The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association’s board of directors is pleased to announce that ladies barrel racing will become a major rodeo event, effective for the 2007 rodeo season.
Until now, barrel racing has been considered a major optional event in Canada, along with team roping. As a major event, barrel racing is now mandatory at all CPRA-approved rodeos and must have prize money equal to the other major events.
“I am thrilled to death!” exclaimed Merry Ann Stoney, the ladies barrel racing representative on the CPRA’s board.
“Knowing that we’re part of the association is a big thing. We’ve been there all these years, but now we are really there.”
The barrel racers will also be able to vote at the board level. To date, while she attended the board meetings and was able to voice her opinions, Stoney did not get to vote on issues before the board.
The barrel racing members will now also be eligible to vote on membership-related issues pertaining to the whole association.
There are now six major event representatives on the board: three timed events, and three roughstock. Two of each get to vote at board meetings for a total of four votes. There are also two committee and two stock contractor representatives on the board, rounded out by president Dale Leschiutta, who only votes in the case of a tie.
Leschiutta noted that the move has been a long time coming. “We are very happy to officially include ladies barrel racing as a major event in Canada,” he said.
“They are an important part of the association and we’re glad to recognize them as such.”
Four-time Canadian champion ladies barrel racer Deb Renger was also thrilled with the news. “I think it’s a good deal for us,” said Renger. “It just opens things up a little more.
“Barrel racing has come a long ways and now we’re finally there as far as being equal with all the other major events.”
