Rodeo Life

Author: Ann Bleiker

  • Like Mother Like Daughter

    Like Mother Like Daughter

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Jordon Briggs is definitely following in her mother’s footsteps. She added two very impressive titles to her name at the 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo winning the average title and the world title.

    Briggs of Tolar, Texas, not only won the average but set a new NFR average record inside the Thomas and Mack with a total time of 136.83 on 10 runs, surpassing Nellie Miller’s record of 137.32 set in 2017.

    “Oh man it means a lot,” said Briggs of the average title. “That was my goal coming into here. I knew I had the horse that could do that and he did it. I had so many people cheering for me. I even had bull riders I have never met cheering for me. It was great. I felt a lot of power behind me and didn’t want to let anyone down and my horse never does.”

    She definitely had the horse which was Famous Lil Jet “Rollo” that also won Horse of the Year honors in 2021. In fact, Rollo has not hit a barrel all year long. Talk about impressive. Briggs knows a thing or two about the importance of an average title as her Hall of Fame Mother Kristie Peterson won five in a row in the Thomas and Mack from 1994-1998.

    “I am a very average minded person and that is why this was my goal,” noted Briggs. “I was really disappointed the first year I made it that I didn’t place in the average. That is what I had out for blood this trip was that average title. And to set the average record was icing on the cake.”

    She also made history by becoming the first mother-daughter duo to ever win a WPRA World Title. Kristie won a total of four in her career. Briggs edged Hailey Kinsel for this year’s title when Kinsel was looking for her fourth title. Briggs ended the year with $297,460 while Kinsel was second in $281,156.

    “I can’t even believe it,” said Briggs about her first world title. “I am speechless about the world title. I don’t think it will really set in until I am out on that stage with everyone else. This week has been a dream come true.”

    Molly Otto finished second in the average in a time of 145.11 but walked away earlier in the night with the Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award given by the WPRA and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

     

  • Briggs Takes Victory Lap in Eighth Round at the Wrangler NFR

    Briggs Takes Victory Lap in Eighth Round at the Wrangler NFR

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Jordon Briggs is the only barrel racer in the field of 15 that hasn’t hit a barrel through eight rounds in Las Vegas. Some might think she would safety up but that isn’t her plan.

    Briggs and Rollo, the 2021 Barrel Horse of the Year captured the top spot in the eighth round in a time of 13.45 seconds.

    “I just trust my horse so much,” noted Briggs, the daughter of ProRodeo Hall of Famer Kristie Peterson. “We just have to go at it every night. This is a really a tough group of ladies and I am the only one that hasn’t hit a barrel, so even if I do it won’t kill me. So you just keep going at the rounds and trust my horse and my training.”

    Briggs came in No. 2 behind Hailey Kinsel but winning the average is an important element for her shot at her first world title. So while she says they just have to go at it every night there is still a certain amount of pressure on her.

    “Definitely pressure there,” stated Briggs. “You wouldn’t have a heart beat if you didn’t feel that pressure. I just keep trying to just be grateful that I am here and be grateful for what I have already accomplished. I just have to leave the rest up to whatever happens.”

    Briggs is making her second Wrangler NFR appearance with her first coming in 2009. She had hoped Rollo would do well in this set-up but one never knows.

    “I sure hoped he would be successful here,” noted Briggs. “He gave me no other indication to think any differently. I knew my horse could do it. I had to make sure my mental capability was strong enough to handle these 10 days. I am thankful for my support team which grew tonight with my mom (Kristie Peterson), my little girl and my sister all arriving into town. So this South Point party is going to be awesome tonight.”

    A party indeed. Briggs leads the average with a total time of 109.63 with Kinsel second in 114.18 seconds. Briggs will be first out in the ninth round, while Kinsel will move to last on the ground. Fans don’t want to miss how things play out in the ninth round as it will go a long ways to determine if Kinsel wins her fourth in a row or Briggs captures her first. Briggs has placed in seven out of eight rounds with a first, second, third, two fifth place finishes and two sixth place finishes.

    Kinsel leads the world with $229,775 and Briggs has $199,705.

    Ninth round action gets underway, Friday, December 9 at 5:45 p.m. PT LIVE on the Cowboy Channel.

    Don’t forget to vote for the Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Cowgirl as the ninth round will be your last chance to place your vote at https://wpra.com/index.php/nfr-2021-jerry-ann-taylor-awards-auto-schedule

  • Gilbert Etches Name in History Books as 2021 WPRA World Champion Breakaway Roper

    Gilbert Etches Name in History Books as 2021 WPRA World Champion Breakaway Roper

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – It was a two horse race from July to December with Shelby Boisjoli and Sawyer Gilbert battling back and forth. Boisjoli entered her second Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping as the No. 1 roper following her big win at the ProRodeo Tour Finale in Salinas.

    Boisjoli held that spot until the 10th round of the Wrangler NFBR at the Orleans Arena when Gilbert moved in front by $86.32. Boisjoli was leading the average until a no time in the eighth round opened the door for Gilbert to win her first gold buckle. She didn’t let that opportunity pass and not only won the world but went ahead and won the average title as well in a total time of 46.30 seconds on 10. Actually, Gilbert was the only lady in the top 15 to rope all 10 head.

    “That is one of my strengths as I can always catch,” said Gilbert about the average title. “I told myself even if I broke a barrier to get all 10 roped and this means the world to me.”

