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.

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...

Aldridge and Adios Return to Winner’s Circle in Eighth Round at the NFR

Dec 11, 2025

NFR 2025 StoryNFR 2025StoryNFR NEWS Aldridge and Adios Return to Winner’s Circle in Eighth Round at the NFR By Ann Bleiker LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The eighth round at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge saw another repeat round winner. Tricia...

Dreams Do Come True at Wrangler NFR for Gibson-Stillwell

Dec 10, 2025

NFR 2025 StoryNFR 2025StoryNFR NEWS Dreams Do Come True at Wrangler NFR for Gibson-Stillwell By Ann Bleiker LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The seventh round of the barrel racing at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge had a little bit of everything....

Mowry Jockey’s Two Horses to Two Round Wins at 2025 NFR Searching For Second World Title

Dec 9, 2025

NFR 2025 StoryNFR 2025StoryNFR NEWS Mowry Jockey’s Two Horses to Two Round Wins at 2025 NFR Searching For Second World Title By Ann Bleiker LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Reigning World Champion Kassie Mowry made her second victory lap during the 2025 edition of the Wrangler...

Otero Wins Round 5 at the 2025 Wrangler NFR

Dec 8, 2025

NFR 2025 StoryNFR 2025StoryNFR NEWS Otero Wins Round 5 at the 2025 Wrangler NFR By Ann Bleiker LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The first WPRA barrel racer at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge to make a second victory lap was none other than Carlee...