2008 ushers in a new era in the Women's Professional Rodeo Association for women who rope.

By Sharon Widmer, WPRA
Posted Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Roping events sanctioned and co-sanctioned by the WPRA are expected to pop up like mushrooms in moist soil, all across the nation.

Spokeswomen from each region are being sought out to contact event producers with the exciting news that it’s easy and cost effective to partner with the WPRA, allowing the women that enter their events a paved road to competing at the WPRA World Finals Rodeo.

Current sponsors like Wrangler, Dodge Rodeo, Montana Silversmiths and Ariat, along with companies that produce ropes, roping machines and related products, are currently evaluating sponsorship programs that would result in fat purses and great prizes for those competing in the five rounds of WPRA World Finals Rodeo roping events.

This new mission reflects changes in the rodeo industry that the WPRA is responding to.

The WPRA broke its initial ground (back in 1948) by giving women a chance to shine. Responding to the drought of women’s roping coverage and events is just another way the WPRA is staying on the forefront of what matters to its members: purses worth competing for, events worth traveling to, and providing female ropers everywhere an opportunity to qualify for and compete in the WPRA World Finals, this year and every year.
Handicapped roping jackpots, open to member and non-member cowgirls, are also planned for finals week, making it even more fun and lucrative to compete at the finals in Tulsa this November.

Members will earn points toward the 2009 World Standings in addition to cash and prizes, and non-members have a chance to compete against WPRA World Championship contenders.

We can’t wait to establish the final budget and announce some very exciting added money and prizes.

If you’d like to be a spokeswoman in your area, or just help in getting the word out, please contact Imogene at 918-676-3755.

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Kim Wing Breaks the Ice for Midwest Ropers

Last year, in an attempt to bring opportunities to women in the Midwest a chance to earn points toward the WPRA World Standings, I asked the Iowa Rodeo Cowboy’s Association to co-approve their events with the WPRA, and they agreed.

We were all disappointed when only a few women took advantage of becoming WPRA members and competing in their events..

When I asked some of the women I thought would take advantage of the opportunity why they chose not to they said they didn’t feel they’d be competitive at the WPRA level.

I have to admit feeling the same way as a barrel racer competing successfully in amateur rodeos, until a friend pushed me into trying WPRA competition.

Roper Kim Wing of Van Wert, Iowa, did take advantage of the opportunity, and qualified for the 2007 WPRA World Finals. She was the only roper participating from the Great Lakes Circuit, and she represented her state and the circuit well, finishing 12th in the 2007 WPRA World Standings.

Kim’s success demonstrated to her peers, that if you are a good roper in your region, you will be a good roper in the WPRA.

This year more Midwestern WPRA ropers will take advantage of the opportunities to rope for real purses and a trip to Tulsa.

They are talking to producers in their area, asking them to co-sanction with the WPRA, so that they will have events to compete at. The women are excited, and so are the producers. The ball is rolling in the Midwest, and we want your help to get the ball rolling everywhere—until we’ve covered local regions to the entire United States.

Women ropers everywhere should be making plans to be one of the five women from every circuit, in every event, including both ends of the team roping going to the WPRA World Finals. If, that is, they aren’t one of the top 15 qualifiers. It’s also true that some circuits, like the Great Lakes Circuit last year, may not have enough ropers to fill all their positions, so even more opportunities may be open to them.

The message here is, don’t be afraid to get your card and enter WPRA competition. Find some events in your area, and take advantage of the new opportunities available, or encourage someone you know to give it a try. You will probably be surprised at just how much fun you’ll have, and just how competitive you really are.

See you at the 2008 WPRA World Finals!

Positions for Ropers at the WPRA World Finals Rodeo

WPRA spokeswomen will be helping their mentor and director, Imogene Fyffe, bring the news to women in their areas-such as the 75 positions open at the WPRA World Finals Rodeo in every event, including both ends of the team roping. That’s five contestants, in every event, from every circuit, plus the top 15 in the world standings, qualifying to compete at the finals. That’s 300 positions open at the finals just for ropers!

Learn more at www.wpra.com