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What
started as a group of Texas ranchwomen in 1948 who wanted to add
a little color and femininity to the rough-and-tumble sport of
rodeo is now a computerized association with over 2,000 members.
Ladies’ saddle bronc riding
and trick riding were once a part of the early days of rodeo and
wild west shows and were the only events in which women were allowed
to participate. As these two events began to wane, the enthusiastic
Texans developed the clover-leaf pattern and the fastest contestants
around the course won. The group organized and called themselves
the Girls’ Rodeo Association. They began with 74 original
members, 60 approved contests, and a total payout of $29,000.
This has evolved into a million dollar industry with women athletes
riding well-conditioned race horses. In 1994, the WPRA had approved
barrel races in 780 sanctioned Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s
rodeos with a total of $2,600,953 in prize money. A segment of
the original association was all-women rodeos. Now under the umbrella
of the PWRA is the Professional Women’s Rodeo Association,
which has competitions in riding and timed events similar to their
male counterparts. Over 130 members make up this division, and
they had the opportunity to compete in over 20 complete all-women’s
rodeos and 70 approved events in the first year. The WPRA National
Finals held each year pays out over $50,000. |
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