PRORODEO Sports News - June 6, 2025

her belt in barrel racing from the year prior. Yet, she was still doubted. She entered No. 14 in the world that season and quickly climbed the lead erboard with every round win by her and her horse, Scamper. The two were meant for each other, and it showed in the arena. James and Scamper went on a long run of dominance in barrel racing, winning 10 total world championships in a row from 1984-93. “Scamper was great in small arenas and big arenas,” said James, who purchased Scamper for $1,500. “Back then he was priceless.” The ’85 champs had time to identify how much the sport has grown in popularity.

They all credit the increase in

overall payouts at rodeos, espe cially the NFR, for the sport growing as much as it has. But they were instrumental in that, too, as the first group to win world championships in Las Vegas. They laid a foundation that many be lieved wouldn’t be successful beyond two to three years. And it’s only going to continue to grow for years to come. “You can actually make a living on this rodeo,” Beaver said. “It’s so good out here it’s made everything else bet ter. Vegas did it and is still doing it.”

BRAD GJERMUNDSON SADDLE BRONC RIDING CHAMPION

JOE BEAVER TIE-DOWN ROPING CHAMPION

CHARMAYNE JAMES BARREL RACING CHAMPION

TED NUCE BULL RIDING CHAMPION

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