi Hillman’s great NFR mare Lemon Drop. I send my heartfelt condolences to each and every family affected by these losses. Until next time, safe travels and good luck to all in this last month of the regular season.
National Finals Rodeo. The northwest rodeos have played a big role in the past in determining which ladies make it in and which ones are left to try another year. This year with the ProRodeo Tour Finale playing out in Puyallup, Washington, and the large purse all eyes will be on the outcome and the standings shuffle following that event. Speaking of the end of the season, not only is it a time to celebrate those that make the NFR but also a time for the WPRA to recognize individuals and committees who have excelled this year. Every year since the early 1990s, the WPRA and Justin Boots have honored rodeo committees in each of the 12 circuits who have ensured safe ground for the animal athletes with the Justin Best Footing Award. This past year, we have seen a majority of the rodeos step-up and either provide a hand rake or a tractor drag halfway through during their performances and we are very grateful to each and everyone one of them. In 2021, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo hand raked after every runner for the first time ever and I feel that was a huge step in having others follow suit. WPRA members will be given the chance in the coming weeks to vote for these awards in their specific circuit and I encourage everyone to take time and vote
6 WPRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022
IN THE NEWS CherishThe Memories August was a rough month in the rodeo industry with both human and equine partners being called home. The month started with the news of legendary stock contractor Neal Gay of Rafter G passing away at the age of 96. The month ended with a trio of losses within the WPRA family.
From Stevi Hillman The tears won’ stop, the thoughts continue to run places…and the pain just hurts a lot.
I have struggled to find any kind of words and have struggled to try and process this whole thing…and it still feels like a bad dream and we haven’t woke up yet. We have forever lost a huge piece of our hearts and we can only pray the hurt gets easier with time. Lemon Drop was our team member, a part of our family, and became me and Truck’s best friend. I loved that little mare so darn much and I know Truck man sure did. She brought so much joy and happiness to so many people in a short amount of time. She also brought a lot of frustration with her feisty, particular and ‘wild as heck’ spirit…that is what make her, Lemon Drop, and I feel that she was my spirit animal so it made me laugh and shake my head so often. I have so many memories I will forever be grateful for with her. We are so blessed to have had the time with her that we did and to have been a part of her beautiful story that was just beginning. We owe so much to that yellow dragon and will continue to fight like she did, and never give up and will push through circumstances that we may see as impossible. Lemon Drop you took a piece of my heart with you and until we see you again, we will run for you. Thank you Matt and Bendi Dunn for sharing her with us, as she quickly became a part of our family. The WPRA sends their condolences to each and everyone affected by these passings. New Life
On Monday, August 29, we learned of the passing of Chuck Peterson, husband to four-time world champion and ProRodeo Hall of Famer Kristie Peterson and father to reigning world champion Jordon Peterson Briggs. As Kendra Santos wrote: “Chuck was the kind, quiet win beneath the wings of Kristie Peterson when she went from school bus driver and sheriff’s department staffer to four-time world champion barrel racer on the back of her beloved bronc Bozo. Without Chuck, the fairytale could not have happened. And without the powerhouse partnership that was Chuck and Kristie, Jordon Briggs would not be the great champion who puts her family and horse Rollo first that she is.” We then learned that 1984 WPRA world champion team
roper Cherie Berthod passed away peacefully at her home in Longmont, Colorado, with her loving children by her side. She was 72 years old. And then came the news of the untimely passing of Famous Lemon Drop, a 6-year old palomino mare, who helped carry Stevi Hillman to two out of seven Wrangler NFR qualifications. Hillman, who will be making her seventh NFR appearance this December, wrote this tribute on her Facebook page following the untimely passing of Famous Lemon Drop. Lemon Drop, who Hillman rode at the 2021 Wrangler NFR, passed away on Monday, August 29, in Nampa, Idaho, after complications from colic surgery. As Bendi Dunn noted on her Facebook page, she left in Ty and Stevi’s arms knowing she was loved so much.
Kelsie Domer posted on her Facebook page: On Thursday, August 11, Ryan and Kelsie Domer were blessed with the perfect baby girl! Oaklynn Rae Domer came a little early and gave her momma some trouble for 48 hours, but we have a healthy baby and are so in love! We are excited for this next chapter! Domer is currently ranked 13th in the world with $42,193.
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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Rule of the Month The 2023 rodeo season begins 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.
“Remember, your words can plant gardens or burn whole forests down.” Gemma Troy From the Corner office: WPRA 2022 Holiday Schedule 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 2022 HOLIDAY Thanksgiving Day
Thought of the Month Be Decisive. Right Or Wrong
Is Paved With Flat Squirrels Who Couldn’t Make A Decision.