    Gilbert won the world with $71,654 compared to Boisjoli with $69,457.

    “Holy cow,” responded Gilbert when she learned she had won the world. “I knew I could do it and just wanted to catch that last calf. This has been a dream before I even knew it was possible on this big stage. I am so honored and glad to get it done.”

    Taylor Munsell, former college coach, finished third in the world with $57,896 after finishing second in the average in a time of 25.10 on nine head.

    Kelsie (Chace) Domer and Gilbert got things started on the final day of the National Finals Breakaway Roping winning the sixth round after stopping the clock in 2.0 seconds. They each added $3,949 to their bank accounts.

    The time of 1.8 seconds was the sweet spot for the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth rounds as that was the winning time for each. The seventh round won by Martha Angelone was just a tick off the fastest time of the event which came in the fourth round by Joey Williams with a 1.7. It would be Williams that took the eighth round victory lap after turning in her own 1.8 second run. Domer and Munsell were second in 2.1 seconds.

    The ninth round was won by Cheyanne Guillory and Angelone with identical 1.8 second runs. Danielle Lowman a proud representative of the Navajo Nation was third in a time of 1.9 seconds.

    She waited until the end like she did last year at the NFBR but better late than never. Seventeen time WPRA World Champion JJ Hampton took the 10th round win with her own 1.8 second run.

    Another first for Gilbert was the average title as during the 2020 Wrangler NFBR an average was not awarded so she became the inaugural average champion.

  • Rule and Valor Rebounds To Win Round 2

    Rule and Valor Rebounds To Win Round 2

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo didn’t start the way Dona Kay Rule had hoped with two downed barrels but she brushed it off and rebounded in championship style in the second round.

    “Honestly for me if I make a mistake, it is just a mistake and I let it go and go on to the next one,” said Rule of Minco, Oklahoma. “I put the brakes on just a tick early last night and he just took it. It was that he worked and not that it was a big mistake. Tonight I just left him alone and went all the way into my spot.”

    Rule aboard the WPRA Horse With The Most Heart, High Valor, turned in the fastest time thus far with a 13.56 second run. Rule was second out on the ground tonight and she made it count.

    “Valor seems to like the ground so that is good,” noted Rule. “He hit his spots tonight and it felt comfortable and smooth tonight. He loves it when the crowd goes wild and they did that tonight.”

    Rule added $26,997 to her earnings tonight and is currently ranked third in the world. Hailey Kinsel didn’t place in the money tonight with a 13.88 but still holds the top spot in the world standings with $139,640. Round 1 winner Cheyenne Wimberley leads the average after two nights with a time of 27.62 seconds.

    Third round action gets underway, Saturday, December 4 at 5:45 p.m. PT LIVE on the Cowboy Channel.

    Don’t forget to vote for the Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Cowgirl each night at https://wpra.com/index.php/nfr-2021-jerry-ann-taylor-awards-auto-schedule

     

  • Back When They Bucked with Shawn Davis

    Back When They Bucked with Shawn Davis

    Shawn Davis has spent his life in the western or equine business with his biggest impact being in the sport of professional rodeo and specifically the National Finals Rodeo. Born Dec. 7, 1940, in Butte, Montana, Davis bought his RCA card in 1962 (RCA became the PRCA in 1975) and it was full-speed ahead. He made a name for himself in the arena winning three world titles in rodeo’s “classic” event of saddle bronc riding and then outside the arena as the General Manager for the “Super Bowl of Rodeo” from 1985 to 2018.
    “I am not sure I ever thought of my career in the sport of rodeo lasting so long, but I knew it was something I enjoyed and if I could help move the sport forward while maintaining its history, it was worth trying,” noted Davis. “As a true rodeo fan, it was a blessing to have a front row seat for so many years to watch a number of great rides and achievements of others. Those memories and the friends I made is what I cherish the most.”
    During his riding career Davis, who called Whitehall, Montana, home, qualified for the National Finals Rodeo a total of 12 times with his first trip coming in 1963, just a year after joining the RCA, and his final qualification in 1977. In 1963, he finished 13th in the world standings with $8,386. In 1964, he improved on his final ranking from the year before, finishing fifth in the world with $13,289, but it was 1965 that still holds a special place in his memory.
    It was 1965 that Davis captured his first world title and set a new record for most money won in saddle bronc riding at the time, and he did all of this while competing against the likes of Winston Bruce, Bill Martinelli, Dennis Reiners, Jim Tescher, Kenny McLean and Bill Smith. Davis won the world after picking up $25,599 in earnings that year and surpassed Marty Wood’s record earnings of $22,148 set in 1964. Davis was among the elite that year with Dean Oliver, Jim Houston, Harley May, Jim Rodriguez Jr., Glen Franklin and Larry Mahan all capturing world titles in their respective events. If being linked as 1965 World Champions wasn’t enough, all of them along with announcer Cy Taillon, were original inductees into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1979.
    “Those were fun times and to think now a round at the NFR pays more than I won in that entire year,” commented Davis. “I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.”
    Davis was unable to defend his world title the following year as Marty Wood took top honors with $20,319 in earnings. Davis finished fifth in the final world standings. However, he returned in 1967 to capture his second world title. In fact, he had such a dominating regular season that he had the world title wrapped up before the NFR even started. He finished the year with $25,277.
    His third and final title came in 1968, when he edged Larry Mahan for the crown. Davis finished the year with $22,697, while Mahan came up short with $18,990 in earnings. This was Davis’ third title in four years, which cemented him in the rodeo history books.
    While in college at Western Montana, Davis began transitioning from competitor to rodeo producer to rodeo coach. The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) in Twin Falls, hired him to start a rodeo program in 1977 and the program flourished under Davis. During his 30 years at the helm of the program, the CSI Rodeo program won an astonishing 24 regional championships, three National titles and 23 National Top-19 finishes. Cowboys like 2000 World Champion bull rider Cody Hancock, two-time world champion bull rider Blue Stone, all-around hand Cody DeMers and saddle bronc rider Cody Wright all went through the program under Davis at CSI. Davis retired from coaching in June of 2007.
    “My goal as a rodeo coach was to not only help those students continue to hone their rodeo skills but also give them skills to use outside of the arena,” said Davis, whose grandson Dawson now competes in steer wrestling for Cochise College. “Our biggest fundraiser each year, known as the Boxing Smoker, was an event the rodeo team had to produce from start to finish which included selling tickets, securing sponsorships, event set-up, run of show, etc. I still hear from former students that tell me how much they learned through my program that still helps them in their everyday life.”
    Davis has had a front row seat to watching the Wright family become household names in the rodeo business. From helping a young Cody Wright reach the pinnacle of the sport to now seeing his children, who were just babies, rewriting the record books it has been quite a ride.
    “Cody’s work ethic was something you can’t teach and his dedication to winning a world title was something I admired,” said Davis. “To watch his kids riding today, winning world titles and setting new records is exciting. Ryder’s feet might be the fastest I have ever seen in the saddle bronc riding. There is no telling how many more records these kids will set before the end of their career.”

