With the rodeo set against the scenic backdrop from May 7-11, Stephanie Fryar is the last woman standing in this thrilling race. Having already claimed victories at two consecutive WCRA Majors – one in Mill Springs, North Carolina, in October 2023 and another in Guthrie, Oklahoma, in January 2024 – Fryar is now poised to clinch the title that has so far only been in the grasp of one other rodeo athlete, bareback rider RC Landingham.

Landingham, who won the inaugural Triple Crown in December 2022, matched his 14-year career earnings with that single, monumental paycheck. Fryar aims to echo this remarkable achievement, with over $750,000 in career winnings already under her belt, the upcoming $1 million check could more than double her life earnings, marking a monumental milestone in her 18+ year career.

Fryar’s journey to this pinnacle moment is not just a personal quest but a striking symbol of female prowess in a sport that has seen only a handful of women in such high-stakes contention. In May 2022, breakaway roper Tacy Kay Webb came close at Rodeo Corpus Christi, but it was not meant to be. Fryar now carries the hopes of many, aiming to not only capture the crown but also to inspire a generation of women in rodeo.

The event itself promises high stakes and fierce competition, with more than 200 of the world’s top western sports athletes, including the return of RC Landingham who has been sidelined due to injury. The contest at Corpus Christi not only determines the Triple Crown champion but also serves as a qualifier for the Free Riders team, set to compete at the inaugural Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo.

As Stephanie Fryar gears up for what could be the ride of her life, fans from around the globe can tune in to witness this historic event. Whether in person on the breezy bayfronts or through broadcasts on RidePass on Pluto TV, Cowboy Channel, and the Cowboy Channel+ App, this is a show no rodeo enthusiast would want to miss.

Stephanie Fryar’s quest for the Triple Crown is not just about the glittering prize but the indomitable spirit of the cowgirl—fearless, formidable, and ready to make history. As she prepares to take the reins this May, she isn’t just riding for glory; she’s riding for every girl who dares to dream big and shoot even higher.

When the WCRA first got its start nearly six years ago, Martha was a college student at Northwestern Oklahoma State University working as a bartender to cover entry fees. At the time, the native Virginian never would have dreamt she’d be able to make a living roping calves or become the winningest female WCRA athlete of 2023 with $133,400 pocketed throughout the year.

Growing up in a family with a minimal background in rodeo put the passion directly into hers and her sister, Sarah’s hearts to pursue the dream professionally. Martha explained that it was her father who picked up the sport later in life, and her and her sister were simultaneously hooked. 

It was that love for the sport that has propelled Angelone to be one of the best breakaway ropers in the WCRA. The WCRA was the first association to provide life-changing payouts to breakaway ropers, which proved to be a game-changer for Angleone. 

“I’d never thought I could say that I rodeo and get to breakaway rope for a living. The opportunities provided by the WCRA and WRWC are so amazing” said Angelone. 

The current Texas resident further expanded on the opportunities allotted by the association, explaining it has allowed her to rodeo professionally and continue to invest in her craft. As the 2023 Reliance Ranches VRQ Bonus winner, the world champion breakaway roper added to her career WCRA earnings by an impactful $25,000. 

“This bonus was huge. The VRQ bonus is a game changer for me and I do my best to stay atop of the leaderboards.  It’s with bonuses like this one that I can continue to pursue my dreams”. 

Angelone’s sharp roping skills were also made apparent during the 2022 WRWC, where she flexed her all-around roping muscles. Winning the Professional Breakaway Roping title, provided her with unprecedented opportunities in women’s rodeo and the opportunity to purchase two new horses that would propel her career to the next level. 

“It’s so cool to have that much money added in an all-girl event. It’s so rewarding to get to team rope with ropers like Jackie [Crawford]. This event has truly changed my life and provided me with many opportunities.” 

The Reliance Ranches VRQ bonus in collation with her success in the WRWC has raised Angelone to an astounding $270,698 in career earnings, making her the winningest female WCRA athlete of 2023. 

