Women in Rough Stock Take Steps Towards the 2027 PWR Championship

Women in rough stock events is an event of ever-increasing popularity; one that female rodeo athletes are thrilled to see. With events like bull and bronc riding historically being exclusively male events in the professional rodeo circuits, women finally have the opportunity to compete at a professional level thanks to the increasing presence of the PWR.

In only its first full year of operation, the PWR – which was founded through PBR in November of 2025 – has already made huge strides for female rodeo athletes. Subsequently, in its first year of operation there have been changes and addendums made to the running of the seasons. One of the most notable changes to date is the addition of championship exemptions to the 2027 PWR Championship. These exemptions can be achieved by winning partnering rodeos and events.

One such partnering rodeo was the Cowgirls Kickin’ Cancer Women’s Rodeo held in Durango, CO. This event hosted female rough stock events and presented some of the first PWR Championship exemptions in history. Most notable was Dayna Eilert, who has officially punched her ticket to the 2027 PWR Championship to compete in bull riding. As one of a limited number of professional female bull riders, opportunities to compete are far more limited than they are for male riders.

However, thanks to the efforts of organizations like PWR, she is now able to compete on the biggest stage in women’s rodeo. Hopefully, as the 2026 rodeo season continues, the opportunity to earn championship exemptions will help to grow the reach of female rodeo organizations and continue to open doors for female athletes.

Rough stock events have always had a strong female following who hold a strong love and passion for events like bull and bronc riding. However, in the past and even currently, their opportunities to participate have been few and far between. With male rough stock events offering opportunities to earn millions every season, women in the same sport have a much more limited earning potential if they solely compete in their rough stock event.

Should the PWR continue to grow and build as it has been, this truth will not be truth for long. Women seem to be getting new opportunities to compete at every turn. Thanks to the hard work of females around the world, the life many women dream of is now within reach.

This dream, held by Dayna Eilert, is sure to seem closer than ever now that she is guaranteed a slot in the 2027 PWR Championship. Thanks to a great ride in Durango, she was able to secure the event win to punch her ticket, helping women to keep dreaming, working, and training to compete in rough stock events.