RODEO NEWS
By Ann Bleiker
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – Safe and consistent rodeo ground is in everyone’s best interest as it makes for fair competition that is thrilling for fans to watch. As a leader in this effort the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association is dedicated to finding the best equipment and experts in the field to elevate the industry. As a result, the WPRA is pleased to announce that ABI Attachments is now the Official Arena Drag of the WPRA.
“Rodeo has come a long way, and so has the ground beneath our athletes,” stated Heidi Schmidt, WPRA President. “We know how important quality, consistent ground is to the safety and performance of our horses and competitors, and the improvements we’ve seen across our sport are something to be proud of. That’s why we are so excited to partner with ABI Attachments.
“Their commitment to innovative ground-care solutions aligns perfectly with the WPRA’s commitment to continually raising the standard of our sport. From the dirt in the arena to the athletes competing on it, every detail matters. We’re proud to welcome ABI Attachments to the WPRA family and excited about what this partnership means for the future of women’s professional rodeo.”
ABI Attachments, Inc., is a fearless innovator of performance surface machines built for Trailblazers. Founded in 1997 in Mishawaka, Indiana, ABI is the world’s largest manufacturer of equine arena drags. With this new partnership the roping arena at the WPRA World Finals in Waco, Texas, in November will be called the ABI Roping Arena and ABI will also be the official drag at the Wrangler WPRA National Breakaway Finals in Fort Worth, Texas in December.
“ABI is ecstatic to partner with a historic organization like the WPRA and help lead the drive for better footing across the country,” stated ABI Attachments’ Director of Marketing, Christian Montgomery. “Now, more than ever, Barrel Racers and Breakaway Ropers need great footing to perform to the best of their abilities, and we have the world’s best arena drags to help make it happen. It’s a “no-brainer” partnership.
“With ABI’s emphasis on innovation, rodeo, and speed events, you are seeing our unprecedented dedication to these performance athletes first-hand. Rodeo participants of all skill levels and fans can expect A Better Way with ABI. The next generation of Rodeo is here, and ABI is all-in to champion these world-class athletes and their sport.”
In addition, ABI Attachments will be the presenting partner of the Ground Resources page at WPRA.com with exclusive ABI educational material coming soon. This is a great reference page for any rodeo committee or co-approved event.
When rodeos invest in superior ground conditions, everyone wins. Safe ground enables record-breaking barrel racing times and creates a smoother, faster production because every animal can perform at its peak. When we champion safety, we elevate the entire sport of professional rodeo.
Two WPRA members that know what it takes to elevate the sport are current No. 1 and No. 2 ranked barrel racers Carlee Otero and Hayle Gibson Stillwell, respectively. They both proudly endorse ABI Attachments, and all the company has to offer the industry. In 2026, both have broken arena records, thanks to exceptional footing that ensured the safety of their equine athletes.
If you have ever heard the saying “Work Smarter, Not Harder” then look no further than ABI Attachments. Arena footing comes in many different textures, particle sizes, and components. Footing is unique to your region, your disciplines, your water system, and the composition of your arena. In order to get the ride you are looking for, you need grooming equipment that tailors to your specific arena footing. That’s why at ABI they intentionally design, engineer, and manufacture their arena drags to be easy to adjust, and craft them to adapt to all types of footing textures and makeups. Whatever footing you’re working with, ABI has a drag for you.
For more information visit https://abiattachments.com/abi-equine.