Make A Decision. The Road Of Life
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2022 WPRA PRO RODEO STANDINGS Unofficial Standings as of Aug. 31, 2022 *2021 WPRA World Champion *1. Jordon Briggs Tolar, TX $175,876 2. Dona Kay Rule Minco, OK $121,315 3. Wenda Johnson Pawhuska, OK $118,744 4. Stevi Hillman Weatherford, TX $111,668 5. Sissy Winn Chapman Ranch, TX $101,878 6. Hailey Kinsel Cotulla, TX $98,535 7. Kassie Mowry Dublin, TX $92,553 8. Shelley Morgan Eustace, TX $89,622 9. Bayleigh Choate (R) Fort Worth, TX $86,454 10. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi Lampasas, TX $82,252 11. Jessica Routier Buffalo, SD $78,865 12. Emily Beisel Weatherford, OK $77,807 13. Margo Crowther North Fort Myers, FL $76,858 14. Michelle Darling Medford, OK $75,870 15. Paige Jones Wayne, OK $74,857 16. Cheyenne Wimberley Stephenville, TX $73,791 17. Leslie Smalygo Skiatook, OK $69,833 18. Taycie Matthews (R) Wynne, AR $68,664 19. Ivy Saebens Nowata, OK $67,996 20. Lisa Lockhart Oelrichs, SD $58,443 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
RESISTOL ROOKIE STANDINGS 1. Bayleigh Choate Fort Worth, TX
$86,454 $69,453 $35,770 $29,307 $28,254 $21,326 $17,789 $16,381 $14,400 $13,202 $12,631 $12,629 $10,090 $9,200 $7,304
Taycie Matthews Presley Smith Kailee Murdock
Wynne, AR
Denham Springs, LA Litchfield Park, AZ
Jamie Olsen Katie Chism Jordan Driver
Brock, TX Henry, WI
Garden City, TX
Jennifer Neudorf Chelsie Stodghill
Grand Prairie, AB, Canada
Prineville, OR Stephenville, TX
10. Savannah Woodfin
11. Laura Mote 12. Tristan Parrish
Llano, TX
Yakima, WA
13. McKenna Coronado 14. Londyn Ross 15. Jillette Atkinson
Kanarraville, UT Bluff Dale, TX
Murray, UT
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 SEPTEMBER 2022
2022 WPRA PRO RODEO BREAKAWAY STANDINGS Unofficial Standings as of Aug. 31, 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 Taylor Hanchey Lari Dee Guy Taylor Munsell Shelby Boisjoli Rickie Engesser Cadee Williams Joey Williams
Stephenville, TX
$97,916 $67,596 $63,412 $62,668 $61,931 $58,282 $53,410 $52,231 $46,902 $46,253 $44,600 $43,109 $42,193 $41,325 $41,322 $40,069 $39,364 $35,932 $34,154 $33,912
Fowler, CO Carmine, TX Abilene, TX
$41,520 $32,476 $29,356 $24,200 $18,211 $14,614 $14,587 $13,692 $11,309 $10,188 $9,478 $9,190 $8,659 $8,348 $8,317
Alva, OK
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Tiffany Schieck
Floresville, TX Lexington, TX Comanche, TX
Stephenville, TX
Bryana Lehrmann
Spearfish, SD
Hali Williams Addie Weil Aspen Miller
Weatherford, TX
Edna, KS
Volborg, MT
Santa Fe, TX
10. Samantha Fulton 11. Cheyenne Guillory 12. JJ Hampton 13. Kelsie Domer *14. Sawyer Gilbert
Miller, SD
Lauren Hopkins Gianna Cianfichi Rheagan Cotton
Lipan, TX
Gainesville, TX Stephenville, TX
Santa Rosa, CA
Fairfield, TX Decatur, TX Hillside, AZ
Dublin, TX
10. Paige Stout
Buffalo, SD Gatesville, TX
11. Cheyenne Blackmore
15. Jordi Edens
12. Montana Brown 13. Delaney Kunau 14. Fallon Ruffoni
Centerville, TX
16. Danielle Lowman
Gilbert, AZ
Declo, ID
17. Josie Conner
Iowa, LA
Arroyo Grande, CA
18. Amber Crawford 19. Amanda Coleman 20. Beau Peterson
Springtown, TX Stephenville, TX Council Grove, KS
15. Sierra Lee
Rhame, ND
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
SEPTEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 11
PROUD MOMENT Busby Gets Big Win at the Daddy of ’em All By Joe Kusek A ndrea Busby was speaking like a proud parent when offering some facts about the biggest rodeos of the season. Busby and her husband Jeff own and operate Busby Quarter Horses in Brock, Texas. Busby estimates they have 120 to 150 horses on their property with the mares and their colts. “We’ve got a lot of horses there,” she said.
only the fifth rodeo for the seven-year-old mare registered as Blazing With My Dude and out of Dasher Dude and by Blazin Jetolena. “Doing it on a horse you raised makes it more special,” said Busby. “I wanted it sooner. God had other plans,” she added with a soft chuckle. Busby advanced through the Cheyenne Frontier Days playoff system, winning the fourth performance in 17.20 seconds and placing third in the second semifinal at 17.57. “That first round, I didn’t nail the first barrel quite right but she was still clicking,” said the rider. “The semifinal, it had rained and I was a little nervous. We nailed that first barrel and kept clocking. “The finals, we nailed the first barrel and got the angle figured out.” The final barrel racer out, Busby capped off a stellar week by winning the finals with a time of 17.13 seconds, the second fastest of the entire world-class rodeo. Leslie Smalygyo was second in 17.21.
