Calgary Stampede - One for the Record Books in 2026

If you weren’t a barrel racing fan before the 2026 edition of the Calgary Stampede, one could bet if you watched just one round of the 10-day event you became a big fan after an electrifying performance by the best in the WPRA. Many have said and posted that it was the best barrel race they have ever witnessed, proving when you combine phenomenal ground with top jockeys on some of the best equine athletes in the business, it will be magical

Four-time world champions Hailey Kinsel and Sister have had many magical moments in their careers including a 2018 Calgary Stampede title. They now have two Calgary Stampede titles after the duo stopped the clock in 16.80 seconds during the Final Four on Showdown Sunday. They edged Hayle Gibson Stillwell and Piper in a 16.81, Carlee Otero and Sly with a 16.83 and Heidi Gunderson on Casey with a 17.20.

2026 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Inductions This Weekend

Mary Burger, the 2006 and 2016 WPRA World Champion, and Loretta Manuel, the 1963 and 1967 WPRA World Champion will be inducted into the Barrel Racing category this weekend - July 17 and 18 to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. They will join the following on the PRCA side – Jerome Davis (bull riding), the late Butch Myers (steer wrestling), Ike Sankey (stock contractor), Keith Isley (contract personnel), Jeff Medders and Bobby Goodspeed (notables), Killer Bee (Livestock) and San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo (rodeo committee). Troy Weekley will also be honored with the Ken Stemler Pioneer Award during the Cowboy Ball on July 17

While winning one world title in the WPRA is a major feat, both these ladies have tasted that victory twice and now they will be honored for their accomplishments in the professional rodeo arena with induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs. The other things they have in common are they were both born in August in the State of Indiana.

Congratulations to both!

2026 Playoff Series Schedule

As a reminder for your summer run of rodeos to keep in mind the rodeos that are part of the Playoff Series which qualify contestants to Puyallup, Washington and Sioux Falls, S.D. at the end of the season.

Please note the change to turn out fines at 2026 Playoff Series Rodeos:

Additionally, monetary turn out fines will be doubled at 2026 Playoff Series Rodeos. Contestants will be assessed a maximum 10-point deduction for turning out at a Playoff Series Rodeo (includes notified and non-notified TO’s, does not include VIR’s and DR’s).

2026 Circuit Resident/Non-Resident Count

The resident/non-resident circuit counts for all the circuits for barrel racing and breakaway roping can be found at www.wpra.com. If your goal is to compete at your circuit finals be sure you know the number of rodeos you must compete in to be qualified if you finish in the top 12 of your respective circuit standings.

Rule Spotlight

9.3.20. Horses shall not be worked around official pattern with or without barrels. Barrels shall be set not less than fifteen (15) feet off markers. – This includes going around the markers at any speed with or without barrels.

Failure to comply will result in a major rule violation against member.

4 Badlands Circuit Rodeos Selected as Qualifying Rodeos for North Dakota Rough Rider Cup in Mandan - September 18-20

The North Dakota Rough Rider Cup in Mandan, North Dakota the end of September will be limited to 36 in barrels and breakaway. The top 32 from the 2026 WPRA World Standings 7 days prior to entries open will earn a spot with the remaining 4 entries coming from the winners of the following 4 predetermined qualifying rodeos.

The 2026 Qualifying Rodeos Are:

• Mandan, ND – July 2-4 - completed
• Deadwood, SD – July 19-25 - entries closed
• Aberdeen, SD - August 10-11 - Entries open July 29
• Rapid City, SD – August 23-25 - Entries open July 31

Click the buttons below to go directly to the rodeo listing on the WPRA website.

Results: - unofficial pending audit

*ties will be broken based on approved grounds rules for the North Dakota Rough Rider Cup

Mandan, ND - Hailey Kinsel (barrels), Haiden Thompson (breakaway roping)

WPRA Circuit Directors

We recently saw on a Facebook post a member saying they didn't know who the director was in a certain circuit. We wanted to remind everyone this information is on our website. Simply click the office tab and About Us (https://wpra.com/about-the-wpra/). Their phone numbers and email addresses are listed there.

Here is a current list for reference as well:

Badlands - Nicole Bice - 605-553-4546 - nicole@wpra.com

California - Sheena Robbins - 559-940-2638 - sheena@wpra.com

Columbia River - Kacey Gartner - 509-492-1772 - kacey.gartner@wpra.com

First Frontier - Chrissy Chromczak - 581-369-4456 - chrissy.chromczak@wpra.com

Great Lakes - Melora Potter - 270-704-0865 - melora@wpra.com

Montana - Dillon McPherson - 406-650-8458 - dillon.mcpherson@wpra.com

Mountain States - Shelly Vossler - 307-286-1449 - shelly@wpra.com

Prairie - Cindy Gillespie - 785-731-5306 - cindy@wpra.com

Southeastern - Ashley Rogers - 985-856-0947 - ashley.rogers@wpra.com

Texas - Lois Ferguson - 254-744-2878 - lois.ferguson@wpra.com

Turquoise - Jenna Duhon - 602-615-7663 - jenna@wpra.com

Wilderness - Annie Rose - 801-369-1460 - annie.rose@wpra.com

Central Region Roping - Christi Braudrick - 918-207-9757 - christi@wpra.com

West Region Roping - Tibba Smith - 254-595-1109 - tibba.smith@wpra.com

East Region Roping - Danni Clover - 660-833-1399 - danni@wpra.com