FORT WORTH, Texas — The Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC), the richest women’s rodeo in history, proudly announces Billie Bray as the recipient of the 2025 Pam Minick Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor is presented to a female leader who has made outstanding contributions to the field of western sports and has committed her life to supporting and elevating cowgirls.
The award, created in 2023, is named after legendary rodeo icon Pam Minick, who was also the inaugural recipient. Reba McEntire, a lifelong advocate for cowgirls, received the honor in 2024. These remarkable women set a high standard for leadership, vision, and advocacy within Western sports, and Bray’s name now joins theirs in this esteemed legacy.
“Billie Bray embodies everything the Women’s Rodeo World Championship Pam Minick Lifetime Achievement Award stands for,” said the award’s namesake Minick. “She’s not only a fierce competitor, but also one of the strongest champions for others. Billie has dedicated her life to advancing women in the rodeo industry and has made a lasting impact through her unwavering support and investment in women’s events.”
Bray was presented the honor during the Women’s Rodeo World Championship Tito’s Welcome Gala and Back Number Ceremony, presented by Cowgirl Magazine, Sunday evening at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in Fort Worth, Texas. For a complete video of the presentation, click HERE.
Bray currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer of Equibrand, where her passion for rodeo and business has left an indelible mark on the industry. She has played a key role in the development and growth of iconic brands such as Classic Rope, Rattler Rope, Classic Equine, Martin Saddlery, and Cashel. As a competitor herself and a lifelong student of the sport, Bray brings an unmatched authenticity and depth to her work. She is also the dedicated wife of Ken Bray and a proud mother to Wyatt and Paden Bray.
Bray’s relationship with Pam has spanned years of shared experiences as both athletes and businesswomen. One of their most cherished memories was competing in team roping together and earning the title of Reserve Champions at the Windy Ryon in 2007. This personal bond makes the recognition even more meaningful.
“Billie’s impact on the Women’s Rodeo World Championship runs deep,” WRWC Commissioner, Linsay Rosser-Sumpter. “She was one of the original cowgirls whom PBR and WCRA approached with the concept of creating WRWC. From day one, she has championed the inclusion and growth of the Challenger classification, helping ensure that women of all levels have a platform to compete and succeed. Her tireless efforts continue to shape the championship’s evolution and expand its influence within western sports.”
Earning the Pam Minick Lifetime Achievement Award is a powerful symbol of cowgirls supporting cowgirls. It reflects the lifetime of dedication Bray has poured into the industry and her ongoing work to create equal opportunities for women in rodeo. It also represents the unique ability of women in this space to juggle family, careers, and competition, all while chasing their dreams and lifting others along the way.
The Women’s Rodeo World Championship continues to break records, set to pay out a historic $802,000 in 2025 and hosting more than 300 of the world’s best female rodeo athletes. It remains a premier event where women compete for equal money and world championship titles on the biggest stage.
Competition for the 2025 Women’s Rodeo World Championship begins May 12–14 at Cowtown Coliseum with Rounds One and Two, followed by Semifinals across all disciplines: breakaway roping, barrel racing, and team roping. Each day features a full slate of Pro, Challenger, and Limited Division heats, followed by buckle ceremonies at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall celebrating daily winners.
The excitement peaks on May 17, when the Championship Round takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington during the PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast – Championship. The Top 7 barrel racers and breakaway ropers, along with the Top 6 team roping pairs, will go head-to-head in a winner-take-all showdown that crowns champions in all four disciplines.
All rounds at Cowtown Coliseum are open to the public with free entry, offering fans a rare chance to witness the world’s top cowgirls in action up close.
Tickets for the May 17 Championship Round at AT&T Stadium are on sale now at PBRWorldFinals.com, SeatGeek.com, or by calling (800) 732-1727.
Since its inception in May 2020, the WRWC has awarded over $3 million in new money to women’s rodeo athletes. For more information, visit womensrodeochampionships.com.
Photo courtesy of Bull Stock Media/WCRA