This year, reigning WPRA barrel racing champion Jordon Briggs won RodeoHouston aboard Famous Lil Jet, a horse from Busby Quarter Horses. Kassie Mowry did the same at the Calgary Stampede on Famous Ladies Man, another Busby Quarter Horses product. “That was pretty fun to watch,” Busby said. Busby herself joined the party, riding Tito to victory at Cheyenne Frontier Days. Tito is also a member of the Busby Quarter Horses family. It was
12 WPRA NEWS DSEPCTEEMMBBEERR22002212
“It was a crazy moment,” she said. “I looked up at the scoreboard and couldn’t believe it. It was, ‘Oh my gosh, that just happened.’ ” Summer Kosel set a new arena record in 17.02 seconds in the qualifying round. Busby’s fourth performance time was also the third- fastest at Frontier Park. Busby earned $15,948 to rocket into the top 40 of the WPRA world standings. Cheyenne Frontier Days was a little extra special for Busby, who grew up on the family ranch in Lusk, Wyoming, 140 miles northeast of “The Daddy of ’em All.” “That made it really cool. Tons of family and friends were there,” she said. It also brought back special memories. “Cheyenne was the first rodeo I went to with my parents,” Busby recalled. “I was pretty little. We got to meet Charmayne James and Scamper. I got to sit on Scamper and get a picture with Charmayne. Everybody wanted to be Charmayne.” However, there was also sadness during the week. Busby’s uncle, Chuck Brook, died right after her semifinal run. “He was like a father to me,” said Busby, who lost her father John this past November. “I tried to make it to the hospital in time, but he had died.” The spacious Frontier Park layout was only the fifth rodeo for Tito. “She took to Cheyenne like a duck to water,” said Busby, who had started the horse at Pecos, Texas, followed by a win at Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a run at Greeley, Colorado.
Long-time family friend Sue Smith trained Tito. “Sue does a complete job. She gets them ready for any situation,” Busby said. “Tito, she’s so honest. She does exactly what you tell her. If we screw up, it’s my fault. “She is pretty easy to have in the trailer. She knows we love her.” In college, Busby set aside her barrel racing to play setter for the Montana State University volleyball team. “Division I volleyball is very demanding of your time,” said the admitted competitive athlete. “I’ve always been competitive. My basketball coach said I didn’t do anything for fun. Winning is fun.” Busby earned her degree in nursing and worked in the ICU unit at a hospital in Billings, Montana. She has been married to her husband 12 years and they have been together for 15. “He’s the reason I am in Texas,” Busby said with another laugh. Busby is traveling with two-time world champion Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi of Lampasas, Texas with an eye toward the 2023 season. “At the beginning of the season, I wanted to season all the young colts we have,” said Busby who has two to three horses in her trailer. “I wanted to bring back a better horse than I started with when I rode.” The season-changing victory at Cheyenne did not alter her 2022 schedule. “This year, I’m setting myself up for next year. I decided to stick to my plan,” said Busby who was entered through mid-September. “We’ll go back to Texas, get ready for breeding season, give the horses some rest and start all over again.”
Andrea Busby, second from right, stood on the stage at the Daddy of ‘em All in front of a packed house to accept the prize package for winning the barrel racing title. A title she had dreamt about for years and it was icing on the cake to win the title aboard Blazing With My Dude, a product of Busby Quarter Horses. Photo by Jackie Jensen
SEPTEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 13
PERFECT PARTNER Schieck Secures Share of Cheyenne Title By Joe Kusek, Photos by Jackie Jensen T iffany Schieck was looking for a horse. Nothing fancy, nothing special, nothing too expensive. She was needing a backup horse for her breakaway roping. Something that could also be used as a team roping head horse. A friend down the road from her home in Floresville, Texas, had some horses for sale. Schieck took two and kept one.
