November 1, 2024 – The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR), working in cooperation with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, will increase added money and implement a new drag procedure during the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament WPRA-approved barrel race at the 127th edition of the legendary event January 17 through February 8, 2025.
“The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo appreciates its longstanding relationship with the WPRA and its contributions to the sport of rodeo,” said FWSSR Rodeo Director Cal White. “We are delighted to recognize the value the women bring to the FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament with an increase of more than $30,000 to $153,000 in 2025 for both barrel racing and breakaway roping, the only two ProRodeo events strictly for women. This is a part of the Tournament’s overall purse increase of 25% from $1.2 million in 2024 to $1.5 million in 2025. We also join the WPRA in its objective to provide the safest, most even competition surface possible for contestants and animal athletes alike and barrel racers will see significant improvements in 2025.”
In addition to continuing its policy of hand-raking between each run, the FWSSR will now drag after every four barrel racers with two tractors. The Show will also continue to chisel or deep rip the competition bed surface in between performances, as well as monitor and apply water as needed, followed by a grooming drag before, during and after each performance to ensure a level competition surface.
“The WPRA is pleased to work with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo to add a drag during the barrel race helping to continue to elevate the sport to the next level,” stated Jimmie Munroe, WPRA President. “It is important that we, along with our rodeo committee partners, provide a safe environment for our members and their equine athletes that allows for them to perform at their very best.”
About Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is set to “Hustle and Show,” in 2025 as it welcomes more than 13,000 4-H and FFA students from across the state, and more than 1.2 million visitors from around the world to its gates. Rodeo in the amazing Dickies Arena is just part of the experience that also includes tantalizing food, shopping, livestock shows, live music, carnival-midway, equestrian competitions, petting zoo and much more. Make plans today by visiting www.fwssr.com then get ready for a legendary good time at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo – January 17 through February 8.
Women’s Professional Rodeo Association
The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) is the oldest women’s sports organization in the country. The Association started in 1948 with a group of Texas ranch women. A major move at the time, 38 women met in a hotel in San Angelo, Texas, on February 28, 1948, to change the way they were being treated in the male-dominated world of rodeo. These women banded together to create the very first professional sports association created solely for women by women – the Girls Rodeo Association (GRA). In 1981, the GRA changed its name to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). The WPRA, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado., provides opportunities for women across the United States and Canada to compete in the timed events of barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, and tie-down roping. For more information visit www.wpra.com.
