WPRA NEWS June 2022

WPRA NEWS June 2022

www.wpra.com

June 2022

2022 Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup Champions presented by Resistol

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CONTENTS

News

431 S. Cascade Colorado Springs, Colo., 80903 PH: 719 - 447 - 4627 FX: 719 - 447 - 4631 Please contact the WPRA office for all correspondence regarding the WPRA News.

Jimmie Munroe WPRA President Ann Bleiker (719) 330-4293 [email protected] Managing Editor Paige Louis Thomas (719) 633-7700 [email protected] Graphic Designer DD Deleo (719) 661-8793 [email protected] Advertising Sales Allie Bohus Josie Fladager Ted Harbin Joe Kusek Kristen M. White Contributing Writers WPRA Office (719) 447-4627 (877) 977-2462 Fax: (719) 447-4631 www.wpra.com

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On the Cover : WPRA breakaway roper Gianna Cianfichi and barrel racer Presley Smith won the inaugural Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup held in Fort Worth at Cowtown Colisum the end of April. The money won was added to their rookie standings and both are looking to win the year-end Rookie title and add their names to the history books. Photos by Joe Duty (action) and Resistol (profile images) President Corner..............................................................................................6 In The News.......................................................................................................8 Taking Care of Business..................................................................................9 2022 ProRodeo Standings............................................................................ 10 2022 ProRodeo Breakaway Standings........................................................11 Rookie Roundup: Breakaway Roping..........................................................12 Rookie Roundup: Barrel Racing................................................................... 13 Father’s Day Feature: Bobby and Laura Mote...........................................14 2022 PRCA/WPRA Circuit Standings............................................................16 Business Of.................................................................................................... 17 2022 Roping World Standings...................................................................... 19 Sponsor Spotlight: Double J......................................................................... 20 Clovis Recap: Barrel Racing.......................................................................... 22 Clovis Recap: Breakaway.............................................................................. 24 Junior Standings............................................................................................ 26 Futurity/Derby Standings............................................................................. 27 2022 PRCA/WPRA Circuit Breakaway Standings........................................27 Guymon Recap.............................................................................................. 28

WPRA News does not endorse and is not re- sponsible for the contents of any ad in this publication. Neither that information nor any opinion which may be expressed here constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor and commentaries are those of the authors and not necessarily those of WPRA NEWS. WPRA News (ISSN 1093-9202) is pub- lished monthly by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Subscriptions are $45 a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to WPRA News , 431 S. Cascade, Colorado Springs, Colo., 80903 WPRA News is designed to provide cur- rent news and results to the members of the WPRA and WPRA All-Women Rodeo. Direct all editorial and advertising corre- spondence to WPRA News , 431 S. Cascade, Colorado Springs, Colo., 80903 Trademark 2017 WPRA NEWS Published by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Printed, produced and read in the U.S.A.

4 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022

PRESIDENT’S CORNER W here did the month of May go? Hard to believe it is already June and the summer run of rodeos have gotten underway. What a summer it is shaping up to be with many top rodeos like

29-30 at the South Point Hotel and Casino. The prize money is also going up from $200,000 to $250,000. More details will be forthcoming as the planning gets underway with the new set-up. It has been a trying month organizationally for the WPRA with the releasing of our Chief Operating Officer and then the immediate resignation of four of our directors (Roping, First Frontier, Great Lakes and Prairie). I along with the WPRA Board of Directors are working through this and have been keeping our members up to date as the process moves forward. The Board will meet on Monday, June 6 to determine appointments at which time we will share that news. The day-to-day operations are continuing uninterrupted by our office staff, who have been and are committed to serving your needs, and I thank them for all their hard work. I would like to wish everyone good luck as the summer run begins as I know this summer is going to test us all with record fuel prices and inflation. Keep things in perspective and work to spread kindness not hate!

Reno, Cody, Calgary and Salinas all back on the schedule and the NFR Open being contested in Colorado Springs, Colorado next month. In addition, next month we will add two very deserving ladies representing the WPRA into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame – Ardith Bruce and Cindy Rosser. What a great week it will be in the Pikes Peak region with a top caliber rodeo and ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductions. I would like to congratulate our two winners from the Inaugural Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup presented by Resistol – Presley Smith in the barrel racing and Gianna Cianfichi. It was so cool to see all the ProRodeo rookies together competing in this one-of-a-kind event. Thanks to the PRCA, Cowboy Channel and Resistol for making this happen and for the experience you provided to our first-year cardholders. The WPRA and PRCA also recently announced that the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping will take place Nov.

6 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022

IN THE NEWS Robert Lever Retires from Wrangler, David Sharp to take his placeJune 2022

Saddle Club arena. It will feature several improvements including updated LED lighting, an area for a food truck court complete with electricity and water, a video board, covered grandstands, and better drainage for the arena.June 2022 The arena will feature sandy soil instead of the heavy clay in the old arena. Jason Mittlestadt, past president of the volunteer Mandan Rodeo Days committee, explained the covered grandstands and storm drains were crucial to the plan citing the July rain during a drought. June 2022 Over 85% of the overall funding has been secured for the community’s newest venue. Mittlestadt said they are short about $380,000 and are accepting donations for it.June 2022 Mittlestadt’s work with the design and fundraising for the new facility is all-volunteer as his goal is to bring the community together and create an experience for everybody to share.June 2022 To keep costs down, some of the existing infrastructures will be used. This includes the parking area, ticketing area, and concessions. June 2022 The new arena will be available for other equine and youth events including team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding competitions.June 2022 The 143rd Annual Mandan Rodeo takes place July 2-4, with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. (CT) nightly. Tickets are only available online at MandanRodeo.com.June 2022 Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping on tap for Nov. 29-30 Event will take place at South Point in Las Vegas COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 2) – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announced that the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping will take place at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nov. 29-30. The Top 15 breakaway ropers will compete for prize money of $250,000 during the two-day, 10-round performance. “I’m pleased to see the continued success and growth of breakaway roping since the inaugural National Finals Breakaway Roping in 2020,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. “Breakaway roping has experienced rapid growth and it is now featured at over 300 PRCA rodeos annually. This success has resulted in an increase of prize money at the NFBR to reach $250,000.” The 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is Dec. 1-10 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. “The WPRA is looking forward to the National Finals in the Women’s Breakaway Roping being held at the South Point Hotel and Casino during the the PRCA Convention,” said Jimmie Munroe, WPRA President. “So many committees are having breakaway roping at their rodeos and now they along with fans will have the opportunity to see the best women breakaway ropers in the world compete at the South Point.”