placing or winning. That puts it into perspective.” The money vaulted Schieck into the top 20 of the WPRA world standings and within striking distance of qualifying for the National Finals Breakaway Roping in Las Vegas. The money also helped her keep pace in the WPRA breakaway roping rookie standings where she is locked in a tight battle with Josie Conner, of Iowa, Louisiana and Bryana Lehrmann, of Lexington, Texas. Schieck and Conner traded the standings lead in the latter part of the season. “Between me, Josie and Bryana, it’s going to be a fight until the end,” said Schieck. “It might even go into the Finals.” Schieck first competed at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 2019 before it was sanctioned by the WPRA. She was second in the long round but didn’t do so well in the performances. “Horrible,” said Schieck. The cowgirl returned in 2022 with Susie. “She’s almost ranchy and has got more run in her,” said Schieck, who was told the horse is between 10 and 12 years old. “I knew she was built for the bigger arena but was not sure about her mentally. I didn’t want to put her out there, have a calf get away and her get lost. “The main thing with Cheyenne is the long score and she scores very well. It was OK, ‘Just catch them.’ That was our plan.” Schieck and Susie tied for second with Megan Burbridge with a time of 4.9 seconds. The pair followed by sharing first place with world standings leader Martha Angelone in the first semifinal with times of
Schieck purchased Susie, a palomino mare for $2,000. With no paperwork accompanying the horse, this was not a long-range purchase. “I was going to use her, make a little money and sell her,” said the gregarious Schieck. Schieck got more than a workable horse. She found the perfect partner. The two advanced through the playoff system to win a share the breakaway roping title at 126th Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days (July 23-31). Schieck and Susie, along with Macy Young on Boomer, posted matching times of 4.0 seconds to share the win. Schieck earned $18,078 at her second appearance at the Cheyenne Frontier Days while Young pocketed $15,497 at her “Daddy of ’em All” debut. Young is from Wittmann, Arizona. “It means a lot to me,” said Schieck. “Check that one off the list. “I can’t put it into words. People go their whole lives there without
14 WPRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022
4.6 seconds. Ironically for the finals, Schieck and Young drew the same calves they had in the semifinals. “I told the other girls during the draw, ‘You’ll place on him, but you won’t win.’ I was wrong,” Schieck said with one of her many friendly laughs. It was her fastest time ever in Frontier Park. “I knew I did good,” said Schieck. “But even when I made the run, I knew it wasn’t decided. There were so many good ropers to follow. I was trying to separate myself from it. Whatever God had planned, just catch” Schieck and Young waited out the rest of the field. After the last roper, an excited Schieck turned to the co-champion.
Macy Young on Boomer posted a matching time of 4.0 seconds to share the win in Cheyenne with Tiffany Schieck. Schieck earned $18,078, while Young pocketed $15,497 at her “Daddy of ‘em All” debut. Young is from Wittmann, Arizona.
It was a big change from the beginning of her season. “This is my first year out here,” Schieck said of competing full-time. “At the beginning of the summer, the plan was roping and having fun.” She began her summer at Greeley, Colorado with $500 in her bank account. Schieck earned $6,000 during the Fourth of July run. Schieck said the initial goal was to finish among the top 65 in the final WPRA world standings. “When we did that, it was 45, here we come,” she said. “My goals kept changing with each little check.” Matt Schieck is a team roper. The two met while competing on the rodeo team at Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas. He told his wife: “You have got a chance. Let’s focus on you.” Schieck hit a rough spot following Cheyenne. “I hit a mental block,”
“I turned to Macy and said, ‘We just won this one, ’ ” she said. After the presentation of awards and interviews, Schieck found her husband of three years behind the grandstand and the two locked in an emotional embrace. “I just lost it,” Schieck recalled. “Matt, being the good husband, said, ‘I knew you could do it.’ ” The night before the finals, Schieck had an inkling her 2022 might take another turn. “I told Matt, You realize if I win this, I will be in the top 15?” she said. “Then it happened. I had to go back and forth (on making an NFBR run). I didn’t expect to be in this position.”
she said. “I was worrying about what everybody else was doing.” During a stop in Casper, Wyoming – her husband’s hometown – Schieck put some time in the practice pen before heading to Deadwood, South Dakota. “I had to catch some calves,” she said. Schieck stopped checking the world standings and told her biggest fan to do the same. “I told my dad (Ken Niemietz) to stop,” she said with another laugh. “I am having a lot of fun. I’m not even thinking about this year. I’m planning for next year. I hope to do well in the winter and get a bigger push to the Finals.” And if she spoils Susie, that’s OK. “I definitely got my money’s worth out of her.”
Macy Young, second from left, along with her daughter, Hadley and Tiffany Schieck, second from right, shared the breakaway roping title in Cheyenne in 2022.
SEPTEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 15
RETURN TO THE TOP Crowther Claims Title in Caldwell By Allie Bohus W hen WPRA member Margo (Peters) Crowther first had a shot at qualifying for her first Wrangler NFR she had just graduated from Tarleton State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business. The year was 2008. She was at the top of her game, sitting in the top 15 in the WPRA World Standings, when disaster struck.
