Guests, newly elected Women’s Professional Rodeo Association President Heidi Uecker-Schmidt and Vice President Julie Herman join The Money Barrel’s Kayla Jones to discuss the present and future of the WPRA and women’s rodeo.

Episode Summary

In this open and candid episode, newly elected WPRA President Heidi Uecker-Schmidt and Vice President Julie Herman join The Money Barrel to give a behind-the-scenes look at the direction of the association. They cover timely topics like ground conditions, committee relationships, circuit challenges, breakaway growth, and WPRA representation at major events. Whether you’re a barrel racer, breakaway roper, or rodeo fan, this episode offers real insight into how decisions are made—and how members can make a difference.

• Women’s Rodeo Celebrates 75 Years
• Cowgirl Bloodlines: Meet the Mother-Daughter NFR Barrel Racing Qualifiers
• Rodeo 101: How to ProRodeo, with Jimmie Smith-Tew

Episode Highlights

• Leadership Transitions:
• Ground Conditions & Rodeo Committees:
  Why communication and professionalism matter, and how the WPRA is working with rodeos like Houston and San Antonio to improve safety and consistency.
• Mandatory Drag Rule:
  How the WPRA phased in mandatory drags, committee pushback, and why it’s critical for safety. Updates on drag policies at major events like the NFR.
• Qualifiers & Member Opportunities:
  Discussion on rodeo qualifiers like Austin, Calgary, and Denver, and how WPRA leadership balances fairness, growth, and logistics.
• Breakaway Roping’s Expansion:
  Updates on breakaway inclusion at major rodeos, the long-term vision for the event, and why the WPRA sees it as a value-add to the sport.
• Member Representation & Transparency:
  How directors and board members are showing up at events, and why clear communication is key to member satisfaction.

🎙️ Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes conversation with two of the most influential women in professional rodeo. Tune in now on The Money Barrel Podcast. This episode is brought to you by the Ruby Buckle Stallion Select Sale.

About the 2025 Ruby Buckle Stallion Select Sale

The Ruby Buckle Stallion Owners Select Sale is set for May 1 at 1:00 PM during the Ruby Buckle event at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

• The sale features elite prospects eligible for a $100,000 sale grad side pot at future Ruby Buckle races.
• Horses include well-bred individuals by top sires like Eddie Stinson, NNN Firewater Alive, The Goodbye Lane, and Metallic Attack.
• Sale horses are already under saddle and bred for performance—with standout pedigrees that combine cow and run bloodlines.
• Therubybuckle.com for more info