Martha Josey Inducted into Prestigious ProRodeo Hall of Fame

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 was selected 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 and cowgirls in the nation. To be selected as an inductee is the highest honor for a rodeo competitor, stock contractor, 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 she qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1968. Martha then went on to qualify 10 more times across 4 decades on 6 different horses! In 1980, Martha and her iconic horse Sonny Bit O’ Both won both the WPRA World Championship and the AQHA World Championship in the same year; a record that hasn’t been 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 with other aspiring barrel racers. In 1967 Martha and R.E. Josey held their first barrel racing clinic. Fast forward 52 years and the Josey Ranch, located in Marshall, Texas, is now synonymous with superior barrel racing instruction. Martha, R.E., and their team have trained over 200,000 students with many going on to win big in the arena. A few notable names that got their start at the Josey Ranch are: Fallon Taylor, Mary Walker, Jimmie Smith, Lynn McKenzie, and Angie Meadors. The Josey Ranch is also known for hosting the renowned Reunion and Jr. World Barrel Races that brings in over 5,000 competitors and fans each year. Over the years it is estimated that over 2 million visitors have crossed through the gates of the Josey Ranch. Martha and R.E. Josey prove that the mark of a true legend is in the champions that they train.

Martha is thrilled to be inducted into this legendary hall of fame and states “I was completely shocked by 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. Thank you to all my students, fans, sponsors, and especially my all time favorite coach R.E. Josey. I couldn’t have done it without all of y’all!”

Martha can now add the ProRodeo Hall of Fame to her illustrious list of inductions from other Hall of Fame’s including the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Ark-La-Tex Sports Museum Hall of Fame.

More information go to https://www.barrelracers.com