Robert Lever officially retired on May 31 after 46 years with Wrangler Jeans and Shirts. We congratulate Robert and thank him for his dedication and loyalty to the Wrangler brand for 33 years in sales and the last 13 as Manager for Western Special Events.

Robert’s replacement will be David Sharp. David is an industry veteran, with many years of western lifestyle and marketing experience, previous rodeo cowboy, and a longtime advocate of the Wrangler brand. David comes to us from our very own Wrangler Network, where he has been a driving force since its roots in 2013 and into its present state of success today. Often the face of the Wrangler Network, David has produced and coordinated live online streaming and interviews for western lifestyle events, including rodeo, country music, and equestrian performances for millions of fans. Through his work with our owned media channel, he has developed relationships with many of our current Wrangler brand ambassadors and Wrangler sponsored PRCA rodeos across the country. Prior to joining the Wrangler Network in 2013, David served as Production Manager, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour for 8 years (ESPN broadcast) and worked with the PRCA to produce and manage over 100 sanctioned events across the United States. David announces several rodeos a year, on horseback, and is actively involved in working with rodeo committees across the industry to promote, manage and deliver fans a fun western experience. David attended Murray State University on a rodeo scholarship, where he won the Collegiate Regional Championship in bull riding, competed at the College National Finals Rodeo, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Ag-Business Economics. David lives in Dalton, GA with his wife, Natalie, and two kids, Marlee and McKade. Mandan (N.D.) Rodeo Days building a $2.8 million arena. June 2022 The biggest rodeo in North Dakota and one of the oldest in the nation is about to get a permanent home according to an article by KFYR- TV. The new arena will be open before the 2023 Mandan Rodeo Days performances.June 2022 The new $2.8 million facility will be named Dale Pahlke Arena on the Dakota Community Bank & Trust Rodeo Grounds. It will feature two sets of 2,000-seat ADA-accessible bleachers, a larger arena, and more amenities that have a positive impact on both contestants and the fan experience.June 2022 The new arena will be in place of the current Mandan Horse and

8 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Board Update The WPRA Board of Directors was notified on Friday, May 27, 2022 of the resignation of four directors (Great Lakes, Prairie, First Frontier and Roping) effective immediately. It is disappointing and unfortunate to have received this today. The remaining 10 Officers and Directors will be meeting next week to formulate a concrete plan based on what is set forth in the WPRA rulebook. Upon conclusion of the meeting, we are committed to communicating the Board’s decision. The day-to-day operations of the WPRA will continue uninterrupted by the office staff, who have been and are committed to serving your needs. In the meantime, anyone served by the four directors who resigned having a rodeo related question or concern please contact Jimmie Munroe (WPRA President) or Heidi Schmidt (Vice President). Respectfully,

Rule of the Month For those members shooting for Circuit Finals, please take the following into consideration: Circuit designation cannot be changed for the current season after a WPRA event is entered. The required rodeo count needed to qualify for Circuit Finals is different for each circuit (Refer to rule 8.8.2. in the rulebook or visit https://www.wpra.com/schedule-circuit-finals-dates/) Money won at a rodeo co-approved with your circuit will count towards standings, however, it will not contribute toward your circuit rodeo count. Please refer to Chapter 8 in the WPRA Rulebook.

From the Corner office: WPRA 2022 Holiday Schedule

Jimmie Munroe, WPRA President And the WPRA Board of Directors

2022 HOLIDAY Independence Day

Monday, July 4

Thought of the Month Worry about your Character, Not your Reputation. Because your Character

Labor Day

Monday, September 5

Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 24 Employee Appreciation Day Friday, November 25 Observe Christmas Eve Friday, December 23 Observe Christmas Day Monday, December 26 Observe New Year’s Eve Friday, December 30 2023 HOLIDAY Observe New Year’s Day Monday, January 2

Is who you are, And your Reputation Is only what others Think of you.

“Choose your battles wisely. If you fight them all, you’ll be too tired to win the ones that really matter.”

JUNE 2022 WPRA NEWS 9

2022 WPRA PRO RODEO STANDINGS Unofficial Standings as of May 24, 2022 *2021 WPRA World Champion *1. Jordon Briggs Tolar, TX $93,896 2. Hailey Kinsel Cotulla, TX $72,029 3. Dona Kay Rule Minco, OK $56,119 4. Wenda Johnson Pawhuska, OK $56,119 5. Sissy Winn Chapman Ranch, TX $48,672 6. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi Lampasas, TX $47,290 7. Shannon McReynolds La Luz, NM $36,918 8. Kassie Mowry Dublin, TX $34,350 9. Cheyenne Wimberley Stephenville, TX $34,191 10. Emma Charleston Reeds, MO $32,785 11. Stevi Hillman Weatherford, TX $31,320 12. Emily Beisel Weatherford, OK $29,647 13. Margo Crowther North Fort Myers, FL $29,129 14. Cassidy Champlin Pilot Point, TX $28,325 15. Jimmie Smith McDade, TX $27,353 16. Bayleigh Choate (R) Fort Worth, TX $27,225 17. Abby Phillips Marshall, TX $26,812 18. Nellie Miller Cottonwood, CA $25,815 19. Ilyssa Riley Hico, TX $24,609 20. Megan Champion Ukiah, CA $23,671 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

RESISTOL ROOKIE STANDINGS 1. Bayleigh Choate Fort Worth, TX

$27,225 $17,498 $16,847 $14,834 $11,844 $7,220 $6,052 $5,414 $3,908 $3,622 $3,353 $2,780 $2,685 $2,434 $2,121

Kailee Murdock Presley Smith Taycie Matthews

Litchfield Park, AZ Denham Springs, LA

Wynne, AR Brock, TX Terrell, TX

Jamie Olsen Bugg Beeler Jordan Driver Laura Mote Katie Chism

Garden City, TX

Llano, TX Henry, WI

10. Hannah Forsythe 11. Chelsie Stodghill 12. Teneille Angland 13. Oceana Champion 14. Bryana Lehrmann 15. Madison Camozzi