“It’s pretty cool to have this title. I’ve always tried to winter these events because they’ve provided me with so many opportunities. I’m so grateful for the WCRA and how they’ve elevated womens rodeo.” said Angelone.

In 2024, Angleone already has her sights set on several major goals, including being seeded in all three women’s events at the WRWC and winning the all around title. Her goals also include focusing on her nomination strategy to clinch the 2024 Reliance Ranches VRQ Bonus by Rodeo Carolina in October. 

Team Roping- Heading

Sydney Ball is no stranger to the WRWC standings, as she finds herself atop the leaderboard once again, with a significant lead over Brittany Steed. After winning the 2023 WRWC Team Roping Challenger title with her twin sister, Sally, she looks to make a repeat victory in 2024.

Team Roping-Heeling

Kennlee Tate looks to expand her lead over Sally Ball, the 2023 WRWC Challenger champion, and make her mark on the richest rodeo in women’s history, taking place May 13-19.

Barrel Racing

Texas Tech University Rodeo team member Fallon Forbes expands her dominant lead over Oliva Hodnett in the Barrel Racing.

Breakaway Roping

Watch out for the Reininger twins! The duo goes for first and third place in the breakaway standings after a competitive week of nominations.

For a full leaderboard list or to learn more, please visit the WRWC website.

Women of Heartland

• Amber Marshall as Amy
• Michelle Morgan as Lou
• Alisha Newton as Georgie
• Madison Cheeatow as Jade
• Heather Conkie as the showrunner
• Many, many others!

These women sure are incredible! Amber Marshall runs her own farm before heading to set. She’s a real life rancher and horseback rider. Michelle Morgan is a talented actress and a working mom. In the series, Jade is a rodeo star that rides broncs like the guys. The women of Heartland are strong both in their personal lives and in the series!

Check out these impressive women both on set and behind-the-scenes…

You can see sneak peeks of current and future episodes on Heartland‘s YouTube channel.

The Love Between a Girl and Horses

Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis, suggested that girls love horses because of power. Many equestrians experience a feeling of empowerment when they ride or handle horses. It’s quite an amazing feeling being able to work and train a 1,200 pound animal.

A second reason could be the relationships girls form with horses. Because women are known for being more empathetic, they tend to pick up on the more subtle behaviors of horses. This helps to develop a strong and lasting relationship, which is built on communication. Many girls also enjoy the nurturing aspects of feeding, grooming, and tending to these beautiful animals.

And lastly, horseback riding gives girls and women independence and a sense of adventure. What a wonderful freedom it is to get on a horse and ride through the trails or soar over jumps! It also gets you in touch with nature on a deeper level.

There are many reasons why girls love horses. You may not be able to explain why you care so much for them, but there’s one thing for sure… you can’t go back now. They’ll be in your heart forever and always!

As a first-of-its-kind world championship, the Women’s Rodeo World Championship, proudly sponsored by COWGIRL Magazine, is going to be bringing the heat from some of the best cowgirls in the world. From seasoned professionals such as, Hope Thompson, JJ Hampton and Kelsie Chace, to young rising stars like Josie Conner, the pressure and excitement will be one for the record books.

Listen to the one and only Hope Thompson about what it means to have a rodeo of this caliber, exclusively for women (especially women ropers):

Not entirely sure what the breakaway roping rules will consist of at the first ever Women’s Rodeo World Championship? We are here to help! 

WCRA breakaway roping rules for the Women’s Rodeo World Championship:

• The only legal catch will be Bell Collar- defined as passing over the animal’s head and nose completely, thus being around ONLY the neck of the calf. NO appendages are allowed to be within the loop, meaning NO legs or tail.

• The athletes rope must be tied to saddle horn with string approved by the WRWC and have a colorful cloth attached to the rope at the saddle horn. Penalty for misplacement of the handkerchief or string will be disqualification by the line Judge; no coils or knots allowed between the end of rope and string.

