Celebrating Martha Josey's Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Induction

On April 20 th , 2020 the ProRodeo Hall of Fame announced their prestigious list of 2020 inductees.Marshall, Texas native, 11 time NFR qualifier and 1980 WPRA World Champion, Martha Josey wasselected as the only female rodeo competitor to be inducted this year.The ProRodeo Hall of Fame boasts one of the most esteemed collections of legendary cowboys andcowgirls in the nation. To be selected as an inductee is the highest honor for a rodeo competitor, stockcontractor, contract personnel, and even livestock.During her 50 year career as a professional barrel racer, Martha won every championship you can win.Martha began her domination of the barrel racing scene in the 1960’s. Right out of the gate shequalified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1968. Martha then went on to qualify 10 more times across 4decades on 6 different horses! In 1980, Martha and her iconic horse Sonny Bit O’ Both won both theWPRA World Championship and the AQHA World Championship in the same year; a record that hasn’tbeen matched in 30 years. In 1988, Martha qualified to compete at the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games.After the dust settled, she walked away an Olympic Bronze Medalist and Team Gold Medalist.While still competing, Martha and husband R.E. felt called to share their hard-earned knowledge withother aspiring barrel racers. In 1967 Martha and R.E. Josey held their first barrel racing clinic. Fastforward 52 years and the Josey Ranch, located in Marshall, Texas, is now synonymous with superiorbarrel racing instruction. Martha, R.E., and their team have trained over 200,000 students with manygoing on to win big in the arena. A few notable names that got their start at the Josey Ranch are:

FallonTaylor, Mary Walker, Jimmie Smith, Lynn McKenzie, and Angie Meadors.

The Josey Ranch is also knownfor hosting the renowned Reunion and Jr. World Barrel Races that brings in over 5,000 competitors andfans each year. Over the years it is estimated that over 2 million visitors have crossed through the gatesof the Josey Ranch. Martha and R.E. Josey prove that the mark of a true legend is in the champions thatthey train.Martha is thrilled to be inducted into this legendary hall of fame and states “I was completely shockedby the call that I was being inducted! I have dreamed of being a member of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame for as long as I can remember.