A 2024 Retrospective
As the 2024 rodeo season winds down, the impact of female competitors, leaders, and influencers within the sport has never been more pronounced. This year has been a testament to the resilience and pioneering spirit of women who are reshaping the traditional rodeo landscape into a more inclusive and dynamic arena.**Celebrating the Year of the Cowgirl**The spotlight was bright at Cheyenne Frontier Days, which heralded 2024 as the “Year of the Cowgirl.” The event celebrated this theme by unveiling the “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” bronze at Frontier Park and launching a limited series podcast titled “Eras of Western Women,” which explores the historical impact of women in the West.Further embracing this spirit, the Grand National Rodeo in San Francisco hosted its second annual “Women in Rodeo” performance in October, featuring events exclusively for female competitors, including barrel racing, breakaway roping, and bronc riding. This showcase not only highlighted the skill and tenacity of women in rodeo but also served as a platform for their increasing influence in the sport.
Leadership Breakthroughs: 2024 marked a significant year for women in rodeo leadership roles. The Pendleton Round-Up was led by its first-ever female president, Tiah DeGrofft, alongside Kristin Schmidtgall, who is only the fourth woman and the first to serve as medical director on the Round-Up Board. Similarly, the Reno Rodeo welcomed Carrie Ann Sattler as its first female president, highlighting a trend toward more diverse leadership within the sport’s governing bodies.
Impactful Competitors and Personalities: The rodeo circuit has also been invigorated by standout female personalities such as Jessica Cardon, a pioneering pickup woman, and Kassandra Shoemaker, a trailblazing steer roper. Shoemaker’s accolades include being the first female Rookie of the Year in the Wyoming Steer Roping Association and qualifying for the National Finals Steer Roping College Division. Her victories and the social media engagement they generate—like her landmark win in Yuma, Colorado, which became the first steer roping win for a woman in ProRodeo’s modern era—have significantly raised her profile and influence.
Financial Contributions and Growth: The financial implications of women’s increased participation are substantial. In 2024, women accounted for 69% of rodeo entries managed by NextGen Rodeo, contributing significantly to the financial ecosystem of the sport. The surge in women’s entries is notable not just in professional ranks but also in youth and amateur events, indicating a growing interest and involvement at all levels.The Women’s Pro Rodeo Association (WPRA) has seen a steady rise in membership, particularly since the addition of breakaway roping to major rodeo events. This rise underscores the growing popularity and financial viability of women’s events, with the WPRA’s membership increasing to 3,845 in 2024, a testament to the sport’s evolving dynamics.
Future Prospects and Expanding Opportunities: Looking to the future, events like the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway set for Thanksgiving weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona, promise to further spotlight women’s rodeo. The event, which boasts a $1 million purse, has already sold out for its final night, several months in advance, underscoring the significant drawing power and marketability of women in rodeo. Moreover, the Women’s Rodeo World Championships announced plans to increase their 2025 payout to over $800,000 and expand their event lineup to include goat tying, reflecting the growing demand and recognition for women’s competitions.As we reflect on a transformative year, it’s clear that women are not merely participants in rodeo; they are its driving force, reshaping the sport with each event, decision, and victory. The integration of women into every facet of rodeo—from competitors to leaders—signals a more inclusive and prosperous future for the sport, demonstrating that the influence of women in rodeo is both profound and here to stay.
