PWR Announces Pole Bending Will Be Added to Event Lineup at 2027 Championship

The Premier Women's Rodeo continues to reshape women's rodeo. They have offered so many big money and big stage opportunities.

Today, PWR announced that pole bending will officially be added to the event lineup at the 2027 Premier Women's Rodeo Championship. This addition marks a significant step forward for pole benders.

For years, pole bending has been one of the premier events in youth rodeo. From Little Britches to junior high, high school, and youth associations across the country, some of rodeo's top young athletes have become excellent at this event.

Unlike barrel racing or breakaway roping, pole bending has traditionally offered very few opportunities beyond these youth ranks. Competitors often age out of junior rodeo without a clear professional avenue to continue competing in the event they have spent years mastering.

PWR's announcement may change some of that.

The event has evolved dramatically over the years. Today's top pole benders are consistently stopping the clock in the 19 second range, and winning a world championship at the high school or junior high level often requires putting together three of these nearly flawless runs. The level of horsemanship, athleticism, and precision required is every bit as impressive as any timed event in western sports.

Just as importantly, the horses themselves deserve their moment in the spotlight. Elite pole horses are among the fastest and most athletic equine athletes in rodeo.

The announcement also continues a trend that has defined Premier Women's Rodeo since its inception. PWR has consistently looked for ways to expand opportunities for female competitors, whether through increased payouts, innovative championship formats, or creating bigger stages for women's events. The addition of pole bending is another indication that the organization is committed to growing opportunities across multiple disciplines, not just the traditional professional events.

Exactly what the championship will look like remains to be seen. PWR has not yet released details regarding qualification requirements, the number of contestants, or how pole bending will fit into the overall championship format. Those announcements are expected at a later date.

However we do know that beginning in 2027, some of the best pole benders in the country will have another major championship to chase. For an event that has long produced world class athletes but limited professional opportunities, that's a big milestone.