Natchitoches, LA

Prineville, OR

Cisco, TX Ukiah, CA

Lexington, TX Petaluma, CA

Where The Elite Compete SM Jordon Briggs, 2021 WPRA World Champion Barrel Racer, Photo by Kenneth Springer

Kylee Scribner, 2021 WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year, Photo by Phillip Kitts

10 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022

2022 WPRA PRO RODEO BREAKAWAY STANDINGS Unofficial Standings as of May 27, 2022 *2021 WPRA World Champion

ROOKIE BREAKAWAY STANDINGS 1. Josie Conner Iowa, LA

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Erin Johnson Kelsie Domer

Fowler, CO Dublin, TX

$50,250 $42,193 $36,507 $30,011 $26,876 $20,363 $20,310 $20,105 $18,818 $17,815 $17,744 $17,218 $15,275 $13,857 $13,590 $13,483 $13,007 $12,846 $12,322 $11,998

Martha Angelone

Stephenville, TX

Lari Dee Guy JJ Hampton

Abilene, TX

$15,002 $8,432 $6,780 $3,963 $3,798 $3,363 $3,263 $3,247 $2,389 $2,140 $2,022 $1,733 $1,559 $1,537 $1,436

Stephenville, TX Weatherford, TX Stephenville, TX Shreveport, LA

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Gianna Cianfichi Bryana Lehrmann Lauren Hopkins

Santa Rosa, CA Lexington, TX

Cadee Williams Shelby Boisjoli Laramie Johnson Samantha Fulton

Lipan, TX Edna, KS

Addie Weil

Miller, SD Abilene, TX

Cheyenne Blackmore

Hillside, AZ Decatur, TX

10. Hope Thompson 11. Amanda Coleman 12. Taylor Engesser 13. Taylor Munsell

Paige Stout

Stephenville, TX

Fallon Ruffoni

Arroyo Grande, CA Standoff, AB, Canada

Spearfish, SD

Rayne Bruised Head

Alva, OK

10. McKaitlin McKee 11. Jordan Driver 12. Lacey Nail 13. Hali Williams 14. Keylie Tatum 15. Heather McLaughlin

Hockley, TX

14. Jordi Edens

Gatesville, TX Gainesville, TX Stephenville, TX Springtown, TX

Garden City, TX Okeechobee, FL Comanche, TX La Plata, NM

15. Cheyanne Guillory 16. Jackie Crawford 17. Amber Crawford 18. Josie Conner 19. Bailey Gubert *20. Sawyer Gilbert

Iowa, LA

Bunnell, FL

Hungerford, TX

Buffalo, SD

Where The Elite Compete SM

Sawyer Gilbert, 2021 WPRA World Champion Breakaway Roper, Photo by Joe Duty

Madison Outhier, 2021 WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year. Photo by Fernando Sam-Sin

JUNE 2022 WPRA NEWS 11

JUST GETTING STARTED Cianfichi Clinches Breakaway Title at Inaugural Rookie Roundup By Josie Fladager T hree swings and a bell-collar catch in 3.4 seconds was what it took for Gianna Cianfichi to win the Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup presented by Resistol in Fort Worth, Texas on April 30. After a heart-breaking miss in the semifinal round, the spot

in the final round of four came from a tie-breaker: the fastest time from the first round. Cianfichi had tied in that round but had a higher placing in the standings, so she got the spot. As a result, she took advantage of her second chance. Cianfichi quickly refocused to back into the box for her third run ever inside the legendary Cowtown Coliseum. Being first out in the finals, Cianfichi waited through three more ropers to find out she had finished on top. “I did not expect this to happen. It’s super exciting,” Cianfichi told Amy Wilson with the Cowboy Channel at the event. With Nu GI Joe, or “Chase,” Cianfichi’s old faithful, she knew she could trust him in an unfamiliar set-up. The 21-year-old sorrel gelding, trained by family friend Rodd Hagge, has been with Cianfichi since she was in middle school and she knew he would do his job so she could focus on her roping. “I knew I’d have the best chance bringing him out there because I had never been in Cowtown and I had heard it was a tricky set-up. I knew I would have the most confidence on him,” she recalled. For Cianfichi, the event was something special. Getting to go behind the scenes of the Cowboy Channel studios, going through media training, and signing autographs made the event one she will not soon forget. Another aspect that stood out to her was the chance to get to know her rookie class. “To have all the rookies in one place was pretty special because we’re normally in all different places and it’s unusual that you get to be

in one place and you kind of get to know everyone,” noted Cianfichi. Cianfichi has been riding and competing since she was a kid, but she did not start roping right away. When she was 5 years old, she won the state championship for Western Pleasure in the lead line class. Her father grew up roping and passed his passion on to his children. Gianna’s brother learned first and she was not far behind, beginning to rope when she was about 9 years old and taking lessons from Buzz Bozzini. Outside of rodeo, Cianfichi is an engineer for the Stockton Water District in her home state of California, mostly doing project management and designs for agricultural and municipal purposes. She works with farmers and ranchers to help them efficiently use their water resources and the city of Stockton for their water supply. The week after the Rookie Roundup, she transitioned to a mostly remote position which she hopes will give her more freedom to travel and make more summer rodeos. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for Cianfichi. Between rodeoing, working, and planning her wedding, she has had her hands full. She will be marrying Kelly O’Day, an agricultural shop and conceal carry teacher, May 27th and will move to Ferndale, California. The honeymoon is planned for December, and she plans to continue rodeoing the next weekend after the wedding, hitting Clovis, N.M., Perryman, Utah, and Santa Maria, California. For the rest of the rodeo season, Cianfichi’s goal is to enter as many rodeos as she can through the summer. Gianna Cianfichi thought she had let a great opportunity slip through her loop during the semifinal round at the inaugural Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup presented by Resistol. But luck was on her side, and she won a tie-breaker to get into the final round. She wasn’t about to let that opportunity slip through. She won the round and the title stopping the clock in 3.4 seconds. Photo by Kenneth Springer

Gianna Cianfichi was joined in the winner’s circle at the Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup by Tom Glause (PRCA), Ricky Bolin (Resistol Hats) and Patrick Gottsch (Cowboy Channel). Photo by Kenneth Springer

continued on page 26

12 WPRA NEWS DECEMBER 2021 12 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022

PROMISING FUTURE Smith Top Barrel Racer at Inaugural Rookie Roundup By Josie Fladager T wenty-year-old Presley Smith was crowned the inaugural Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup presented by Resistol barrel racing champion inside the historic Cowtown Coliseum on April 30. This win moved Smith to second in the Resistol Rookie Standings with total winnings just over $15,500 so far for 2022.

