As the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) season charges into summer, several athletes have surged to the top of their respective events with standout performances and growing momentum.
Late June through July marks a pivotal stretch in the IPRA season known as the “Summer Run.” This series of rodeos offers major opportunities for athletes to increase earnings, travel extensively, and, most importantly, boost their chances of qualifying for the prestigious International Finals Rodeo (IFR).
The Fourth of July weekend is also one of the busiest and most prosperous weekends in all of rodeo. With athletes traveling to top events such as the 136th Canadian 4th of July Rodeo, Fields of Gold Pro Rodeo, and the Ellicottville Championship Rodeo, the standings are sure to heat up.
From Georgia to the Midwest, IPRA competitors delivered standout performances throughout the month of June. With high scores, fast times, and major payouts, athletes continued to raise the stakes as the summer season gains momentum. We're recapping a few of the major rodeos as June wraps up and we look ahead to a thrilling month of July rodeos.
Resaca, Georgia – Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo
The 46th Annual Phillips Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo in Resaca, Georgia, took place June 20–21 with a payout of $14,463. Stock was provided by 4L Rodeo Co.
Justin Bates led the way in bull riding with an 84-point ride, followed by Ethan Ray with 81. Joe Farren topped the saddle bronc with an 83-point ride. In tie-down roping, Tim Pharr took first with an 8.8-second run. Troy Orr was fastest in steer wrestling at 5.4 seconds.
Barrel racer Lacey Boyd posted a time of 14.227 seconds to win her event, while Leighton Drain clocked a 2.4 in breakaway roping to earn first. In team roping, Jake Wells and Bryson Tays were the fastest pair with a 4.3-second run.
West Chicago, Illinois – Sonny Acres Farm Pro Rodeo & Bull Riding
The Sonny Acres Farm Pro Rodeo in West Chicago, Illinois, was held June 20 and featured a payout of $17,874. Big Hat Rodeo Co. provided stock.
Bareback riders Job Dunlavey and Matthew Smith split first place with 76-point rides. Coupar Woods and Kenneth Glick tied for the saddle bronc win with scores of 70. Brock Banks won tie-down roping in 8.6 seconds, while Eli Tippmann secured the steer wrestling title with a 13.3-second run.
In the barrels, Ryanne Frecker turned in a 13.596 for the win. Grace Toberer took the breakaway roping title in 2.2 seconds. Team ropers Zeb Chapman and Stephen Britnell earned first with a 4.6-second run.
Tipton, Indiana – Kartering Kids 4-H Club Championship Rodeo
Held June 21, the Kartering Kids 4-H Club Championship Rodeo in Tipton, Indiana, paid out $11,023.17. Three Bar J Rodeo Co. supplied stock for the event.
Darren Wagler topped bull riding with an 81-point ride, and Tate Minor led saddle bronc with a score of 75. Glen Freels won tie-down roping with an 11.2-second run. Cord Barricklow claimed the steer wrestling title at 14.9 seconds.
Kylie Shannon won barrel racing with a time of 14.355, narrowly edging out Ryanne Frecker. In the breakaway, Heidi Fudge led the event with a 2.6-second time. Zeb Chapman and Adam Schlechty took home top team roping honors at 6.0 seconds.
Richmond, Indiana – Wayne County 4-H Fair Rodeo
The Wayne County 4-H Fair Rodeo in Richmond, Indiana, was held June 25 with a total payout of $15,389.14. Three Bar J Rodeo Co. also supplied stock at this event.
Blayn Hughston won bareback riding with an 81-point ride, and Trace Scarlaval topped bull riding with an 85. Ross Price took first in saddle bronc with a 78-point ride. Glenn Jackson was the fastest in tie-down roping, finishing in 9.0 seconds.
Rookie barrel racer Dallas Philen also increased her year-end lead, earning a solid $1,070.36 payday, with a smooth 13.573-second run.
To view the full rodeo results and upcoming schedules, please visit HERE.
To see how these rodeos have impacted the year-long world standings races, please visit HERE.
