82-year-old, world champion barrel racer Martha Josey can add ProRodeo Hall of Fame to the list of halls she has been induction to, 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 Hall of Fame.
“Josey not only became a world champion barrel racer but got the opportunity to compete in rodeo during the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, that pitted the United States vs. Canada. Josey won an individual bronze medal and helped Team USA capture the team title.
Josey, who resides in Karnack, Texas, qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 11 times on four different horses across a span of four decades. She won her world title in 1980 on Sonny Bit O’ Both, the same year the duo also won the AQHA World Championship, a feat that hasn’t been matched.” – PRCA.
“I am so excited and just don’t know what to say, I am in shock,” said Josey upon learning of her induction. “I have received some great honors in the past, but this is among the very highest. It is a true honor to be included in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in the WPRA category alongside so many great athletes and personnel.
“I thought four years ago when the WPRA inducted their first class it was just magnificent, and to get the call today is just wonderful. I am so honored.”
“Not only did she make a name for herself in the arena but also has given back to the sport through her clinics. She and husband, R.E., started conducting barrel racing clinics in 1967 at their ranch in Texas. Many of today’s world champions credit Martha Josey with helping them achieve their goals. Her clinics have grown to average more than 1,500 students annually.
In addition, the Joseys have been involved in creating new and innovative barrel racing saddles, pads, protective boots, knot reins, and combination bits. The result has been increased safety and increased barrel racing skills.” – PRCA.
World champion barrel racer Martha Josey (1980) will be joined by six-time world champion Cody Ohl (tie-down roping, 1997-98, 2001, 2003, 2006 and all-around, 2001); world champion bull rider Butch Kirby (1978); stock contractor Jim Sutton Jr.; contract personnel Suni Deb Backstrom; notable Randy Witte; rodeo Ellensburg Rodeo and Grated Coconut, who won a PRCA-record six Bareback Horse of the Year awards. This award-winning, eight-member class will be inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Aug. 1. – PRCA.

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