Following a run at the Cody (WY) Stampede, Crowther’s beloved horse, “Lexus,” registered Fast Time Lynx, started exhibiting signs of liver failure. She was shipped to the Montana Equine Medical and Surgery Center in Bozeman, Montana, where it was determined that she was suffering from salmonella, a bacterial infection that ended up being fatal for the 8-year-old sorrel mare, who succumbed to the illness on July 5, 2008. “It was before Facebook and smart phones were really around, and everyone was like ‘Where did Margo go?’ It was devastating to say the least! Looking back now, I was so young, it really was traumatizing, but it made me who I am today….being on the road at 22 and your horse dying definitely made me tough! Lexus was my child, she was a really sweet mare that always gave me 100-percent. She won Horse of the Year in the [National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s] Southeastern Region my senior year at Tarleton State,” she said. At the time of her devastating loss, Crowther was sitting 11th or 12th in the world standings. It was a tragic blow to her first bid at the Wrangler NFR. Crowther decided to sell her place in Morgan Mill, Texas, where she had been living while attending college, just a few days after Lexus’ passing and moved home to Florida. Later that year she met her husband, they later got married and started a family, putting her rodeo goals on hold for a few years while the rest of her life blossomed. Although she wasn’t pursuing a Wrangler NFR qualification, during Crowther’s time away from professional rodeo, she actively trained
horses, competing in futurities, super shows and local jackpots, as well as started a (200 employee) roofing company: Target Roofing and Sheet Metal - ‘Southwest Florida’s top commercial roofer’, had kids, and “focused on growing up” she said fondly. Then in 2017, Crowther won the Old Fort Days Futurity & Derby (Fort Smith, AR) on her mare Shes Packin Fame, a 2012 petite sorrel mare, “Sissy,” who Crowther bought because she reminded her so much of her former beloved horse Lexus. Once she clicked with Sissy, Crowther realized she wanted to try and rodeo more seriously again. In 2020, despite so many rodeo cancellations, Crowther won second in the Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo, and qualified for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo, finishing the year in the Top 25. 2021 was a trying year for Crowther, who got burnt out from juggling rodeo and life at home. So when the 2022 regular season started, Crowther was refreshed and ready to hit the road. It helped that Crowther’s 10-year-old daughter Stella (a Junior WPRA Member) was rodeoing with her as well! “[When the season started] I set goals to win my circuit. I told myself that am going to circuit rodeo, and not look outside my circuit. And then I started doing really well… I was just winning so much in the fall that come spring I was [still] doing well and I entered Austin (the day before Austin somebody drew out, so I got into Austin) and loaded up with my mom and the girls [Stella, 10 and Saylor, 3]. From there, I entered San Angelo and won like $11,000 and that boosted me up. Everyone was like ‘Oh my gosh, you are sitting 12th or 11th, you have to make a summer run!’ ” Crowther said. So after San Angelo, she decided to go home and rest and decide what she was going to do for the rest of her year. Margo Crowther and Shes Packin Fame, a 2012 petite sorrel mare she calls Sissy claimed the barrel racing title at the Caldwell (ID) Night Rodeo. The duo won the average in a total time of 51.81 seconds on three runs. Photo by Ty Stockton
Margo Crowther and Sissy are racing their way to their first Wrangler NFR qualification and got a big boost winning the title in Caldwell, Idaho. They picked up a total of $8,074 to add to their 2022 ProRodeo earnings. Photo by Ty Stockton
continued on page 27
16 WPRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022
2022 PRCA/WPRA CIRCUIT STANDINGS
Unofficial as of Aug. 31, 2022 BADLANDS 1. Jessica Routier
6. 7. 8. 9.
BryAnna Haluptzok Marne Loosenort Jamie Lenzner Alyssa Gabrielson
$8,845 $8,340 $7,861 $7,614 $7,194 $6,591 $6,242 $6,024 $5,515 $5,213 $12,905 $11,750 $9,926 $9,653 $9,285 $8,597 $6,825 $4,764 $4,140 $3,785 $3,680 $3,551 $3,373 $3,221 $3,056 $18,374 $13,803 $13,036 $11,247 $8,595 $7,834 $7,639 $7,265 $6,671 $6,054 $6,016 $5,675 $3,910 $3,532 $3,530 $25,645 $21,749 $14,947 $13,063 $11,233 $10,110 $6,750 $6,120 $5,463 $5,252 $4,743 $4,265 $4,253 $4,238 $3,978 $17,423 $16,501 $15,747 $14,834 $14,136 $12,435 $11,565 $8,545 $7,223 $6,519 $6,034 $5,917
13. Randi Holliday 14. Paige Jones 15. Tracy Nowlin SOUTHEASTERN 1.
$5,476 $5,273 $4,802 $15,720 $14,697 $11,531 $10,750 $10,400 $9,949 $9,505 $7,837 $7,732 $7,611 $7,564 $7,311 $6,338 $5,724 $5,718 $21,123 $15,646 $14,914 $14,208 $13,954 $12,793 $12,754 $12,347 $12,136 $11,813 $11,784 $10,807 $10,735 $10,672
15. Jimmie Smith
$10,493
TURQUOISE 1.
$18,674 $16,387 $10,551 $10,182 $9,645 $7,196 $7,192 $6,917 $6,910 $6,478 $6,343 $4,653 $4,437 $3,821 $3,787 $18,959 $16,659 $10,917 $10,507 $9,283 $9,045 $8,950 $7,817 $6,972 $6,530 $6,393 $5,092 $4,782 $4,536 $4,501 $24,473 $13,059 $12,629 $9,479 $9,038 $8,403 $8,255 $8,209 $6,892 $6,504 $6,473 $6,336 $5,170 $5,117 $4,882 $6,387 $5,510 $4,582 $4,505 $4,421 $4,112 $3,867 $3,546 $3,495 $3,392 $3,219 $2,556 $2,460 $2,238 $1,998 $17,007 $16,768 $13,102 $10,989 $9,435
Kailee Murdock (R)
$11,509 $10,670 $9,628 $9,280 $6,611 $6,529 $5,995 $5,605 $4,307 $4,227 $3,500 $3,169 $2,157 $2,048 $1,998 $23,289 $20,488 $20,416 $15,609 $10,776 $10,090 $9,117 $7,483 $7,335 $7,304 $6,679 $6,637 $5,472 $5,301 $3,536
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Summer Kosel Nikki Hansen Nicole Bice Molly Otto Fonda Melby Hallie Fulton Lakken Bice Lisa Lockhart
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Jana Bean Cindy Smith Susan Siggins Tarryn Lee Leia Pluemer Christina Gould Kiersten Pettus
10. Shannon Jensen 11. Danyelle Hovland 12. Ronda Casey 13. Shelby Janssen 14. Kristen Meyer 15. Austyn Tobey
Margo Crowther Presley Smith (R) Ericka Nelson Kristin Hanchey
2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 6
Taycie Matthews (R) Sarah Rose Waguespack
MAPLE LEAF 1.
