The entire world knows that Christmas is in December, but in the world of Professional Rodeo and in the eyes of the cowboys and cowgirls of the PRCA and WPRA, the rodeos around the 4th of July are known as "Cowboy Christmas." Reigning World Champion Breakaway Roper Martha Angelone shares an insight into her plans for the Cowboy Christmas run.

According to the PRCA, there are approximately 150 rodeos throughout the United States and Canada during the month of July. Some of the biggest and highest paying rodeos occur during the first week of July. Cities such as Reno, NV, Greeley, CO, Cody, WY, Salinas, CA, and Prescott, AZ, are some of the rodeos with the most lucrative prize money. The best of the best in ProRodeo typically have a stacked schedule, with Cowboy Christmas being a "make or break" for many athletes.

Martha Angelone is no stranger to the winner's circle, and has a detailed plan of what rodeos she'll compete in and how she'll get there. "We are going to 9 of them between June 30th and July 7th," Angelone states. Along with her sister and their equine athletes, the Angelone sisters will travel to 5 different states throughout the week of rodeo.

The competition is fast and furious, but the 4th of July is just the beginning. The Cowboy Channel recently kicked off their "100 Rodeos in 100 Days" that is comprised off numerous rodeos each week. Although most athletes have multiple rigs traveling down the road, Angelone explains how she chooses to travel across the states,"My sister and I are just going to drive. We are trying to make it where we don't have to do the two rigs and flying everywhere this summer."

These talented athletes are traveling hundreds of miles up and down the highways in hopes to earn enough money to make that coveted trip to the Wrangler Nationals Finals Rodeo in December. Christmas really does come early for the rodeo cowboys and cowgirls.

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