Sitting fourth in the WPRA world standings, Wenda Johnson and Steal Money continue to see success in the arena, winning the Lea County PRCA Rodeo in Lovington, New Mexico.
Wenda Johnson is well on her way to a fifth NFR qualification, and her win in Lovington, New Mexico at the Lea County PRCA Rodeo aboard Steal Money added $7,977 to their winnings, only running .01 faster than Sadie Wolaver-Troyer.
“Mo” is a 2016 gelding that came off the track and started a second career as a barrel horse when he was 5, now with EquiStat lifetime earnings of more than $473,000. Johnson said Mo can be picky about who he is around but is full of personality and confidence.
“Our run in Lovington started off so nice and quiet in the alley. He went to his spot into the first very well,” Johnson said. “We were deep into the second, probably to handle being last on the ground and a little stiff on the third but he straightened up and ran home very nice.”
The duo also won Lovington in 2023, Mo’s first time at this rodeo. Johnson’s consistency and attention to detail during her pre-and post-run routine helps keep Mo feeling and performing his best.
“During the pre-run the most important thing is properly warming up his muscles, which can be quite challenging at majority of the rodeos because of small warm-up pens, hard ground or lack of facility,” she said. “After the run, it’s important to cool him down properly and take time to make sure he’s still feeling his best. He did an amazing job during this year’s season, and I’m planning to finish up by running at Sioux Falls in September.”
Also aiding in their high-paying week was a win at the Lawton Rangers Rodeo in Lawton, Oklahoma worth $4,033.
Lea County PRCA Rodeo results:
1. Wenda Johnson, 17.50 seconds, $7,977; 2. Sadie Wolaver-Troyer, 17.51, $6,382; 3. Emily Beisel, 17.52, $5,185; 4. Tarryn Lee, 17.54, $3,989; 5. Paige Jones, 17.56, $3,191; 6. Hailey Kinsel, 17.57, $2,393; 7. Londyn Ross, 17.63, $1,994; 8. Jamie Olsen, 17.67, $1,795; 9. Sabrina Ketcham, 17.69, $1,595; 10. Natalie Bland, 17.73, $1,396; 11. Fallon Forbes, 17.80, $1,197; 12. Cindy Smith, 17.81, $997; 13. Savannah Woodfin, 17.83, $798; 14. Morgan Addison, 17.88, $598; 15. (tie) Lisa Fernandes and Tibba Smith, 17.89, $199 each.