    In addition to being a rodeo coach, Davis became one of the top rodeo producers in the country, an area he became interested in while in college. He got his first crack at producing a rodeo when he was the President of the rodeo team at Western Montana. The opportunity presented itself and Davis ran with it. While working at CSI, he served on the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Board, including the role of President, and took on the role of producing the College National Finals Rodeo. He resigned from the NIRA Board, when he took over the reins of President of the PRCA. During his tenure as PRCA President, he was very instrumental in moving the National Finals Rodeo from its home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to its current home in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the time, Davis knew that in order for rodeo to take the next step a new venue was needed and the prize money needed to increase. Since moving the NFR from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas the prize money has gone from $901,550 to a record $10.257 million in 2021.
    “Oklahoma City had done a wonderful job, but I felt like rodeo had hit its pinnacle there,” said Davis of the decision to move the NFR. “I felt like the move would help take rodeo to greater heights and I believed that Las Vegas was the perfect place for it to flourish. Thankfully, it has and now it is one of the hardest tickets to get.”
    Davis served as the events general manager from 1985 until he retired in 2018. He served as a consultant in 2019.
    “I had always been impressed with the Finals and what it stood for, so when I started overseeing the event I wanted to maintain its integrity while entertaining the fans,” said Davis regarding his role as NFR General Manager. “I am a big believer that every contestant deserves their moment of glory and that is why the main focus at the Finals was the competition. Also it is an event to match the best against the best in an entertaining environment.”
    Davis remains busy today training thoroughbred race horses at his place in Congress, Arizona and at race tracks throughout the United States. He hopes to one day train the Kentucky Derby winner that will go on to win the Triple Crown.
    “My granddad was into horse racing and I remember listening to him tell stories when I was around nine years old,” said Davis of how he got involved in horse racing. “My uncles then bought a horse and when I was 10 or 12 years old, they had me riding him in some races. It all seemed to go from there.”
    Davis was known far and wide for his riding skills, so when the jockeys were afraid to get on, the owners and trainers would call Davis. While competing in rodeo, horse racing was not far from his mind. After he and his wife, Jeanna, got married they got more involved in the racing industry. In fact, the first horse they raised won its first race with a jockey by the name of Gary Stevens. During Stevens’ career he has had nine wins in Triple Crown races, winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes three times each.
    These days you will either find Davis at a race track or watching his son, Zane, compete in reining cow horse competitions or at one of his grandkids’ (Zayle, Dawson and Presley) events.

  • Dona Kay Rule and High Valor Turn In Fastest Time at WPRA World Finals

    Dona Kay Rule and High Valor Turn In Fastest Time at WPRA World Finals

    WACO, TEXAS – If Sunday morning at the 2021 WPRA World Finals presented by Nutrena in Waco, Texas, was any indication of how ready Dona Kay Rule and High Valor are for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo next month, they passed the test with flying colors.

    During the final round of the WPRA Card Holder Race at EXTRACO Event Center, Valor laid down the fastest time of the entire weekend stopping the clock in 15.457 seconds to capture the round and average title. Rule added another $1,770 for the round win and $3,584 for the average to her 2022 WPRA ProRodeo World Standings. Valor raced against many of the same horses that will be running down the alleyway at the Thomas and Mack in just a few short weeks including Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and Ima Famous Babe, who finished second in the final round in a time of 15.626; Emma Charleston and Makana, a horse Stevi Hillman plans to have in her arsenal in Las Vegas, were sixth in a time of 15.873 and Jordon Briggs and Famous Lil Jet, finished eighth in the round at 15.901.

    Rule of Minco, Oklahoma, entered the final round third in the average behind Jimmie Smith and Jordon Briggs but after saving their best run for the final day, Rule and High Valor took home the average title with a total time of 47.043 on three runs.

