WPRA NEWS

Sammy Thurman Brackenbury – 1933 – 2024

We are saddened to read that 1965 World Champion Barrel Racer and 2019 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductee Sammy Thurman Brackenbury has passed away. She recently celebrated her 91st birthday on Dec. 11. She lived life to the fullest from chasing mustangs on the deserts of Arizona and Nevada, to a WPRA Barrel Racing World Championship, to roping and falling off horses in the movies Sammy Thurman Brackenbury did it all.

Sammy Thurman Brackenbury

Brackenbury qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 11 consecutive times, winning the world title in 1965. The only daughter of PRCA cowboy Sam Fancher, Brackenbury became one of the first women to rope in an RCA rodeo when her father entered the team roping at the Santa Maria Rodeo and his partner failed to show.

Gunderson Gets Big Win in Denver

Jan 26, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the Year RODEO NEWS Gunderson Gets Big Win in Denver By Ann Bleiker Heidi Gunderson is a regular name in the Futurity world standings but after a big win in Denver her name will be amongst the top in the early 2026...

Breakaway Roper Dowell Leads Odessa With a 1.5 Second Run

Jan 12, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the Year RODEO NEWS Breakaway Roper Dowell Leads Odessa With a 1.5 Second Run By Ann Bleiker The official start of the 2026 rodeo season was back in October, but many consider January the real start to the season with big...

Munsell Wins First World Title in Breakaway Roping, George Ropes Her First Average Title

Jan 12, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the Year NFBR 2025 Munsell Wins First World Title in Breakaway Roping, George Ropes Her First Average Title By Ann Bleiker FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The 2025 Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping presented by Tito’s...

Williams Dominates on First Night of 2025 Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping in Ft. Worth

Dec 22, 2025

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the Year NFBR 2025 Williams Dominates on First Night of 2025 Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping in Ft. Worth By Ann Bleiker FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The 2025 Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping presented by Tito’s...

Mowry Wins Back-to-Back World Titles, Plourde Takes the Average

Dec 13, 2025

NFR 2025 StoryNFR 2025StoryNFR NEWS Mowry Wins Back-to-Back World Titles, Plourde Takes the Average By Ann Bleiker LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Winning one world title is no easy feat. To return a year later and defend that title is an accomplishment not too many have...

Otero Turns in Fastest Time of 2025 NFR in Round 9

Dec 12, 2025

NFR 2025 StoryNFR 2025StoryNFR NEWS Otero Turns in Fastest Time of 2025 NFR in Round 9 By Ann Bleiker LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Carlee Otero was glad she made a last-minute decision to get back on her main mount, AM Regina George “Regina,” for the ninth round at the 2025...