FORT WORTH–The fifth annual Cowgirl Gathering, hosted by Marked For Greatness Properties LLC, a for profit subsidiary of the American Paint Horse Association, is returning to Fort Worth, Texas, from May 9-12, 2024, in conjunction with the Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) and the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Finals. The event will be held across two historic Fort Worth locations: Will Rogers Memorial Center and the Fort Worth Stockyards.
This weekend takeover will highlight cowgirls’ skills in breakaway roping, team roping and barrel racing at the Will Rogers Coliseum, while also showcasing exhilarating and engaging female speakers, artists, and fashion in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
In addition to the new location for competition, The Cowgirl Gathering will serve as a Last Chance Qualifier for the 2024 Women’s Rodeo World Championship event. All Cowgirl Gathering competitors will be offered this new opportunity to enter the $150 WRWC package which includes an entry into the $12,000 added sidepot payout, a W25 nomination in the Open and WRWC sidepot, advancement in the WRWC Last Chance Qualifier and a W25 Qualifier Series opportunity.
“In 2023, breakaway roper Kelsie Chace emerged victorious as the event champion and received a cash prize of $60,000,” said Linsay Rosser-Sumpter, WRWC commissioner. “Her climb to the top of the WRWC ranks was accomplished solely by beginning at the Last Chance Qualifier. Establishing this long-term partnership with Cowgirl Gathering guarantees cowgirls the opportunity to make less runs on their horses, win more money and experience the richest week of women’s rodeo paying out $1.145 million.”
The new competition location not only fosters an opportunity for rodeo athletes to earn big money payouts but also showcases the commanding progress and growth that the western industry is experiencing across the board. The Fort Worth Stockyards saw over 115,000 visitors during the 2023 Cowgirl Gathering alone, as the event continues to expand each year.
“The Cowgirl Gathering has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, and the 2024 event will be no exception,” said Taylor Breeding, senior director of marketing and Marked For Greatness Properties. “The decision to move the competition events to Will Rogers Coliseum, along with the addition of the WRWC Last Chance Qualifier and sidepots, will allow for those aspects to continue to grow, with the added benefit of competitors having stalls on-site. We also are introducing a new format to the Essence Exchange component of the event, including more breakout sessions and networking opportunities. It is going to be a fantastic event, and we hope you’ll join us.”
A full Cowgirl Gathering event schedule will be available soon. Additional information on the Last Chance Qualifier can be found at here. Please visit cowgirlgathering.com for more information on the Cowgirl Gathering.
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About Cowgirl Gathering
The Cowgirl Gathering is a celebration in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, designed to showcase spectacular, inspirational women who embody the spirit of the American cowgirl. Whether you are a competitor or simply want to experience the spark of that cowgirl essence, the Cowgirl Gathering is your event.
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.
About WRWC:
The WRWC is the largest annual purse for a women’s rodeo event and will payout more than $750,000 in 2024 while crowning World Champions in the Women’s Rodeo disciplines; Team Roping, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing. An all-around champion will also be crowned. WRWC is a culmination of a year-long race of women’s rodeo events worldwide. Athletes qualify for the WRWC by earning points and leaderboard positions using the VRQ (Virtual Rodeo Qualifier).
