Growth in women’s sports makes its way to the rodeo

FORT WORTH, Texas — This year, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) launched Premier Women’s Rodeo for female rodeo athletes to compete on a larger stage. The 2026 PBR World Finals are currently underway in Fort Worth, where some of the top women in Western sports are showcasing their talents.

For Fallon Hale, barrel racing has been a lifelong passion.

“Barrel racing — I always explain it as running around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern going as fast as humanly possible,” Hale said.

As women’s sports continue gaining national attention, Hale believes rodeo is finally receiving some of the recognition female athletes have worked for over the years.

“Women in sports — and not just rodeo — have started to become more mainstream,” Hale said. “We work really hard for all that we have and what we accomplish.”

Hale competes in barrel racing through Premier Women’s Rodeo, representing a growing movement focused on expanding opportunities for female rodeo athletes across the country.

According to Premier Women’s Rodeo Commissioner Linsay Rosser-Sumpter, the organization is now the largest all-women’s rodeo in the world.

“It’s very exciting to have an avenue and an organization that has really dug into women in sports in the Western industry,” Rosser-Sumpter said.

Hale said she never imagined she would one day compete at this level.

“I never thought I would be in the position that I’m in, getting to compete for what I’m competing for,” she said. “It’s all credit to these incredible horses.”

Originally from O’Donnell, Hale began riding horses at just three years old. Even while attending Texas Tech University, rodeo remained a major part of her life — eventually becoming her full-time career.

“Two years ago, I was the number one challenger coming in, and I got to have the incredible experience of running at AT&T Stadium,” Hale said. “It was one of those would’ve, could’ve, should’ve moments. I barely tipped a barrel to win it.”

The competition will award more than $800,000 to female athletes across several events, including roping and barrel racing.

“I know for a little while there, we were not competing for the same amount of money,” Hale said.

Now, Hale hopes the next generation of women sees rodeo as more than just a hobby — but as a real career path.

“I think it’s so important to have a goal, have a dream, and regardless of how big it is, go after it,” she said.