    Laura Mote, daughter of four-time PRCA World Champion Bareback Rider Bobby Mote, turned 18 in July and bought her WPRA permit the end of August. Competing this weekend in the WPRA permit only race, Mote blasted through the cloverleaf pattern aboard Reb Hot Redbull winning two rounds en route to the average title. She topped the leaderboard in the second round in a time of 15.811 seconds and returned for the final round also turning in the top time with a 15.913. She easily won the average with a three run total of 47.955 seconds. Mote will now turn her attention to her next goal of winning the 2022 WPRA Rookie of the Year title.

    Complete coverage of the 2021 WPRA World Finals will be in the January WPRA News issue.

    ###

     

    WPRA Card Holder Race

    First round: 1. Kylee Scribner (Firewater Cartel), 15.640 seconds, $2,390; 2. Jodee Miller (Mr Repete Pete), 15.744, $2,048; 3. Jackie Ganter (Smokn Lane), 15.799, $1,707; 4. Jimmie Smith (A Valiant Nicky), 15.816, $1,479; 5. Dona Kay Rule (High Valor), 15.824, $1,138; 6. Alex Lang (Angels On The Moon), 15.861, $1910; 7. Randee Prindle (Red Man Jones), 15.869, $683; 8. Carrie Potashnick (Perks In The House), 15.877, $455; 9. Haley Wolfe (Iron Eyes Rio Bravo), 15890, $341; 10. Cassidy Kruse Deen (Outta Clear Blue), 15.892, $228. Second round: 1. Jordon Briggs (Famous Lil Jet), 15.605 seconds, $2,390; 2. Jimmie Smith (A Valiant Nicky), 15.707, $2,048; 3. Emma Charleston (Makana), 15.725, $1,707; 4. Tillar Murray (Dashing Canelo), 15.753, $1,479; 5. (tie) Cheyenne Wimberley (Royal Blue Fame) and Dona Kay Rule (High Valor), 15.762, $1,024 each; 7. Tandy Meyers (Streakin Dusty Light), 15.769, $683; 8. Tera Moody (Pennys Final Fling), 15.789, $455; 9. Rylee Shields (Fury’s Princess), 15.809, $341; 10. Liz Pinkston (Cash Flow Depot), 15.812, $228. Final round: 1. Dona Kay Rule (High Valor), 15.457 seconds, $1,770; 2. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi (Ima Famous Babe), 15.626, $1,328; 3. Wendy Cline (Streakin And Shaken), 15.836, $885; 4. Steeley Steiner (XS Dirty Lil Secret), 15.867, $443. Average: 1. Dona Kay Rule, 47.043 seconds on three runs, $3,584; 2. Jordon Briggs, 47.462, $3,072; 3. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 47.611, $2,560; 4. Tandy Meyers, 47.664, $2,219; 5. Jimmie Smith, 47.763, $1,707; 6. Emma Charleston, 47.770, $1,365; 7. Stephanie Fryar, 47.790, $1,024; 8. Michelle Darling, 47.934, $683; 9. Wendy Cline, 47.957, $512; 10. Cayla Small, 47.971, $341.

     

    WPRA Permit Only Race

    First round: 1. Mindy Holloway (Heavens Got Credit), 15.998 seconds, $981; 2. Suade Furr (Stackin Bills), 16.103, $841; 3. Kaycee Killingsworth (Firewater Ta Party), $701; 4. Laura Mote (Reb Hot Redbull), 16.231, $607; 5. Jordyn Williams (Kool Speed Ta Kash), 16.270, $467; 6. Rylee Leach (NMD Chesterslilbunny) 16.277, $374; 7. Traci Nelson (The Cat Dun It), 16.320, $280; 8. Masyn Powers (BW Lilsisterdontcha) 16.341, $187; 9. Jesse Harris (BR Galsfrench Hayday), 16.373, $140; 10. Anna Johnson (Famous Resurection) 16.375, $93. Second round: 1. Laura Mote (Reb Hot Redbull), 15.811, $1,238; Suade Furr (Stackin Bills), 16.004, $1,098; 3. DeeDee Jordan (Firen For Jack), 16.218, $958; 4. Taci Nelson (The Cat Dun It), 16.252, $864. Final round: 1. Laura Mote (Reb Hot Redbull), 15.913 seconds, $890; 2. Traci Nelson (The Cat Dun It), 16.029, $668; 3. Robin Kuhnhein (MR JB Chasin Roses), 16.384, $223; 4. (tie) Lauren Merica (Gogo Romeo), 16.399, $111 each.  Average: 1. Laura Mote, 47.955 seconds on three runs, $1,402; 2. Traci Nelson, 48.601, $1,202; 3. Jennifer Dunn, 49.453, $1,001; 4. Lauren Merica, 49.524, $868; 5. Ella Gohlke, 49.569, $668; 6. Robin Kuhnhein, 49.764, $534; 7. Brooke Andrews, 49.882, $401; 8. Dee Dee Jordan, 49.898, $257; 9. Lindsey Stevens, 49.926, $200; 10. Margo Thomas, 49.983, $134.

     

     

  • 2021 WPRA Rookie of the Year Takes Round 1 of Card Holder Race at WPRA World Finals

    2021 WPRA Rookie of the Year Takes Round 1 of Card Holder Race at WPRA World Finals

    WACO, TEXAS – Barrel racing action took center stage on Friday morning, Nov. 12 at the WPRA World Finals in Waco, Texas, and a familiar name tops the leaderboard after the first round of the WPRA Card Holder Race.