Traveling about eight hours from Denham Springs, Louisiana, Smith made a solid run Friday in the long round of 15 competitors with a time of 14.05 seconds to place second and make it back to the round of eight on Saturday. A time of 13.88 seconds earned her second again and the chance to make another run in the final round of four. After only about an hour rest, Smith’s horse Smooth Movin Guy (barn name Jerry McGuire, or Jerry for short) flew back into Cowtown Coliseum to run a time of 13.82 seconds and win the event. Leading up to the event, Smith was looking forward to being a part of history with the opportunity to compete in the first-ever Rookie Roundup. With the hype the event was creating and winnings to count towards the Resistol Rookie standings, Smith chose to draw out of the Ruby Buckle event in Guthrie, Oklahoma and focus on Fort Worth. The expectation that Jerry would do well in that setup and her family going to be able to make the trip solidified the choice for Smith. After never having the chance to qualify for The American semifinals, Smith was eager to get to run in a select group inside Cowtown. “I was really excited because it kind of had that vibe and intensity about it,” said Smith. Jerry did not disappoint, and Smith was not hesitant to give him, and the team that prepared him for her, credit in her interview with the Cowboy Channel immediately after the win. Throughout high school rodeo, Smith’s main mount was a horse she called Ghost. Her parents bought Jerry, the cow bred gelding as a 3 year old in 2017. Throughout the years, Smith tried to sell Jerry several

times because she thought it would be a good business decision. However, when Ghost encountered a career ending injury during Jerry’s 6-year-old year, Smith’s parents, Rick and Christy Smith, and Molly Childers, who seasoned Jerry in rodeos, insisted that Smith give the buckskin gelding a chance. The team won their first jackpot together and have been blazing a trail ever since. Jerry is now 8 years old, and the pair won second at Athens and placed at Lufkin earlier this year before their win at Fort Worth. “He’s super special to our family. I tried selling him so many times, but he’s not going anywhere now,” Smith declared. While her parents did not own any horses when she was born, Presley talked her dad into promising her a horse when she was 8, with her father thinking the child’s fascination would fade over time. When she turned 8, she began taking riding lessons and worked to prove her dedication to horses, but still didn’t have a horse of her own two weeks before she turned 9. “I told my dad, ‘If you buy me a horse before I turn 9, you didn’t lie to me.’ So needless to say I got a horse,” Smith recalled with a laugh. Smith filled her WPRA Permit on Jerry in 2021 and is having a standout Rookie season for 2022. As far as long term plans go, Smith says she is going to listen to her horses and take it one step at a time. For the immediate future, Smith plans on pursuing the circuit rodeos and hauling with Sarah Rose Waguespack for a summer rodeo run. Smith bought 6-year-old Mister Prime Time, another buckskin gelding, to have a backup for Jerry in the trailer. With Jerry’s outstanding performances in the arena, Smith decided to take a semester off from college with the goal of making it to the continued on page 26 Presley Smith took advantage of a great opportunity to compete in the Rookie Roundup at the end of April, and she and Smooth Movin Guy raced their way to the top of the leaderboard to win the inaugural title. With the win Smith put herself in a great position for the summer run to try and add her name to the list of WPRA Rookies of the Year at season end. As of press time, she is currently third in the rookie standings. Photo by Kenneth Springer

Presley Smith was all smiles in the winner’s circle at the Rookie Roundup at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth. Joining Smith was Tom Glause (PRCA), Ricky Bolin (Resistol Hats) and Patrick Gottsch (Cowboy Channel). Photo by Kenneth Springer

JUNE 2022 WPRA NEWS 13

FATHER’S DAY FEATURE Laura Mote Carrying on Family Name in ProRodeo By Joe Kuske L aura Mote was so proud. Mote, then four years old, had completed her first solo barrel racing run at a rodeo in Arizona. She was aboard the family horse, Smoke the Wonder Pony.

“He was great,” said Mote. Her joy increased when Mote heard “86” associated with her turn. “That’s what dad gets,” she thought, already familiar with rodeo at a young age. “I’d take 86 all the time.” There was just one problem. The young Mote had not learned the difference between rough stock points and timed events measured in seconds. “We had to tell her, ‘That’s not good. That’s slow,’ ” remembered her father, Bobby Mote, with soft chuckle. Laura Mote is running barrels quite a bit faster these days. The recent high school graduate earned her first WPRA victory, winning at Lufkin, Texas the third weekend of April. And in the process, carving out a name for herself in a family rich

younger brother Trey just finished his freshman year of high school and participates in all sports. Bobby, Kate and Laura are also competitive team ropers. Now it’s Laura who is carrying the family banner high into professional rodeo arenas. “Super proud,” said Bobby, speaking for both parents. “She has been willing to put in the time and do the preparation. Laura Mote got her first ProRodeo win at the Angelina Benefit Rodeo in Lufkin, Texas, stopping the clock in a quick time of 14.49 seconds aboard Redbull. Laura is following in her father’s steps, just at the other end of the arena. Photo by James Phifer

“Since she was in diapers, Laura has been horse crazy. When she was a little girl, she would sneak away to the barn to be with the horses. You always had to keep an eye on her. Laura has been horse crazy since the day we let her start riding.” The hard work and preparation paid off in Lufkin. Aboard her horse Reb Hot Redbull, Mote won with a time of 14.49 seconds, one- hundredth of a second ahead of Gabbie Grothe, of Stephenville, Texas. “When I do my job and Redbull does his, he is going to shine,” she said. “It gives you

in rodeo success. Her father Bobby is a four-time world bareback champion and 15-time qualifier for the Wrangler Nationals Finals Rodeo. He was recently selected for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame class of 2022. “We thought he should have gotten in sooner,” said Laura. Bobby Mote, who retired from bareback riding in 2017, lives in Llano, Texas with his family, where he is the ranch manager for Reliance Ranches, a horse, cattle and hay operation. Kate Mote, Laura’s mother, is also an accomplished horse trainer. Older brother Charlie is a realtor and body builder in Colorado while Four-time PRCA World Champion Bobby Mote will be inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame this July. Bobby has been a big support for his daughter, Laura, as she is just getting her feet wet in the ProRodeo ranks. Laura says he has helped her most with the mental aspect of the sport of rodeo. Photo by Mike Copeman

Laura Mote has had a love for horses and competing since she was a little girl. She is now hoping to turn all that into a trip to the big show - the Wrangler NFR – at the end of the year. Photo courtesy Mote family.