• One loop only will be permitted. A dropped loop is considered a thrown loop. Should the athlete miss her calf with the eligible loop, the athlete will receive a “no time” for that particular run.

• The Judge will flag the athlete when the rope breaks away from the saddle horn and time will be recorded by the official time keeper of that event. The athlete must be on her horse when field official drops the flag signaling to the time keep to stop the clock.

• There will be 10 seconds added to the athletes time should she break the barrier (meaning she left the box prior to giving the calf the designated fair start).

With this being a $750,000 event paying equal money in all disciplines. The breakaway contestants will all be on their “A” game, with the hopes of a shot at big time money and the honors of being crowned one of the first (of 4) Women’s Rodeo World Champions, high on their minds! 

Interested in how you can attend this on of a kind event? We’ve got all the details for you!

The 2020 Women’s Rodeo World Championship will be hosted November 8-12 (qualifying rounds) at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

The final six from each of the four disciplines will be competing at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas alongside the PBR World Finals in the Championship Round November 13-15.

At the end of the event, a new champion in each individual discipline (breakaway, team roping and barrel racing) will be crowned.

But the excitement doesn’t stop with just the individual discipline champions. In addition, an All-Around-Champion will be crowned at the conclusion of the event.

Will you be there to witness history? 

Started back in 2017 by Missouri cowgirl Emilee Gettle, Home Folk is, at heart, a passion project. Home Folk was born out of Emilee’s deep love for the western industry and desire to support women around the world.

The brand’s three key executives are all women: Owner Emilee Gettle, Photographer and Brand & Web Development Manager Kaylee Ver Vynck of KayleeLynn Creatives, and Social Media & Brand Ambassador Manager and Photographer Presley Gray. Emily grew up just miles from her grandparents’ farm, while Kaylee and Presley both spent their youth on ranches. This is a cowgirl-run company through and through.

Being women owned and operated, women’s empowerment is more than just a passion for Home Folk—they’re taking action. A portion of every purchase gives back to charities that support women and children to chase their dreams. “We donate products to crisis pregnancy centers, women’s centers, and send monetary donations to a variety of charities,” says Emilee, Home Folk Owner. “A recent project we are supporting is the Women’s Transformational Center in Zambia. The center will offer vocational training, childcare, business training, literacy education, and maternal/child health support.”

Actively supporting women across the world, Home Folk is an American brand with a global mission. When adding some flawless turquoise or a pair of show-stopping boots to your closet, there is good being done for more than just your wardrobe.

For more information about Home Folk and to shop their latest styles, visit homefolk.com.

Taylor stepped into the music scene as a country starlet back in 2006 (14 years ago now, wow!) with her self-titled debut album. Since then, she came out with several more amazing country jams before transitioning into pop music. She even earned a laundry list of country awards for her talents, including ACM Awards for New Female Vocalist of the Year in 2008, Album of the Year in 2009 for Fearless, and Entertainer of the Year in both 2010 and 2011.

During her country years, she came out with some unforgettable songs and made big waves as a woman in the country music industry. Her songs were inspiring and empowering for young women wandering their way through their teenage years and adults just trying to figure out life.

Here’s to remembering some of Taylor Swift’s best country jams:

“Tim McGraw” (2006)

“Our Song” (2006)

“Teardrops On My Guitar” (2006)

“Picture To Burn” (2006)

“Should’ve Said No” (2006)

“Love Story” (2009)

“Change” (2008)

“Fifteen” (2008)

“Fearless” (2008)

“You Belong With Me” (2008)

“Mine” (2010)

“Mean” (2010)

“The Story Of Us” (2010)

“Ours” (2010)

There you have it: the Taylor Swift country jams we would not have been able to live without. From crippling heartbreak to soaring friendship to true love, Taylor has gotten us through it all.

But Taylor…still waiting on a country throwback album!