    Kylee Scribner and Firewater Cartel seem to have found a profitable home at the EXTRACO Event Center. During the 2020 WPRA World Finals, Scribner kicked off her rookie season in the WPRA by turning in the fastest time of the weekend winning the second round after stopping the clock in 15.345. She and BB returned in 2021 to kickoff her second year in the WPRA with the Rookie of the Year title in tow and they laid down the fastest time of the first round with a 15.640. They set the bar high and early as she was the seventh runner in the opening round.

    Jodee Miller and Mr Repete Pete would come the closest to Scribner at run No. 31 with a 15.744 followed by former NFR qualifier and 2015 WPRA Rookie of the Year Jackie Ganter aboard Smokn Lane with a 15.799 at run No. 41.

    Scribner added a cool $2,390 to her 2022 WPRA World Standings and is looking to add more before the weekend is over. The second round is scheduled for Saturday, November 13 at 9:30 a.m.

    While Scribner was making headlines in the card holder race, Mindy Holloway was making her own noise in the Permit Only race. Holloway and Heavens Got Credit turned in the fast time in the first round stopping the clock in 15.998 seconds. They knocked Suade Furr and Stackin Bills out of the top spot. Furr was contestant No. 80 and stopped the clock in 16.103 and Holloway was No. 86 so it was short lived for Furr. However, both made a huge step in filling their permit collecting $981 and $841, respectively. Rounding out the top 3 was Kaycee Killingsworth and Firewarter Ta Party with a 16.199. Killingsworth was No. 58 and held the lead until Furr ran at No. 80. Second round action of the Permit Only race will run at 8 a.m. CT on Saturday.

    All barrel racing action can be viewed live at www.goldbucklemedia.net.

    Tonight the third round of roping will be contested and will be streamed live on Wrangler Network.

     

    WPRA Card Holder Race

    First round: 1. Kylee Scribner (Firewater Cartel), 15.640 seconds, $2,390; 2. Jodee Miller (Mr Repete Pete), 15.744, $2,048; 3. Jackie Ganter (Smokn Lane), 15.799, $1,707; 4. Jimmie Smith (A Valiant Nicky), 15.816, $1,479; 5. Dona Kay Rule (High Valor), 15.824, $1,138; 6. Alex Lang (Angels On The Moon), 15.861, $1910; 7. Randee Prindle (Red Man Jones), 15.869, $683; 8. Carrie Potashnick (Perks In The House), 15.877, $455; 9. Haley Wolfe (Iron Eyes Rio Bravo), 15890, $341; 10. Cassidy Kruse Deen (Outta Clear Blue), 15.892, $228.

     

    WPRA Permit Only Race

    First round: 1. Mindy Holloway (Heavens Got Credit), 15.998 seconds, $981; 2. Suade Furr (Stackin Bills), 16.103, $841; 3. Kaycee Killingsworth (Firewater Ta Party), $701; 4. Laura Mote (Reb Hot Redbull), 16.231, $607; 5. Jordyn Williams (Kool Speed Ta Kash), 16.270, $467; 6. Rylee Leach (NMD Chesterslilbunny) 16.277, $374; 7. Traci Nelson (The Cat Dun It), 16.320, $280; 8. Masyn Powers (BW Lilsisterdontcha) 16.341, $187; 9. Jesse Harris (BR Galsfrench Hayday), 16.373, $140; 10. Anna Johnson (Famous Resurection) 16.375, $93.

     

     

  • Jimmie Munroe Officially Takes Over the Reins as WPRA President

    COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – Beginning today, May 27th, Jimmie Munroe officially starts her Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Presidency following the WPRA Special Election.

    This is a familiar spot for Munroe having served the WPRA in this position twice before. Her first WPRA President term was from 1978-1993 and then again from 2011 to 2012. Munroe takes over the position left vacant by Doreen Wintermute, who retired early the end of March.

    “It will truly be an honor and privilege to once again serve our entire membership as your WPRA President,” said Munroe upon hearing the final results of the special election. “Now is the time to come together so that we can move our sport into the bright future that I know lies ahead.”

    Munroe brings a wealth of knowledge, history and respect to the position. During her previous terms as president she led the association in acquiring equal prize money, obtained national sponsors and advanced the use of electric timers and better arena conditions.

    A true all-around cowgirl, Munroe competed in barrel racing, breakaway roping, and goat tying. A Texas native-born in Waco and currently residing in Valley Mills, she entered her first horse show at three, her first rodeo at ten, and had a rodeo career that included three WPRA world titles (barrels, all-around, tie-down roping-all in 1975), 11 trips to the National Finals Rodeo on three different horses, a two-time NIRA National Champion Barrel Racer and an NIRA National Champion All-Around Cowgirl. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s degree in education in which she has used not only as a leader of the Association but in conducting horsemanship and barrel racing clinics worldwide, including Australia, Brazil, Canada and of course the United States.

    In 1980, she married Dan O. “Bud” Munroe a 12-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and 1986 saddle bronc riding world champion. The couple has one daughter, Tassie Munroe.