14 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022

confidence you can do it together. Mote earned $2,656 which moved her to seventh in the WPRA rookie standings. The win at Lufkin was more than a healthy check. “I have fond memories of my dad riding there,” she said. “I was excited to go.” Mote’s barrel racing success is certainly a family affair. Bobby broke the horse, which is by Reb Hot Fame and out of Little Rock Misty. “Just the way he moved,” said Bobby of what he liked. Before becoming a world champion bareback rider, Mote broke and trained horses for his parents, who ran a cutting horse operation in Oregon. “We started him with team roping but he wanted to go. Kate took him and trained him,” noted Bobby.

that the most. The focusing on the process. You can’t control a lot of things. Change what we can control. Focus on your job and the rest will take care of itself. “I wait until she is ready to listen before I say anything.” His daughter does listen. “He has been a lot of help with the mental game,” said Laura. “He’s been through it. And he helps with the training, what rodeos are good. He teaches me how to handle the little slumps and helps you get out of them.” “It’s mom’s horse. She has to listen to her,” added the father. Laura’s earliest rodeo memories are traveling with the family to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and bigger rodeos like Houston and Calgary. For a few years, the family traveled by motorhome until the Fourth of July run before returning home.

Laura Mote is carrying on the family name in ProRodeo and is thankful to have the support of her family, especially her dad, Bobby. She has fond memories of traveling during the summer months with her dad and is excited to now compete at those same rodeos as a barrel racer. Photo courtesy Laura Mote

Bobby, Kate and Laura are the only three to ride the horse. And that has not been easy at times. “He’s a weirdo,” Bobby said with another chuckle. “He’s real quirky. It’s just his personality. He doesn’t do what you expect a horse to do.” Laura first rode the nine-year-old dark sorrel in high school after her primary horse went down. “I didn’t want to ride him. We had a prettier horse,” said Laura. “He looked like a baby dinosaur. His neck is so long and his hocks are so far to the ground.” Two wins in two runs convinced Mote to stay in the saddle. “Redbull is very enthusiastic in everything he does,” Laura continued. “He is real stud acting, dominant. He has a lot of character.” He also wants his treats. “When I saddle him, I have to give him a treat,” she said. “When I put the bridle in, treat. And he has to have one when he’s done. And his treats have to be on time. “He loves doing what he does. He’s honest and consistent.” When it comes to competing, Laura did not fall far from the family tree.

“I loved those times,” Laura said. “I had these roller skates, and I would skate on concrete and gravel. I would watch my dad ride, skate and come back and watch the barrel racing. I loved the barrel racing.” Now she is creating her own professional rodeo memories. Traveling with her mother, Laura is planning a full schedule for 2022. She has committed to compete for Cisco College in the fall but that may change. “We’ll see how the year goes,” Laura said. Bobby offered some thoughts on her summer plans. “I looked at her Fourth of July schedule and told her, ‘That would be hard for a guy with just a rigging bag and a car,’ ” he said.

Laura Mote and Reb Hot Redbull have grown together and are starting to become a duo to keep an eye on as the summer run of rodeos kicks off. A profitable summer run will be the ticket to a shot at the WPRA Rookie of the Year title in a field of talented horses and jockeys. Photo courtesy Laura Mote

The busy schedule has also brought about a role-reversal in the family. “I’m the one used to being gone,” said Bobby. “Now I have to hold down the home front.” Laura sees some humor in the situation. “Dad can’t cook,” she said with a laugh. “Trey can cook a little. They should be OK.” And with every new rodeo, Laura carries the well-known family name. “I used to be pressured by it,” admitted Laura. “People expected me to be perfect. It followed me from pee wee days. I learned how to feed off it. It’s kind of cool to be recognized. “I told him, ‘One day, when you’re team roping, people are going to introduce you as Laura Mote’s dad.’ ”

Bobby was known for his business-like approach before riding. Not much for chit- chat or visiting, he was there for a reason. “I wasn’t caught up in visiting everybody. I think that got “People probably think I’m not that friendly or approachable,” said Laura. “Dad taught me if you want to be a winner, you can’t think about much else.” Bobby still offers advice but chooses his spots carefully. “I’m too direct,” he said. “Kate is more into putting into words what she wants to do. The mental side of competing, I can help her with misinterpreted,” said Bobby. “I was there to win.” His daughter is following the same boot prints.

JUNE 2022 WPRA NEWS 15

2022 PRCA/WPRA CIRCUIT STANDINGS

Unofficial as of May 24, 2022 BADLANDS 1. Nikki Hansen

12. Jen Merriman 13. Julie Boxler 14. Jody Snyder 15. Sierra Galusha

$366 $337 $336 $268

14. Randi Holliday

$1,610 $1,379

12. Kylee Scribner 13. Jackie Ganter 14. Jamie Olsen (R) 15. Shelley Morgan

$8,459 $8,418 $6,801 $6,635 $9,025 $8,532 $6,032 $3,157 $2,836 $2,699 $2,422 $2,392 $2,040 $1,998 $1,450 $1,436 $1,397 $1,147 $1,118 $1,950 $1,742 $1,475 $1,054

15. Shanna Simmons (R)

SOUTHEASTERN 1.

$7,216 $3,010 $2,877 $1,942 $1,599 $1,106

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Jessica Routier

Margo Crowther

$13,867 $11,531 $10,601 $9,598 $9,065 $9,011 $7,443 $6,934 $6,368 $6,023 $5,724 $5,718 $5,642 $4,531 $4,390 $14,094 $11,197 $11,177 $11,086 $10,807 $10,623 $9,921 $9,422 $8,744 $8,734 $8,732

GREAT LAKES 1.

