Wenda Johnson will be entering into her fourth National Finals Rodeo at No. 7 in the WPRA Standings with just over $120,500 in earnings after competing in more rodeos this season than ever before.
This year, she grieved the loss of her equine partner Mac, who died August. She was able to persevere with the help of her other gelding, Mo, who she will be riding in the Thomas & Mack this December.
After a season of ups and downs, multiple wins and a great loss, Johnson is gunning for her first World Title as she makes her way back to Las Vegas.
BIGGEST PAYDAYS
Clovis Rodeo (California) $9,447
Johnson captured the No. 1 spot in the Average at the Clovis Rodeo in late April after turning in an aggregate time of 50.75 seconds on three head. After coming out victorious in Rounds 1 and 2 along, Johnson cruised to the title with a fourth place finish in the Finals.
Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup Rodeo (South Dakota) $8,750
Johnson finished out the regular season bagging a check for just almost $8,800 in Sioux Falls at the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup. After splitting the No. 2 position in Round 2 and claiming the No. 6 spot in the Semifinals, Johnson won two checks during the regular season’s final event to finalize her No. 7 ranking heading into the NFR.
FASTEST RUNS
RodeoHouston, 14.71 seconds
A run of 14.71 seconds at RodeoHouston won Johnson the Wild Card Round and $3,000. It was the third fastest run during the three weeks of competition inside NRG Stadium.
Lawton Rangers Rodeo (Oklahoma), 16.84 seconds
Johnson stopped the clock at 16.84 seconds at the Lawton Rangers Rodeo to cinch the win along with a check for $4,083 in her home state. As Johnson picked up the win in mid-August, the cowgirl moved from No. 13 to No. 11 in the WPRA Standings.
NOTABLE WINS
Clark County Fair & Rodeo (Nevada), 17.09 Seconds
Johnson picked up a hefty check for $8,146 at the PRCA Playoff Series Rode in Logandale after turning in a winning run of 17.09 seconds. The rodeo took place in mid-April and helped Johnson crack the Top 20 for the first time in the 2023 regular season.
Lea County PRCA Rodeo (New Mexico), 17.34 Seconds
A run of 17.34 seconds secured Johnson another title at a PRCA Playoff Series Rodeo. This one allowed her to take home $6,236 in earnings. Johnson secured the win in Lovington and Lawton just days apart as she continued to move up in the WPRA World Standings.
MEET THE NFR ATHLETES IS PRESENTED BY MONTANA SILVERSMITHS #EveryBuckleHasAStory #BrandOfChampions