    In 1990, Munroe was named the Coca-Cola “Woman of the Year in Professional Rodeo,” in 1996 was awarded the Tad Lucas Award by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, in 1999 was named the Pioneer Woman of the WPRA and in 2008 was named a Distinguished Alumni of Sam Houston State University. She has been inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame (1992), the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame (1997), the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame (2003), in 2016 was inducted with her husband in the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and in 2019 she joined her husband, who was inducted in 2007, into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

  • Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo To Feature $50,000 Young Guns Rodeo

    Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo To Feature $50,000 Young Guns Rodeo

    SALT LAKE CITY (May 25, 2021) – The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo is excited to announce the expansion of the Days of ’47 Young Guns Rodeo that will be a featured competition during rodeo week in Salt Lake City.

    The Days of ’47 Young Guns Rodeo will feature the next generation of rodeo stars ages 13-18 in the timed events (steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and breakaway roping) and 6-18 in the roughstock events (bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding) and will be part of the Nation’s Only $1 Million Cowboy Games and Rodeo July 20-24 in the Salt Lake Valley.

    “We are excited to feature one of the largest youth rodeos in the State of Utah boasting $50,000 in prize money,” said Tommy Joe Lucia, Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo General Manager. “Our mission is to honor Utah’s pioneer heritage and educate Utah’s youth. We are honored to make this investment into the future of our sport and tomorrow’s leaders.”

    The timed event competition will take place daily, July 20-24 starting at 10 a.m. at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Park outdoor arena in South Jordan, Utah. While the roughstock competition will be held daily at 4:30 p.m. at the Days of ’47 Arena in Salt Lake City as part of the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo pre-rodeo entertainment.

    Entries are on a first come, first serve basis with entries opening at 10 a.m. MT on May 26, 2021 online at www.ctrodeo-Idaho.weebly.com. Individuals can enter once per day with daily payouts of $1,000 in each category. Entries will be capped at 15 per category per day in the timed events and a total of 15 per discipline in the roughstock events. Books close and fees are due NO LATER than July 1, 2021.

    “Youth in the State of Utah and across the United States will not want to miss this event,” said Cameron Tuckett, owner and operator of CT Rodeo. “This is a huge step for us expanding to offer opportunities for the timed event youth during the Days of ’47 and drastically increasing the total event payout from $7,500 to $50,000. We can’t thank our partners with Days of ’47 enough for investing in the next generation of rodeo stars and the sky is the limit for this event.”

    The overall champion (highest score in the five days not including the pee wee age group) in the bareback and saddle bronc riding competition will earn a GOLDEN TICKET to the Junior World Roughstock National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December.

    For those kids that aren’t quite ready for the bucking horses and bulls, the Young Guns Rodeo will also feature mutton busting. There will be three sections each day at the Days of ’47 Arena as part of the pre-rodeo entertainment beginning at 4:30 p.m. Always a crowd favorite, the mutton busting gives the younger kids an opportunity to “Get Their Cowboy On.” Participants must weigh less than 50 pounds and be between the ages of 3 and 8 years old. No exceptions. Entries are on a first come, first serve basis and are free to sign-up at www.daysof47cowboygames.com under the Events tab. Tickets to that night’s rodeo are required for entry to the arena.

    Tickets are now on sale and range in price from $14 to $29. Tickets can be purchased through AXS tickets – online at http://www.axs.com/series/11764/2021-days-of-47-cowboy-games-rodeo-tickets or by phone at 800-888-8499. Group sales of 10 tickets or more will receive a $5 off excluding the $14 priced tickets.

    Gates open at 4:00 pm daily and fans are encouraged to come early to enjoy the historical exhibits, commercial exhibitors, great food, and preshow activities in the area including the Young Guns Rodeo featuring tomorrow’s champions. New this year is an air-conditioned vendor space and additional shading for the Fun Zone activities that is open and free to the public. The Young Guns Rodeo will take place in the main arena beginning at 4:30 p.m., and a rodeo ticket will be required for admission. For more information on pre-event activities please visit www.daysof47cowboygames.com.

    The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo has become a must stop on the summer rodeo schedule for contestants from the junior high level all the way to the pros of the sport as they vie for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded to the top three, setting this rodeo apart from any other rodeo in the world.

    Please keep an eye on our website (www.daysof47cowboygames.com) and our social media platforms (https://www.facebook.com/daysof47rodeo, https://twitter.com/Daysof47Rodeo, http://instagram.com/daysof47rodeo) for the latest news regarding the 2021 event.

     

    # # #

     

    About Days of ‘47

    The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo presented by Zions Bank, takes place at the $17.5 million, state-of-the-art Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark each July. The venue—an outdoor arena located in the heart of Salt Lake City—features over 10,000 stadium-style seats. The Days of ’47 Rodeo is one of Utah’s longest-standing traditions – celebrating Utah’s heritage since 1847. The rodeo, and other Days of ’47 events, commemorate the day – July 24, 1847 – when a determined company of Mormon pioneers realized their dreams upon entering the Great Salt Valley. The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo is a private, non-profit, volunteer, charitable organization. Our mission is to honor Utah’s pioneer heritage and educate Utah’s kids. Please visit daysof47cowboygames.com for more information.

  • WPRA Names Darla Lindt New Chief Operating Officer and Board Executive Secretary

    COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association recently named Darla Lindt as the new Chief Operating Officer and Board Executive Secretary, replacing Janet Cropper, who retired on April 15, 2021.