TURQUOISE 1.

Nicole Bice

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Ericka Nelson

Deb Thompson Hallie Fulton Lisa Lockhart

Sissy Warren

$5,318 $3,908 $3,651 $2,721 $1,931 $1,799 $1,626 $1,490 $1,456 $1,403 $1,305 $1,200 $1,040

Presley Smith (R) Taycie Matthews (R) Elizabeth Schmid Kristin Hanchey

Kailee Murdock (R)

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Katie Chism (R) Lacinda Rose Kricket Gintner

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Jana Bean Tarryn Lee

Molly Otto

$869 $814 $782 $737 $721 $673 $555 $518 $428 $428

Susan Siggins Sharon Harrell Kiersten Pettus

Cindy Baltezore Summer Kosel

Sherry Cervi

Nicole Love

Shannon Jensen Jamie Lenzner Kristen Meyer Deb Shefveland (R)

8

Sarah Rose Waguespack

10. Patricia Finney 11. Jill Moody 12. Katie Rossow 13. Brandee Wardell 14. Emilee Pauley 15. Brenna Kohle

9.

Ashley Rogers

Cindy Smith

10. Josey Owens

Christina Gould Leia Pluemer

11. Christine DeRenzo 12. Kindyl Scruggs

10. Cassidy Hamman 11. Sandi Brandli 12. Ronda Casey 13. Alexis Baratka 14. Sara Winkelman 15. Sharon Ann Munn

10. Blythe Beshears

13. Jill Hayes 14. Erin Wetzel

11. Shannon McReynolds

12. Sarah Kieckhefer 13. Lisa Anderson 14. Mariah Morgan 15. Jaime Hinton

Branda Marsh

15. Lindsey Hayes-Banks

$891 $843

CALIFORNIA 1.

TEXAS 1.

Megan Champion

$12,650 $9,535 $7,926 $6,696 $6,002 $5,425 $5,357 $2,685 $2,536 $2,298 $2,247 $2,121 $1,944 $1,899 $1,652 $4,629 $2,321 $2,071 $1,775 $1,479 $1,353 $1,211

Sissy Winn

MAPLE LEAF 1.

WILDERNESS 1.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Kathy Petska Nellie Miller

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Cheyenne Wimberley McKenzie Morgan Bayleigh Choate (R)

Lynette Brodoway

$3,575 $3,318 $2,861 $2,193 $2,125 $2,079 $2,075 $1,559 $1,030

Lynette Clyde Jennifer Barrett

Cheyenne Hattesen Payton Schoeppach

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Taylor Eller

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Kylie Whiteside Lisa Zachoda Diane Skocdopole

Abby Phillips Michelle Alley Jimmie Smith

Kallie Wright

Tonia Forsberg Shelby Bates

Amberley Snyder Marcie Wilson Stacy Glause Amanda Butler Kristy Yerrington

$632 $600 $527 $238 $211

Oceana Champion (R)

Lakota Bird

Cassidy Champlin

Kristi Youngblood

Bradi Whiteside Rylee McKenzie Mariah Mannering

Jordon Briggs

10. Katie Pascoe 11. Hayle Gibson

10. Chani Graves 11. Lisa Thornton

Sara Cheeney

12. Madison Camozzi (R)

10. Michele Pankiw (R) 11. Taylor Manning 12. Melissa Thiessen 13. Shelby Spielman

$780 $634 $425 $317 $260 $173

13. Kaiden Ayres

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14. Brittany Manner (R)

15. Kay Cochran COLUMBIA RIVER 1. Kacey Gartner

14. Marci Laye 15. Jerri Duce

MONTANA 1.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Jessica Dawn Lewis

Sharon Gow Jessie Telford Olivia Train Rainy Robinson Jordan Minor

Maggie Poloncic Abigail Knight Cierra Erickson Jessie Kukowski Ashley Day Cally Goyins Casey Wagner

$2,700 $2,295 $1,890

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

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Josie Baze

$959 $830 $722 $656 $505 $505 $404 $296

Kaite Duby (R)

10. Josie Goodrich (R) 11. Chelsie Stodghill (R)

MOUNTAIN STATES 1.

Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi

$11,847

12. Teri Bangart

2.

Ivy Saebens

$146

Cheyenne Allan

PRAIRIE 1.

14. Jodi Goodrich

Leslie Smalygo Wenda Johnson Sadie Wolaver Emily Beisel Tamara Reinhardt

$6,159 $4,627 $4,066 $3,596 $3,387 $2,944 $2,868 $2,377 $2,359 $1,987 $1,851 $1,849 $1,805

15. Megan McLeod-Sprague

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

FIRST FRONTIER 1.

Beth Ann Borowy

$1,472

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Dawn Powell Lindsay Jones

$702 $627 $610 $558 $519 $516 $467 $462 $427 $409

Ivy Hurst

Wendy Chesnut Riley Shetron (R) April Masterson Stephanie Dyer (R)

Tracy Nowlin Ali Armstrong Suzanne Brooks

10. Taylor Johnson 11. Cayla Small 12. Camrin Sellers 13. Michelle Darling

Kerri Frazier

Karlee Benincasa

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10. Incarnata Tesiero

11. Molly Smith

16 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022

DECEMBER 2021 WPRA NEWS 16

BUS INESS

DIRECTORS & SPOKESWOMEN

PRESIDENT Jimmie Munroe 254-722-5128 [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT Heidi Schmidt Belfield, ND (701) 928-0260 [email protected] BADLANDS Circuit Director Kaylee Gallino Wasta, SD 605-441-5185 [email protected] Spokeswomen Gale Beebe Rae Lynn Roesler Jessica Routier MacKenzie Benson TK Leibrand

MONTANA Circuit Director Dillon McPherson

Lyndee Stairs Karla Sanchez COLUMBIA RIVER

Kara Large Christi Braudrick SOUTHEASTERN

[email protected] Spokeswomen Barb Johnson Sarah Kieckhefer Caren Lamb

Brandi White Halley Kleeman Brenda White Liz Hirdes Toni Miller Columbia River Tayler Bradley Lynn Rodriguez First Frontier Katie Wenger Sheri Nastri Great Lakes Whitney Locken Montana Cierra Erickson Jacey Fortier Megan Small Mountain States California

