The WRANGLER Horse and Rodeo News is an equine and rodeo publication with circulation in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Utah and Idaho.
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November 20 - December 4, 2020 • The WRANGLER, Horse and Rodeo News 5 Wri en by Hope Raley Last year, the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) and the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) teamed up to announce a revolu onary event in women's rodeo- the Women's Rodeo World Championship- that would be held in November 2020. Originally planned for Las Vegas, Nevada, the first-of-its- kind event had to make the move to Texas due to Covid19, and although the loca on changed, the hype of the inaugural event grew by day. The Women's Rodeo World Championship saw the likes of some of the greatest female athletes in the world compe ng in breakaway roping, barrel racing, and team roping. When the curtain was drawn on the seven-day $750,000 equal money event, five women became the first in history to claim the coveted tle of Women's Rodeo World Champion-taking home a huge paycheck of $60,000 each. WCRA Women's Rodeo World Championship Wrap Up In the barrel racing, it was Hermosa, South Dakota cowgirl Hallie Hanssen that took home top honors. The barrel racing futurity trainer has been on a roll these past couple of months and the Women's Rodeo World Championship fell vic m to her winning ways when she and her excep onal mare Tres Movidas topped the leaderboard a er expertly naviga ng the cloverleaf pa ern in a blistering fast 14.735-second run. Hanssen and "Vida" outran their compe on by over half-a-second, with Jesse Telford from Caldwell, Idaho running a 15.339 to finish runner-up. When asked what she enjoys most about the concept of the WCRA, Hanssen explained the unlimited opportuni es that the WCRA are giving rodeo athletes. "I love that I can run at large payouts without having to haul up and down the road all year," said Hanssen. "I can run Vida at some really big money and not have to make tons of runs on her." With a concept unlike any other, the WCRA can be a li le confusing to those who are not familiar with their layout. Hanssen says the best thing someone can do if you have any ques ons is to reach out to the WCRA and ask them. "They are so helpful and very friendly. They want everyone to get involved so they are more than happy to explain how it works to newcomers." Running on stage as pres gious as the AT&T Stadium would be an adrenaline rush for anyone, no ma er who they are. Hanssen loved every minute spent in the world- class stadium and made sure to soak up an unforge able experience. "It truly was an amazing experience," Hanssen said. "It was loud and there was so much energy in the building that could be very distrac ng if you let it, but I made sure to focus on my horse and how I needed to ride her in order to be successful." With yet another championship under their belt for the 2020 season, we asked Hanssen what it was like to be on a winning streak and if anything changed with her or "Vida" when the chips were falling in their favor. "Nothing really changes for us besides our confidence in one another. I just really focus on doing my part as far as keeping her happy and healthy. Everything else takes care of itself." Of course, it helps to have such wonderful people and companies in your corner to help along the way. Hanssen would like to thank her sponsors which include ESMS, Saddleright, Omega Fields, Pla num Coach, Tami Semas Barrel Saddles, Flexineb, Ultracruz, Bimeda, Cowgirl Tuff, Flaharty Bits and Spurs, MVP Pharmaceu cals, Magnawave, and Dunn Ranch.