    The WPRA Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for all the hands on operational aspects of the WPRA activities and is a critical partner to the WPRA President in terms of growing and ensuring a healthy and viable not for profit membership based business. In addition, the COO leads the office team, headquartered in Colorado Springs, handling the day-to-day operations to be efficient, productive, and effective. As the Board Executive Secretary, in conjunction with the President, will help facilitate special teleconference and in-person board meetings as well as help facilitate other duties of the WPRA Board of Directors including but not limited to what is set forth in the official rulebook.

    “The WPRA is excited to have Darla Lindt join our team,” said Heidi Schmidt, WPRA Vice President. “Darla brings to the table a vast knowledge of business from many diverse areas and we cannot wait to see what contributions she is able to make.

    “The hiring process, when replacing a trusted and valued employee such as Janet Cropper, was a long and very well thought out one. Again, we are excited to welcome Darla to the WPRA team, and look forward to working with her to help the association flourish.”

    Lindt is a resident of Colorado Springs and prior to joining the WPRA was a branch owner of an insurance agency specializing in cyber insurance and farm/ranch policies. She served as the Executive Director at the National Cyber Exchange (NCX), a non-profit member organization. Her other background includes being one of the first employees of a Nutri-System franchise owner, who opened the Colorado Springs market in the late 80s and early 90s, building the business from the ground up. This position led to a Director position with the Jenny Craig Corporation.

    “I have such an advantage coming to an association with such strong operations, that is financially sound, has a very hard-working Board of Directors and a stellar staff in the office who operate like a well-oiled machine,” said Lindt. “As the association launches from this strong foundation, I believe great things are ahead for the members, sponsors and partnerships of the WPRA”.

  • 2021 Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo Payout and Format Announced

    2021 Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo Payout and Format Announced

    –Triple Crown of Rodeo to Air on CBS Television Network–

    AUSTIN, TEXAS – The WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance) in partnership with Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo (DO47) is excited to announce the format and payout for the 2021 event. The DO47 will play host to the second stop of the WCRA’s Triple Crown of Rodeo (TCR) during the 2021 series and will have a payout of $562,500. Each champion will walk away with a minimum of $25,000 and a coveted DO47 Gold Medal.

    “WCRA is thrilled to continue our relationship with such an iconic rodeo as we continue to bring marquee events to the Triple Crown of Rodeo,” said WCRA President Bobby Mote. “This event looks to be one of the top 10 payouts of the summer, and we’re extremely fortunate to be able to work with DO47 to bring this opportunity to the rodeo world

    The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo presented by Zions Bank takes place July 20-24, at 7:30 p.m. nightly at the state-of-the-art Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City. The total event payout will be $562,500 with the payout per round as follows:

    • Semi-Final Rounds (July 20-23): $144,000 ($36,000 per performance)
    • Gold Medal Round (July 24): $418,500 ($46,500 per discipline)

    Nominations for the DO47 Leaderboard (Segment 8) will remain open until June 27 at 11:59 p.m. CT. The top 24 timed event athletes and the top 24 roughstock athletes on the leaderboard at that time will qualify for the event with the No. 1 athlete on the leaderboard in each discipline being automatically seeded into the Gold Medal Round on July 24. The No. 1 athlete will also be given the opportunity to compete in the preliminary rounds.

    The remaining eight (8) athletes in each discipline will be qualified via the DO47 Committee parameters to include the top three medalists in each discipline from the 2019 event, along with the top five athletes in the 2021 PRCA, WPRA and PBR world standings, respectively as of June 28.

    A total of 32 athletes (eight athletes per night) in each of the nine disciplines will compete in the semi-final performances with the fastest time or highest score in each discipline of each performance advancing to the Gold Medal Round. The three fastest times or highest scores, from all the semi-final performances combined, not already advancing, will also advance to the Gold Medal Round. The seven qualifiers from the semi-finals round along with the WCRA Leaderboard No. 1 will create for a total of eight athletes competing in each discipline of the Gold Medal Round.

    The Days of ’47 Rodeo is one of Utah’s longest-standing traditions celebrating the State’s heritage since 1847. For only the sixth time in the history of rodeo, riders will have an opportunity to compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the 2021 Salt Lake City event along with that sizable $562,500 total payout.

    “The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo has become a must stop on the summer rodeo schedule and with over a half a million dollars in prize money, we will be the largest five day rodeo this summer,” said Tommy Joe Lucia, Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo General Manager. “Every contestant will not only vie for prize money but will be competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals setting this rodeo apart from any other rodeo in the world.”

    On Saturday, July 31 (1:00 PM, ET), CBS Television Network will broadcast the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo.

    The TCR is an annual bonus that will pay $1 Million to any one eligible athlete or collection of eligible athletes who win the Event Championship and place first in the same discipline of any three consecutive WCRA Major Rodeos.

    The TCR bonus will be available to all athletes from around the globe who nominate their current competitive efforts through the WCRA Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) and earn a minimum of 15 points on the DO47 (Segment 8) leaderboard. Athletes will have until June 27 at 11:59 p.m. CT to earn a position on the leaderboard.

    For more information on the event visit www.wcrarodeo.com or www.daysof47cowboygames.com. Questions regarding entries, and nominations can be directed to support@wcrarodeo.com.

    Since launching in May of 2018, the WCRA and its partners have awarded more than $8,500,000 in new money to rodeo athletes. All rodeo athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA or the VRQ should be directed to wcrarodeo.com.

