Stephanie Fryar repeated her winning ways at the WCRA Rodeo Carolina, building on her progressive round 2 win to take the Triple Crown of Rodeo Championship on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, with a time of 16.69 seconds.
In all, Fryar brought home $20,950 (plus $7,500 for a No. 3 finish in the WCRA’s year-end Reliance Ranches VRQ Bonus) on Some Streakin French, known as “Frank.”
The gelding by Frenchmans Fabulous has had success at WCRA events, including a final-four finish at the Women’s Rodeo World Championship in 2023.
BR: Walk us through your run today.
SF: In the back, you can either start by coming in the arena from the left side or the right side. In the qualifying rounds I was coming from the right but I switched to the left because it gave me a straighter shot to the first. Today’s run felt a little tighter than yesterday and I kind of had to lift my leg to clear the second. After the run I was staring at the screen in anticipation like, ‘Put the time up there! What was it?’
That second barrel was in a shadow today. Did that change how you rode to it? Were you worried Frank wouldn’t see it well?
We’re so in tune that if I ride to my spot and tell him to turn, he’s pretty trusting. I would call him a push style horse, so you ride him all the way to the hole before you sit down and ask him to turn.
How do you manage a tight turnaround on performances like you had here?
On Frank it’s usually not that bad; he’s pretty consistent and honest, so it’s the same trip every time and all I have to do it ride to my spot and stay out of the way. Hope he goes fast.
What does this win mean to you?
I definitely needed this win. When I came home from the summer run, from Dodge City, Frank was at the vet for nine days. The heat zapped him in Texas. So for two-and-a-half months there has not been any income. I would say this is his eighth run back. I told myself to go make my runs and let the cards play.
Where to next?
Frank and I are headed to the Texas Circuit Finals on Tuesday. I’ll pull in Monday afternoon.
Are you going to The Stampede at The E in January?
I nominated. I try to go to as many WCRAs as I can. The only thing that would possibly stop me is The American qualifier. You know, winning the $1 million is like winning the NFR. It’s up there, it’s the dream. But I can’t help but look up at it.
WCRA Rodeo Carolina Triple Crown of Rodeo Round Results
| 1 | Stephanie Fryar | 16.69 | $15,000 |
| 2 | Julie Plourde | 16.804 | $6,500 |
| 3 | Fallon Forbes | 16.896 | $2,500 |
| 4 | Olivia Hodnett | 16.951 | $1,000 |
| 5 | Katelyn Rambo | 17.131 | $1,000 |
| 6 | Josie Thompson | 17.794 | $1,000 |
| 7 | Ryann Pedone | 22.07* | $500 |
| 8 | Ashley Ketron | 22.087* | $500 |
