Gunderson Gets Big Win in Denver

Heidi Gunderson is a regular name in the Futurity world standings but after a big win in Denver her name will be amongst the top in the early 2026 ProRodeo world standings.

Gunderson of Murdock, Minnesota, has won the WPRA Futurity World Title three times during her career but could a push for her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo be in the future for her in 2026? A strong start with the win in Denver, where she picked up over $9,000, might just have the northern cowgirl contemplating that option.

“This is his first rodeo,” stated Gunderson in the winner’s circle. “We are just really excited, and I think there is more to come.”

Gunderson won the 120th National Western Stock Show and Rodeo aboard Wonder If Im Lucky owned by good friend Shannon Kulseth after stopping the clock in the final round in a time of 14.91 seconds. The duo was the only team to finish in a sub-15 second time on Sunday afternoon in Denver. Kulseth and Gunderson are a force to be reckoned with as Gunderson won the 2024 WPRA Futurity World Championship aboard Lucky Blaze, also owned by Kulseth.

Attention Members

WPRA 2026 Nomination Process Is Complete

Results from the Nomination process have been tallied by the WPRA’s 3rd party election vendor. The top two candidates for each position that have accepted a nomination are listed below and will be advancing to the election ballot:

Badlands:

Nicole Bice

California:

Sheena Robbins

Great Lakes:

Melora Potter

Prairie:

Cindy Gillespie

Turquoise:

Jenna Duhon

Betsy Lamaire

Central Region Roping:

Christi Braudrick

East Region Roping:

Danni Clover

What’s Next?

The election ballot is the next step in the 2026 election process.

On or prior to February 1 - The WPRA Office must receive a signed membership application and payment from adult card members by this date to receive an election ballot - Please reference rule 3.3.2. in the 2026 WPRA Rule Book.

On or before Monday, February 9, 2026 - Election ballots will be sent to eligible WPRA members electronically - Please reference rule 3.3.1. in the 2026 WPRA Rule Book.

• The 2026 WPRA election will be digital ONLY. There will be no physical ballots sent.

Monday, February 23, 2026, by 5pm MT- Election ballots are due back to the election vendor - Please reference rule 3.3.2. in the 2026 WPRA Rule Book.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, by end of day - Election ballots will be certified by the election vendor. Candidates are notified the following business day - Please reference rule 3.4.1. in the 2026 WPRA Rule Book.

MEMBER REMINDER

A friendly reminder that all Circuit Finals winnings will be added to the 2026 World Standings on Feb 2nd following the conclusion of the last Circuit Finals (Prairie) to be completed this weekend. 

RODEO AUSTIN BARREL RACING QUALIFIER

Rodeo Austin is hosting a barrel racing qualifier for contestants not already pre-seated in the rodeo in Stephenville, TX on Feb. 22, 2026.

The rodeo will consist of a total of 88 contestants– 68 from pre-determined rankings (see below) and 20 from the qualifier.  

Entries to fill in this order:  

a. The top 17 from the 2026 Pro Rodeo World standings based on winnings 7 days prior to Rodeo Austin entries closing. Drop down until filled.

b. The top 18 contestants from the 2025 Pro Rodeo World standings not already qualified through above criteria. Drop down until filled.

c. The top 4 from the 2025 WPRA Tour not already qualified through above criteria. Drop down until filled.

d. The top 17 from the 2026 WPRA/PRCA Texas Circuit year-end barrel racing standings based on winnings 7 days prior to Rodeo Austin entries closing not already qualified through above criteria. Drop down until filled.

e. The top 12 from the 2025 WPRA/PRCA Texas Circuit year end barrel racing standings not already qualified through above criteria. Drop down until filled.

f. The Top 20 qualifying contestants from the qualifier will be placed in the performances at Rodeo Austin, along with the 68 contestants already entered.

Contestants who have already qualified from above qualifications will not be eligible to enter the qualifier. 

Nominate Your Rodeo Hero

The colorful history and equally colorful legends of professional rodeo live on at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs, Colo. In 2017, WPRA members and equine animals were inducted for the first time.

To be considered for nomination a WPRA member must be a World Champion Barrel Racer® that is retired from full-time competition or a member who has made significant contributions toward the advancement of the WPRA, who are not otherwise eligible in the barrel racing category. Eligibility based on individual’s contributions to the sport of barrel racing and the WPRA.

In addition, horses who have carried a WPRA member to a world championship can also be nominated. For more information click on the nomination form below.

WPRA New Partner - TruCryo

Localized cryotherapy with KaasenEquine by TruCryo provides horses and riders with a targeted, non-invasive cooling experience exactly where it’s needed most.

Treatments with KaasenEquine help support post-exercise recovery and physical comfort, making it an ideal addition to training and competition routines. By rapidly cooling specific areas, KaasenEquine promotes a precise cooling response that can assist with muscle relaxation, joint mobility, and overall wellbeing, helping horses feel more comfortable, recover more efficiently, and stay performance-ready.

Rule Spotlight

9.3.4. Any member who willfully by any act, whether by commission or omission the result of which is to place the actor or any other competitor in a favored position over other contestants. Buying or selling a trade for cash or other consideration will constitute a violation of this rule.

9.3.5. Any husband, father, mother, relative or person with any relationship with a WPRA competitor whether related or not commits or assists in any act by omission or commission, the result of which is to place a WPRA competing member in a favored positions, makes said competitor responsible and liable under this subsection. Buying or selling a trade for cash or other consideration will constitute a violation of this rule.

2026 Circuit Resident/Non-Resident Count

The resident/non-resident circuit counts for all the circuits for barrel racing and breakaway roping are now listed 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.

Helpful Member Tips

How To Read Rodeo Listings

Events:

LB - Ladies Breakaway Roping

GB- Girls Barrel Racing

Other Abbreviations

NPP - No Priority Positions

EOO - Entry Office Opens

EC - Entry Close

MT - Mountain Time

MDT - Mountain Daylight Time

EF's - Entry Fees

W/F's - With Finals