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.

Busby and Benny Break NFR Average Record

by Joe Kusek | Dec 26, 2024

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearWPRA NEWS Busby and Benny Break NFR Average Record By Joe Kusek LAS VEGAS – Benny can be grumpy. Not really in the mood to get in the trailer, some days he would prefer to be left alone. But put a saddle on him at...

The Usually Forgotten NFR Rd 10 Winner

by Ted Harbin | Dec 20, 2024

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearWPRA NFR The Usually Forgotten NFR Rd 10 Winner Title By Ted Harbin Photo by Kenneth Springer Only a few ladies understand how important socks and shoes are in barrel racing. Emily Beisel is now one, and she...

Conner Slips into Breakaway Roping World Standings Lead by Just $91

by Ted Harbin | Dec 3, 2024

NFBR 2024NFBR 2024NFBR 2024 Conner Slips into Breakaway Roping World Standings Lead by Just $91 By Ted Harbin Photo by Clay Guardipee LAS VEGAS (December 3. 2024) – With some of the greatest tie-down ropers in ProRodeo history packed inside the South Point Equestrian...

Domer Wins ProRodeo Breakaway Roping World Title, Her 10th Gold Buckle

by Ted Harbin | Dec 2, 2024

NFBR 2024NFBR 2024NFBR 2024 Domer Wins ProRodeo Breakaway Roping World Title, Her 10th Gold Buckle By Ted Harbin Photo by Clay Guardipee LAS VEGAS (December 4. 2024) – Truthfully, Kelsie Domer never considered this moment as a young girl raised in a roping family in...

NFBR Set to Kickoff Tuesday in Las Vegas

by Ann Bleiker | Dec 1, 2024

NFBR 2024NFBR 2024 NFBR Set to Kickoff Tuesday in Las Vegas By Ann Bleiker In 2023, Shelby Boisjoli etched her name in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s record book winning her first breakaway roping world title in record fashion setting an all-time...

Mowry Wins First WPRA World Championship Barrel Racing World Title Aboard Force The Goodbye

by Ann Bleiker | Dec 16, 2024

NFR 2024 NFR 2024 Mowry Wins First WPRA World Championship Barrel Racing World Title Aboard Force The Goodbye By Ann Bleiker Photos by Kenneth Springer LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The entire 2024 season in the barrel racing came down to the final round at the 2024 Wrangler...