Stephenville, Texas’ Emmry Edwards clinched a career-defining win Tuesday night, capturing the Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) Limited Breakaway Roping Average title with runs of 2.74, 2.46 and 2.44 seconds.
The 15-year-old earned $2,468 and, more significantly, secured a spot in the WRWC Finals at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, where she’ll compete alongside six elite ropers for a $60,000 first-place prize.
“I wanted to win,” Edwards said. “So that’s just what I was thinking—I saw my first shot and I took it. I wanted to go to AT&T.”
The high schooler balances her rodeo career with basketball and softball and credits her athletic training for helping her stay strong in the saddle. She ropes daily, often late into the evening after practices, and sharpens her skills with family—especially her father, Travis, who moved from Australia to rodeo in the U.S.
“I’ve ridden my whole life,” Edwards said. “I started roping when I was 6 and started getting competitive when I was 10.”
Her horse “Gray,” a fast and reliable gelding trained by her dad, is central to her success.
“He’s the best horse there is, to me,” Edwards said. “He fires across the line and always gives me that shot.”
Heading into the Finals at AT&T Stadium, Edwards is focused on her start.
“Today, the barrier took out quite a few girls,” she explained. “At AT&T, I really want to make sure I’m staying clean on the barrier. Gray knows his job, and I want to make sure he waits for that move.”
Despite her age, Edwards is undaunted by the magnitude of the moment.
“It’s the same competition, but in front of that many people, it’s going to be way different,” Edwards said. “I know I’m just going to have to stay calm and focus.”