Wolf Point, MT 406-650-8458 Dillon.McPherson@wpra. com Spokeswomen Lindsay Kruse Laura McPherson

Circuit Director Rainy Robinson Caldwell, ID 208-870-5256 [email protected] Spokeswomen Teri Bangart Cheyenne Allan Kathy Grimes Kelsie Miller FIRST FRONTIER Circuit Director Awaiting appointee by Board of Directors Spokeswomen April Masterson

Circuit Director Bricklee Miller Starkville, MS 662-418-3963 [email protected] Spokeswomen

Stacey Padilla LeAnne Wolfe Toni Karre WILDERNESS Circuit Director

Julie Thomas Katti Breaux

Darae Larson Maria Taylor Jill Ferdina MOUNTAIN STATES Circuit Director

Julie Herman Bluffdale, UT 801-548-4797 [email protected] Spokeswomen Meka Farr Terri Wood-Gates Melissa Taylor Kali Jo Parker Amberley Snyder ROPING DIVISION Director Awaiting appointee by

Sabra O’Quinn Laura Kennedy Lindsey Pender Dallas Dewees Amie Montsdeoca TEXAS

Carla Beckett Laramie, WY 307-761-1800 [email protected] Spokeswomen Melanie Luark Shali Lord

Circuit Director Lois Ferguson West, TX (254) 744-2878 [email protected] Spokeswomen Martha Jordan Dena Kirkpatrick Stevi Hillman Tami Semas

Erin Johnson Charity Hoar

Kerri Frazier Dawn Powell Kristen Weber Beth Borowy Jayme Myers Kris Roy Kathy Clement

Prairie

Nikki Hansen Cally Kindred Jill Moody Stephanie Curtis

Christi Braudrick

Wendy McKee Christy Hefley Kim Schulze Mackenzie Scott Lynn Kohr

Southeastern

Board of Directors Assistant Directors Jennifer Casey Lari Dee Guy Event Directors Team Roping TBD Tie-down roping Kari Nixon Spokeswomen Badlands Sadie Dale Jennifer Belkham Carole Hollers

Lindsey Pender

Texas

Jackie Crawford Jordan Fabrizio

CALIFORNIA Circuit Director Katie Pascoe

GREAT LAKES Circuit Director Awaiting appointee by Board of Directors Spokeswomen Lindsay Leverington

PRAIRIE Circuit Director Awaiting appointee by Board of Directors Spokeswomen Shy-Anne Jarrett

Kelly Kaminski Shelley Morgan Kelly Tovar Tiany Schuster

Turquoise Leigh Ann Billingsley Kayse Mahoney Nicole Baggarley Wilderness Codi Anne Judkins Codi McPherson Shelli Scrivner

Morro Bay, CA 805-550-8481 [email protected] Spokeswomen

TURQUOISE Circuit Director Lacy Wilson Artesia, NM (575) 910-1692

Kathy Petska Nellie Miller Marguerite Happy Tonia Forsberg

Julie Erkamaa Amy Wheeler Sandi Brandli

Kris Hanson Emily Miller Jamie Chaffin Tracy Nowlin

PROCOM TURNOUT/RELEASE DEADLINES Procedure: A contestant wishing to make a notified turn out or release must notify PROCOM no later than three hours prior to the performance/ slack of which she is turning out, unless an earlier deadline applies (see following). Morning Slack: A contestant desiring to make a notified turn out or release for a morning section of slack must so notify PROCOM no later than the turn out deadline of the previous evening’s performance or 5 p.m. (Colorado Mountain Time) of the day prior to such section of slack if there is no performance the previous evening. It is important to remember that all times are based on Mountain Standard Time. The only official turnout or release is through PROCOM. Notifying the rodeo secretary is not official. PROCOM HOURS Entries and Call Back

DEADLINE FOR PAYING ENTRY FEES: 10.5.4 Contestants competing at the rodeo must pay entry fees to the rodeo secretary at the rodeo or entry fees must be received in the WPRA office by 3:00 PM Mountain time, Tuesday following the end of the rodeo. 10.5.4.1. Contestants turning out of a rodeo must have entry fees paid in the WPRA office by 3:00 PM Mountain time, Tuesday following the end of the rodeo.

CANADIAN INFORMATION C.P.R.A. Office (403)250-7440 Canadian Rodeo Entry System (800)661-8523 (403)250-7666 CRES Administration (403)250-7299 To enter CPRA rodeos, a current October 2014CPRA membership is required.

WPRA CREDIT CARD POLICY The WPRA will accept Visa/Mastercard/Discover/ Amex for the following: Dues • Fines • Entry Fees There will be a $10 charge on each transaction.

Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. MT Weekends 8:30 a.m. until last deadline ProCom numbers: (800)234-PRCA (7722) ProCom Local & Trades Line: (719)548-4800 Online ProCom Entry – through WPRA Portal portal.wpra.com

HEADQUARTERS 431 S. CASCADE

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. 80903 (719) 447-4627 • FAX: (719) 447-4631 WWW.WPRA.COM BUSINESS HOURS: MON. - FRI. 8:30 A.M. - 5 P.M.

