Shelby Bates

My name is Shelby Bates, I am currently 21 years old and a cardholder in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors of Science in Agribusiness Economics & Management this May in a total of three years so that I could begin competing full time in professional rodeos a year earlier. During my senior year, I filled my WPRA permit and bought my rookie card. I am now on my second year of competing professionally, but this will be my first year to rodeo full time. My goals for this year are to qualify for the California Circuit Finals and to end up in the top twenty-five in the world standings to get into the big winter rodeos in 2021. I will be rodeoing hard the entire year to give it my best shot, however, the soundness and health of my horses is always my first priority.