Elizabeth Schmid Ashley Parks Emilee Jackson
Shannon McReynolds
10. Cydney Peterson 11. Kristen Zancanella 12. Allison Pauley 13. D’Ann Gehlsen
Jennifer Neudorf (R) Bradi Whiteside Taylor Manning Lynette Brodoway Kylie Whiteside Diane Skocdopole Shelby Spielman Brooke Wills Suzanne DePaoli
10. Tara Seaton 11. Lisa Anderson 12. Sharon Harrell 13. Stacey Padilla 14. Carrie Jankee 15. Blythe Beshears
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Nicole Love 11. Josey Owens 12. Ashley Rogers 13. Jill Hayes 14. Christine DeRenzo 15. Kindyl Scruggs
14. Kristi Steffes 15. Jodi Nelson
CALIFORNIA 1.
WILDERNESS 1.
Megan Champion
Macee McAllister
TEXAS 1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Kathy Petska
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Meka Farr
10. Taylor Eller 11. Cranna Roberts 12. Lisa Zachoda 13. Lakota Bird 14. Bertina Olafson 15. Mariah Mannering
Payton Schoeppach
Sissy Winn Jackie Ganter
Marcie Wilson Terri Wood Gates Lynette Clyde Kellie Collier Italy Sheehan Kristy Yerrington McKenna Coronado (R)
Nellie Miller Katie Pascoe
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Cheyenne Wimberley Kylee Scribner Michelle Alley Latricia Mundorf Chani Graves Stephanie Fryar McKenzie Morgan
Cheyenne Hattesen Shelby Bates Shelley Holman Tonia Forsberg
MONTANA 1.
10. Madison Camozzi (R) 11. Oceana Champion (R) 13. Kristi Youngblood 14. Kris Gadbois 15. Meghann McNulty (R) 12. Ali Anton
Abigail Knight Brittney Barnett Tammy Carpenter Erin Williams Maggie Poloncic Ashley Day Lindsay Kruse Cierra Erickson Hailey Garrison
10. Jillette Atkinson (R) 11. Amberley Snyder 12. Savannah Bennett 13. Anita Ellis (R) 14. Amanda Butler 15. Jennifer Barrett
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Jamie Olsen (R) 11. Bayleigh Choate (R) 12. Abby Phillips 13. Lisa Thornton 14. Shelley Morgan
COLUMBIA RIVER 1.
Cheyenne Allan Rachelle Riggers Tristan Parrish (R) Chelsie Stodghill (R)
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
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10. Heather Crowley 11. Tia Murphy 12. Tayla Moeykens 13. Latisha Larsen 14. Gayleen Malone 15. Manchi Nace (R) MOUNTAIN STATES 1. Andrea Busby
Rainy Robinson Kacey Gartner Abby Sutfin Bailey Cline
Shelly Mull
10. Pamela Coker 11. Lexie Goss 12. Jordan Minor 13. Jessie Telford 14. Sharon Gow 15. Arley Hughes (R)
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi
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Kelly Yates
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Ivy Saebens Shali Lord Chris Gibson Heidi Tillard Kim Schulze
FIRST FRONTIER 1.
Christina Mulford Beth Ann Borowy Dawn Powell Willie Horzepa Jen Merriman Stephanie Dyer (R) Madison Ann Iager Rebecca Campbell
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. Lake Mehalic 11. Emery Mask 12. Kelcey McNamee 13. Mackenzie Scott 14. Carley Cervi 15. Sydni Blanchard
PRAIRIE 1.
Summer Konopinski (R)
10. Kerri Frazier 11. Riley Shetron (R) 12. Brooke Klinger 13. Joanna Reid 14. April Masterson 15. Lindsay Jones
Michelle Darling Leslie Smalygo Tamara Reinhardt Suzanne Brooks Sadie Wolaver Taylor Johnson Emily Beisel Jamie Chaffin
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
GREAT LAKES 1.
Kricket Gintner Katie Chism (R) Lacinda Rose Sissy Warren Sara Winkelman
Ivy Hurst
2. 3. 4. 5.
