Growing up in Cross Junctions, Virginia, Martha Angelone never dreamed she would be picking up $70,900 with a breakaway rope in one week.
On May 18, 2022, the now Stephenville, Texas, cowgirl put a loop on in the WRWC Showdown round in 2.05 seconds to lead the breakaway ropers into the Triple Crown of Rodeo Round, where she smoked a 2.04-second run to win $60,000. Add that to her WRWC round winnings, and the $5,000 she won for the year-end championship, and you’ve got enough money to leave Angelone nearly speechless.
“They asked me how it felt winning $60,000 tonight, and I didn’t even know what to say,” Angelone admitted. “How do you even describe it? I’ve never had this much money—I never thought I’d have this much money.”
Waiting at the out gate were Angelone’s sister, Sarah, and friend, Danielle Lowman. Both Angelone and Britta Strain roped in 2.04-seconds, and the alleyway was quiet as the announcer checked on the tie- breaker. It was determined that Angelone’s Showdown run, which topped the round ahead of Strain’s 2.25-second run, meant the victory was hers. At that time, the ladies erupted into cheers as Angelone returned to the arena for her televised interview.
“I’m just so proud of her,” Sarah said. “I love watching her win. It’s a blessing to watch her rope and do good.”
The Lead-Up: No Safety: Martha Angelone Throws FAST, Wins WRWC Pro Semifinals and Year-End Championship
As if her quick roping isn’t impressive enough, Angelone switched things up with a new horse for the WRWC. Gunna Shock Ya, known as “Jesse James,” is Angelone’s newest horse addition. The 7-year-old gelding is owned by Tanner Green.
“I just got Jesse James two weeks ago. He was supposed to be for sale, but I really got along with him, so Tanner is letting me haul him and use him,” Angelone said. “I have no idea how we got together so fast. He just fits my style.”
Transitioning from spending her weeknights hustling under neon lights as a bartender, to roping under bright lights and making her living with a rope has been a whirlwind for Angelone. She did her best to put what the Women’s Rodeo World Championship meant to her as a competitor and an East Coast native into words.
“Growing up, Sarah and I never even would have thought this could be a thing. I mean, we would go to a backyard roping five hours away because we thought it was a big deal,” Angelone said. “When I moved to college, it was a huge stepping stone for me. I got my butt kicked out here. I wasn’t mounted, didn’t have a horse, had to borrow horses. Then I bought myself a horse, it got crippled. I was still mounting out. Then I bought Simba that I won the NFR on. Now I’m here. I’m just so blessed”
For full WRWC results, click here.
2022 Women’s Rodeo World Championship Results
Triple Crown of Rodeo Round
- Martha Angelone, 2.04-second run, worth $60,000
- Britta Strain, 2.04-second run, worth $25,000
- Jenna Dallyn, no time, worth $15,000
Showdown Round
- Martha Angelone, 2.05-second run
- Jenna Dallyn, 2.13-second run
- Britta Strain, 2.29-second run
- Rylie Edens, 2.56-second run, worth $10,071.43
- Josie Conner, 6.91-second run, worth $7,571.42
- Carlee Potter, 7.11-second run, worth $5,071.43
- Rylee George, 7.57-second run, worth $4,071.43
- Hope Thompson, no time, worth $2,500
- Lindsei Harvey, no time, worth $2,500
- Taylor Hanchey, no time, worth $2,500