     

    -WCRA-

     About WCRA

    WCRA is a professional sport and entertainment entity, created to develop and advance the sport of rodeo by aligning all levels of competition. In association with the PBR, WCRA produces major rodeo events, developing additional opportunities for rodeo-industry competitors, stakeholders, and fans. To learn more, visit wcrarodeo.com. For athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) system, visit app.wcrarodeo.com.

     

    About Days of ‘47

    The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo presented by Zions Bank, takes place at the $17.5 million, state-of-the-art Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark each July. The venue—an outdoor arena located in the heart of Salt Lake City—features over 10,000 stadium-style seats. The Days of ’47 Rodeo is one of Utah’s longest-standing traditions – celebrating Utah’s heritage since 1847. The rodeo, and other Days of ’47 events, commemorate the day – July 24, 1847 – when a determined company of Mormon pioneers realized their dreams upon entering the Great Salt Valley. The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo is a private, non-profit, volunteer, charitable organization. Our mission is to honor Utah’s pioneer heritage and educate Utah’s kids. Please visit daysof47cowboygames.com for more information.

  • Crawford Wins Her Third WPRA Breakaway World Title and 20th Overall WPRA Title

    Crawford Wins Her Third WPRA Breakaway World Title and 20th Overall WPRA Title

    ARLINGTON, TEXAS – A difference maker and major advocate for women’s breakaway roping it is only fitting that Jackie Crawford would be crowned the 2020 WPRA World Champion Breakaway Roper on December 10 inside Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, as part of the first-ever National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR).

    With the title Crawford now holds three WPRA world titles in breakaway roping, her 20th overall world title. She is the second most decorated member in the history of the WPRA, trailing the late Wanda Harper Bush, a member of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, who collected 32 WPRA world titles during her career.

    “I make fun of my husband (Charly) for crying in interviews, so I’ve got to put my big girl boots on for a second,” said a very emotional Crawford after learning of her recent world title. “I think all of us are put here for a reason and God places talents in our lives and we have a purpose. I am still trying to figure out why he is letting me be on this journey and have me win these things because I know it is out of my control. I just hope I can fulfill the purpose he has me here for because this is one amazing journey that I am getting to be on and little Journey (the baby girl she is carrying at six months pregnant) getting to be on it to. She was giving me some kicks today, so she was excited.

    “I am fortunate to get to be here and be in front of the camera and be able to win this thing but the credit is due to so many people who have been behind this. You guys don’t know how much we appreciate it, the fans, the people that have produced this and made this all possible and I just can’t thank you enough from all of us from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you guys for adding breakaway roping to ProRodeos.”

    Crawford started off this historic event winning the first round of the NFBR in a time of 1.9 seconds to win the Betty Gayle Cooper Ratliff fast time award, presented by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Crawford would start the final day of the NFBR back in the winner’s circle in a time of 2.0 seconds.

    “I wanted to come out here and treat it just like I did on that first day and go at these rounds,” said Crawford after the ninth round victory and second go-round win. “I don’t think any of these are less meaningful right now.”

    She would come back in the 10th round and lay down a 2.3 second run which was good for second in the round. It wasn’t the National Finals Breakaway Roping 17-time WPRA World Champion JJ Hampton was hoping for but she ended it on a high note winning the 10th round in a time of 2.2 seconds. Hampton a real estate agent in nearby Stephenville, Texas, was just honored to be a part of this historic event after being a member of the WPRA since the 1991.

    “I want to thank everyone for coming and cheering me on. I have the best fans,” said Hampton, following her round win. “This means a whole lot to me. I didn’t perform as well as I wanted to this week and was just lucky to pull out the win in the tenth round. I am just glad I finally got a chance to rope on this stage.”

    Following the 10th round the top eight in the average advanced to the semifinal round. Crawford was fourth in the average in a total time of 22.2 seconds on nine head. Her only no time came in the fifth round when she roped a leg and being the honest competitor she is, she pointed the illegal catch out to the pro officials who had given her a time of 2.4 seconds.

    Once in the semifinals things heated up quickly with three ladies, including Crawford, stopping the clock 1.8 seconds to win the semifinals and easily advance to the final round. Joining Crawford in the winner’s circle of the semifinals was Martha Angelone of Stephenville, Texas, who finished second the average in a time of 34.8 seconds on 10 head, and Jordan Fabrizio of Canyon, Texas, who won the average in a time of 34.5 seconds on 10 head,.

    Eight-time WPRA World Champion Lari Dee Guy would round out the top four advancing to the finals after posting a 2.0-second run. As a result, Guy would be the first gunner out in the final round and knowing she would have to win the round to have any chance at the world title she came out fast, actually a little too fast breaking the barrier and ending with a time of 12.0 seconds.

    Crawford was next out and she too would incur a speeding penalty breaking the barrier and finishing with an 11.8-second run. Angelone, the NFBR champion, performed with ice in her veins stopping the clock in a cool 2.3 seconds to take over the lead in the Finals with one roper to go.

    Fabrizio would be clean but not quite fast enough to catch Angelone after finishing with a 2.5-second run.

    When the dust settled and all the calculating was complete, Crawford would find her name atop the WPRA World Standings for the year with $47,185. She entered the first-ever NFBR ranked second but would leave No. 1 after winning $25,536 in Arlington.

    Angelone was the reserve world champion with $45,261. Angelone entered the NFBR ranked third in the world and won an event best $29,343 during the three-day competition.