10. Ari-Anna Flynn 11. Tammy Peterson 12. Emily Griffin
Visa and Mastercard accepted Subject to underwriting guidelines
SEPTEMBER 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
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
Circuit Director Bricklee Miller Starkville, MS 662-418-3963 bricklee.miller@wpra.com Spokeswomen
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
Julie Thomas Katti Breaux
FIRST FRONTIER Lead Spokesperson Eileen Lang-Kramme
Sabra O’Quinn Laura Kennedy Lindsey Pender Dallas Dewees Amie Montsdeoca TEXAS
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
Southeastern
Lindsey Pender
GREAT LAKES Circuit Director Melora Potter Marion, KY 270-704-0865 Melora.potter@wpra.com Spokeswomen Lindsay Leverington
Texas
Jackie Crawford Jordan Fabrizio
CALIFORNIA Circuit Director Katie Pascoe
PRAIRIE Circuit Director Cindy Gillespie Ransom, KS 785-731-5306 Cindy.gillespie@wpra.com Spokeswomen Shy-Anne Jarrett
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
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.
18 WPRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022
DECEMBER 2021 WPRA NEWS 18
2022 ROPING DIVISION STANDINGS WORLD STANDINGS Unofficial as of August 26, 2022 *2021 World Champion **2021 National Champion ALL-AROUND No rankings at this time BREAKAWAY **1. Josie Conner Iowa, LA $51,355 2. Martha Angelone Stephenville, TX $29,994 3. Jackie Crawford Stephenville, TX $25,668 4. Danielle Lowman Gilbert, AZ $21,423 5. Aspen Miller Santa Fe, TX $17,171 6. Hali Williams Comanche, TX $15,430 7. Josey Murphy Keachi, LA $13,043 8. Bradi Good Abilene, TX $11,666 9. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh Canyon, TX $11,657 10. Angie Green Huntsville, TX $11,340 11. Taylor Munsell Alva, OK $11,028 12. Cheyanne Guillory Gainesville, TX $10,713 13. Ari-Anna Flynn Roland, OK $9,528 14. Shelby Boisjoli Stephenville, TX $9,430 15. Charity Hoar Pine Bluff, WY $9,325 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 $3,164 10. Martha Angelone Stephenville, TX $3,120 11. Rylee George (R) Oakdale, CA $1,380 12. Alex Loiselle Decatur, TX 13. Cadee Williams Weatherford, TX 14. Jolee Jordan Kingman, AZ 15. Kenzie Kelton (R) Meyer, AZ 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. Cheyenne Blackmore Hillside, AZ 10. Kelsie Domer Dublin, TX 11. Kayse Mahoney Florence, AZ 12. Kaylee Billingsley Phoenix, AZ 13. Emily Fabian Gansevort, NY 14. Kelley Moss Hume, VA 15. Dally Goemmer Las Cruces, NM TIE-DOWN ROPING *1. Kari Nixon Freedom, OK 1. Kodi Hansen Dodge City, KS 3. Tanegai Zilverberg Holabird, SD 4. DeNiess Kilgus Watsontown, PA 5. Sierra Hilgenkamp (R) Wall, SD 6. Alyssa Bigon Woodward, OK 7. Katie Wenger East Berlin, PA 8. Cheyenne Chamberlain Fort Ann, NY 9. Emma Watts (R) Muncy, PA
$800 $400 $376 $313
$16,180 $11,618 $11,314 $7,535 $7,500 $6,120 $5,670 $1,787 $1,017
$625 $604 $376 $288 $222 $188 $844 $678 $450 $349 $273 $270 $112
$92 $56
2021 WPRA World Champion Team Ropers – Lari Dee Guy and Annette Stahl
SEPTEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 19
SPONSOR
Nutrena is a proud sponsor of the WPRA and endorses some of the best in the business. This month we highlight some of our members that feed Nutrena products and find out what they like the best. JJ Hampton - 17-time WPRA World Champion Roper Nutrena go to product : Triumph
Senior because it provides my horses with the nutrition they need to keep them going while on the rodeo circuit. I love the quality of Nutrena Feeds. They sell great products to help keep my horse feeling great so they can perform at a high level.
Unique facts about your horse : Fergie is spunky like me and she has lots of personality Most fond memory that involves horses and/or rodeo : Getting to rope with my son, Kason, just like I did with my Dad and siblings. My Mom is still working the chutes for us too! Stevi Hillman - Soon to be 7-time Wrangler NFR Barrel Racing Qualifier Nutrena go to product : Pro force Senior because it is low in starch, high in fiber and they all love it and look great on it. We love and appreciate the variety and quality of
feed Nutrena offers for all our horses and for supporting and being a part of our team. Unique facts about your horse : Truck is 15 years old and has helped me make all 7 NFRs. I think they all are unique in their different and fun personalities. Most fond memory that involves horses and/or rodeo : When I won
20 WPRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022
SPOTLIGHT
Pueblo, CO in 2016 on Morning Traffic and my whole dad’s side of the family was there. It was the first time my grandpa saw me compete in person and I had then clenched my first NFR. It was a very emotional night. Jimmie Smith Tew – 2018 WPRA Rookie of the Year and 2020 Wrangler
NFR Barrel Racing qualifier Nutrena go to product : My go to Nutrena products are Safe Choice perform for most of my horses that are easy keepers and Performance Horses and Pro Force fuel for the ones that can use a little extra fat! Both of these feeds keep them happy and healthy with the energy they need to compete and win!
