FORT WORTH, Texas — Ahead of the Women’s Rodeo Championships (WRC) marquee annual event in Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas from May 11-14 and 17, bringing together hundreds of the world’s elite female rodeo athletes to compete for a record-breaking $802,000 payout and championship glory, the organization today announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Western Sports Foundation (WSF), marking the first collaboration between two organizations united by a common mission: to support and elevate the lives of rodeo athletes — in and out of the arena.

Together, WRC and WSF are setting a new standard in athlete care through a first-of-its-kind series of free virtual clinics designed to equip WRC card holders with tools for success far beyond competition. Launching April 23 and continuing every Wednesday leading up to the WRWC, the clinics will cover essential topics including social media and personal branding, financial wellness and planning, and mental performance.

“Our sport isn’t just about winning buckles. It’s about building sustainable careers and healthy lives for the women who make this sport great,” said Linsay Rosser Sumpter, Commissioner, Women’s Rodeo Championships. “We know what our athletes face — from juggling families and finances to recovering from injuries or navigating mental health hurdles. This partnership is here to say: you’re not alone.”

The Women’s Rodeo Championships is one of the most empowering platforms for women in Western sports. Western Sports Foundation complements that vision by offering critical support systems that help athletes thrive — physically, mentally, and financially. From concussion care and counseling to scholarships and career coaching, WSF exists to ensure that success in the arena doesn’t come at the cost of well-being outside it.

“The athletes fans cheer for face real-life challenges that deserve real-life support,” said Aubrey O’Quin, Executive Director, Western Sports Foundation. “We’re here for the athlete recovering from a fall, for the mom chasing rodeo dreams while raising a family, and for the rising star planning a future beyond the saddle. These clinics are just the beginning toward building long-term, holistic support for rodeo athlete. We’re showing that our sport doesn’t just celebrate its champions — it takes care of them.”

Clinic Details:

Start Date: April 23, 2025
Frequency: Every Wednesday through WRWC Championship
Format: Virtual — accessible from anywhere: home, truck, or tack room
Eligibility: Free to all WRC card holders

Topics & Experts Include:
o    Social Media & Personal Branding with Jenna Morr
o    Financial Planning & Wellness with Justin Bates
o    Mental Performance and more

Beyond the virtual clinics, future plans include expanding this content to other Western sports organizations, ensuring broader access to life-changing resources across the entire rodeo community.

“Too many athletes don’t know that help is out there,” said O’Quin. “This clinic is more than a curriculum — it’s a megaphone. Together, WRC and WSF are amplifying awareness and building a stronger, more sustainable future for the sport we love.”

Photo courtesy of WCRA/Bull Stock Media