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.

LaTonne Sewalt — January 23, 1939 – March 24, 2026

Apr 1, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearWPRA NEWS LaTonne Sewalt — January 23, 1939 - March 24, 2026 By Ann Bleiker The Women's Professional Rodeo Association is saddened to hear of the passing of Barrel Racing World Champion LaTonne Sewalt LaTonne was...

2026 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class Announced

Mar 31, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearWPRA NEWS 2026 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class Announced By Ann Bleiker COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – It seems only fitting as we close out Women’s History Month for 2026 that we announce two WPRA members who will be...

RODEOHOUSTON Sees Familiar Faces in Winner’s Circle

Mar 23, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEOHOUSTON RODEOHOUSTON Sees Familiar Faces in Winner’s Circle By Ann Bleiker RODEOHOUSTON is a bucket list rodeo that every WPRA member would love to win at least once in their career. The majority never have...

Women’s History Month feature ESPN Sports Center – Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi

Mar 21, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Women's History Month feature ESPN Sports Center - Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi By Ann Bleiker Women in Rodeo took center stage on March 18 as part of the Women’s History Month series on ESPN SportsCenter....

World Champions Visit Oval Office

Mar 13, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS World Champions Visit Oval Office By Ann Bleiker The 2025 WPRA and PRCA World Champions made a historic trip to the nation's capital Friday to meet with President Donald Trump. The event was a way to...

2026 WPRA Western Regional – Salina, UT

Mar 23, 2026

WPRA Western RegionWPRA Western RegionEntries open now through April 5th ENTER NOWDraws Now Available WPRA Western Regional - Salina, UT - April 10-12 Draws are now available for: WPRA Card Race Calgary Qualifier Barrel Race Breakaway Roping Draw and Calgary Qualifier...