Greatest professional accomplish- ment so far : Winning Rookie of the Year in 2018 & qualifying for the 2020 NFR would have to be my two greatest professional accomplishments! Most fond memory that involves horses and/or rodeo : Winning Cascade, MT was my first ProRodeo win on Lena and won it by three-tenths Tiany Schuster - 2-time Wrangler NFR Barrel Racing qualifier Nutrena go to product : Nutrena
Respond. I love it for the edge it gives my horses. It keeps them on their toes. Also, the feed is a stable consistent sweet feed that does not get hard in the winter. Has an excellent fat ratio. Nutrena Feed is about the customer… the support system of our animals… Nutrena is family…Not just another number. To the future and championships to come... Nutrena Feed is the only source of POWER for Tiany Schuster and our line-up of Champions.
DEEP-GEL EQUINE COMFORT BOOTS
Greatest professional accomplishment so far : Qualifying for the Wrangler NFR twice and setting the regular season earnings record in the WPRA in 2017 with $250,378. Also winning and setting a record at the Calgary Stampede in 2017. Most fond memory that involves horses and/or rodeo : Denver. It’s just one of my favorite rodeos. The fresh start and being strong there is a great start to a new prosperous season.
SEPTEMBER 2022 WPRA NEWS 21 DECEMBER 2021 WPRA NEWS 21
SWEET SUCCESS Pozzi Tonozzi Wins Salinas for Fifth Time in 20-year Career By Ted Harbin N ow in her 20th season competing in the WPRA, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi continues to add to her potential ProRodeo Hall of Fame resume. Her most recent fete came at the California Rodeo
Salinas, where she won the first and championship rounds and placed in the second go to win average by nearly a quarter of a second. She finished with a four-run cumulative time of 64.79 seconds, 24 hundredths of a second faster than runner-up WPRA Rookie Bayleigh Choate of Fort Worth, Texas. Better yet, her run through the skinny pen in western California – a stone’s throw from Monterey Bay – marked the fifth time in Pozzi Tonozzi’s established career that she’d won the title in Salinas. “This win has been super special just because we lost Duke this year, and he’s just been such a huge staple in our program,” she said of Yeah Hes Firen, who was 18 when he died this past December. “To come out and to win it on a different horse is pretty incredible. “I love this rodeo, I love the fans and I love being at Salinas every year.” She first won Salinas in that magical 2009 season on Duke, the palomino gelding that guided her to seven of her National Finals Rodeo qualifications. She went on to win another Montana Silversmiths gold buckle, adding to the collection she started in 2007. She then won Salinas in 2012, ’13 and ’18. Now, Pozzi Tonozzi is closing in on her 16th trip to ProRodeo’s grand championship, sitting 10th in the world standings as of Aug. 24. If she can maintain her place among the top 15 by the end of September, she will enhance her chances of catching barrel racing legends Charmayne James and Sherry Cervi, who each have 19 NFR qualifications. She began her week by winning the opening go-round in 16.05 seconds, a 10th of a second ahead of Michelle Alley of Medford, Oklahoma. A 16.25 in the second round held on for a tie for fifth place.
She closed out the opening three rounds with a 16.50 and finished out of the third-round money, but the short-round is where she really showed her stuff. Riding Babe On The Chase, an 11-year-old sorrel mare she calls Birdie out of Streakin Six Babe by Chassin Firewater, Pozzi Tonozzi stopped the clock in 15.99 seconds, the fastest run of the rodeo and an event-clinching run around the cloverleaf pattern. “(It takes) a lot of luck and being consistent” to win in Salinas, she said. “One of my runs wasn’t as good. It’s a marathon; it’s not a sprint here.” That’s certainly the case any time a cowgirl has to make four runs in the same pen. It sets things up well for her and her horsepower when it’s time to ride inside the Thomas & Mack Center over 10 nights and at the richest rodeo in the world. “Bayleigh ran second out (and was 16.10 seconds), so I knew that I was going to have to be fast, so I just went for it,” Pozzi Tonozzi said. The more than $11,300 she earned that week also helped her cause to return to Las Vegas in December, and the final run was one that will make for grand memories. “Words cannot explain the emotion that came over me after this run,” Pozzi Tonozzi wrote in a post on social media that day. “I am so lucky to have all the wonderful horses and people in my life that help me accomplish my goal. Running in Salinas is something I look Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi captures her fifth California Rodeo Salinas title in 2022 to add to her fifth title at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo from Denver that she won in January. Pozzi Tonozzi won four titles on Yeah Hes Firen “Duke” and got the fifth title aboard Babe On The Chase “Birdie.” Photo by Fernando Sam-Sin
Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and Birdie claimed the average title in Salinas this year with a time of 64.79 seconds on four runs. Photo by Sandra Levine
continued on page 25
22 WPRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022
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