JUNE 2022 WPRA NEWS 17

2022 ROPING DIVISION STANDINGS WORLD STANDINGS Unofficial as of May 27, 2022 *2021 World Champion **2021 National Champion ALL-AROUND No rankings at this time BREAKAWAY **1. Josie Conner Iowa, LA $42,168 2. Martha Angelone Stephenville, TX $28,824 3. Danielle Lowman Gilbert, AZ $18,608 4. Jackie Crawford Stephenville, TX $17,577 5. Aspen Miller Santa Fe, TX $13,670 6. Angie Green Huntsville, TX $11,340 7. Taylor Munsell Alva, OK $11,028 8. Josey Murphy Keachi, LA $10,923 9. Bradi Good Abilene, TX $10,825 10. Hali Williams Comanche, TX $10,739 11. Cheyanne Guillory Gainesville, TX $10,713 12. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh Canyon, TX $10,502 13. Ari-Anna Flynn Roland, OK $9,528 14. Shelby Boisjoli Stephenville, TX $9,430 15. Morgan Sparks Marthaville, LA $9,291 TEAM ROPING – HEADING 1. Hope Thompson Abilene, TX $20,740 2. Bailey Gubert Hungerford, TX $16,812 3. Rylea Fabrizio Stephenville, TX $7,500 4. Kayelen Helton Stephenville, TX $6,630 5. Jackie Crawford Stephenville, TX $6,055 6. Emily Gately (R) Orange, CA $3,500 *7. Lari Dee Guy Abilene, TX $3,480 8. Kenna Francis (R) Las Vegas, NM $3,270 9. Beverly Robbins Muscle Shoals, AL $3,164 10. Martha Angelone Stephenville, TX 11. Alex Loiselle Decatur, TX 12. Cadee Williams Weatherford, TX 13. Kelsey Ferguson Wolf, WY 14. Jennifer Reichert Van Buren, AR 15. Shawnee Sherwood San Tan Valley, AZ TEAM ROPING – HEELING 1. Lorraine Moreno Mathis, TX 2. Jessica Remsburg Leighton, AL 3. Rylie Smith Whitsett, TX *4. Annette Stahl Salt Flat, TX 5. Deborah Fabrizio Pueblo, CO 6. Danielle Lowman Gilbert, AZ 7. Courtney Crites Welch, OK 8. Rebecca Cannizzaro Wayne, OK 9. Cheyenne Blackmore Hillside, AZ 10. Kelsie Domer Dublin, TX 11. Kayse Mahoney Florence, AZ 12. Emily Fabian Gansevort, NY 13. Kelley Moss Hume, VA 14. Elaina Damante Alma, AR 15. Leigh Ann Billingsley Phoenix, AZ TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Sierra Hilgenkamp (R) Wall, SD 2. DeNiess Kilgus Watsontown, PA 3. Katie Wenger East Berlin, PA 4. Cheyenne Chamberlain Fort Ann, NY *Kari Nixon Freedom, OK

$3,120

$800 $400 $300 $299 $234

$16,180 $11,618 $11,314 $7,535 $7,500 $6,120 $5,670 $1,787

$704 $625 $353 $288 $222 $178 $118 $273 $126 $112

$92

not ranked

2021 WPRA World Champion Team Ropers – Lari Dee Guy and Annette Stahl

18 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022

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DECEMJUBNERE 20221 WPRA NEWS 19

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20 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022

SPOTLIGHT

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JUNE 2022 WPRA NEWS 21

SPOT ON Phillips and Big P Take Barrel Title in Clovis By Kristen M. White F or many barrel racers, the Clovis (California) Rodeo is one for the bucket list. Winning it, of course, is an added bonus. And both those things came true this year for Abby Phillips. The Marshall, Texas, cowgirl took her first runs in Clovis this year, and quickly decided it was a place she and her horse, Big P, could get used to.

“It was very exciting!” she said simply. “The whole run in California was a bucket list. I’ve never really felt like I had the horse to go out there, one that would like the setup, until I got this horse about a year ago. I felt like he was ready for it and we decided to give it a go - and it worked!” Phillips said her whole California run hadn’t been all that great, until she got to Clovis, that is. There, she pocketed checks in the first two rounds and eventually won the three-run average. All totaled, she took home nearly $7,500, which made her California run much, much better. “In some of those places in California I was trying to figure out my horse in those wide open setups, and then we got to Clovis and it was a little more closed in and I felt like I tuned in on my horse and that he would do well.” Phillips noted that both the first and second runs had their challenges. The first, of course, was getting comfortable with the setup and knowing exactly where to place Big P for the first barrel. That round everyone ran in slack, which gave a chance to get a little comfortable before adding in the crowds in the second round. “I have never seen crowds like that in California!” Phillips said. “There was a lot going on. I tried to keep Big P calm and cool, which was tricky. It was a packed house, so nailing it under pressure was a big challenge.” Michelle Darling won the first round in 16.88 seconds, but Michelle Alley (16.89) and Phillips in (16.9) were hot on her heels. In the second round, Sissy Winn took the victory in 16.87 seconds, with Phillips again in close pursuit in 16.89 seconds for second place. “By the time the finals rolled around, I realized I was in a good spot

to be able to win. There was a lot on the line, but I just had to trust,” Phillips said. “I’m a firm believer that when it’s your time, it’s your time. The prep was there and my horse had been incredible the first two rounds, so I trusted that it was only going to get better - go and have fun and enjoy the moment.” The final round turned out to be a lightning quick one. Stevi Hillman won in 16.73 seconds, followed by Darling in 16.79. Phillips was out of the money in 16.99, but it was enough to push her to the average victory by more than a tenth of a second. She finished in 50.78 seconds on three, while Darling came in at 50.89 seconds. “A lot of the girls behind me in the average had run ahead of me, and that’s when I got most nervous, so I had to ignore what was going on and just focus on what I could control,” Phillips recalled. “When I turned that third barrel I was pretty sure I had won, but those girls were sure fast in the final round and brought the heat! I knew I’d have to clock well.” Big P proved that Phillips was right in believing he was ready for the big rodeo scene. He’s 8 this year and last year after buying him, Phillips worked on seasoning him, hoping she was building up to a good season. “California ground is very different, and I didn’t know how he’d do on the ground, but I always thought he’d like California and decided to give it a try,” she said. “I’ve been waiting for a win like this! He’s been so spot-on, and so I’m excited to add this win to his resume.” Phillips hopes there is more excitement to come this summer as she travels to Canada - somewhere else she’s never rodeoed. She plans to stay out on the road through the Fourth of July run and, provided all goes well, all the way through Pendleton. “Big P does really well just about anywhere,” she said. “He likes different types of ground and he seems to be versatile. But if I had to pick, I think he really likes the big, outside, wide-open places. Like Clovis! He likes to run fast.” Abby Phillips capped off her California run this year with a big win at the Clovis Rodeo aboard her horse Big P. While this was the duos first time to run at Clovis it now might be a must stop in future years. Photo by Roseanna Sales

Abby Phillips and Big P captured the average title at the 2022 edition of the Clovis (CA) Rodeo with a three run total of 50.78 seconds. The Marshall, Texas, cowgirl took nearly $7,500 back to the Lone Star State. Photo by Roseanna Sales

22 WPRA NEWS JUNE 2022