story by Billie Franks & Mckenzie Minor
Seven teams competed at the Duel in the Sandhills Women’s Ranch Rodeo in Hyannis, Nebraska on June 29 and 30.
Saturday average winners were, the Sandhill Strays; Team captain Sammy Walker, team members Weslee Beck, Shaylee Hance and Rebecca Corfield. The ladies have known each other a long time, but this was their first rodeo together. Rebecca and Weslee’s first WRR was in 2013, Sammy’s 2016 and Shaylee’s in 2018. What got them hooked on WRR? Weslee enjoys getting to rope and watching all the handy ladies, which has made her want to enter more. Shaylee loves the adrenaline rush it gives her, as well as being around handy women who want to improve their abilities, their horsemanship, plus everyone is so supportive. Rebecca feels that the team effort, instead of ‘just all in it for yourself’ is a highlight and the Mugging is her favorite event. Sammy lives for the competitive aspect and the Mugging event as well. The ladies mesh really well together in the arena and are able to tell each other where they need to improve without any hard feelings. They like to joke around too. Rebecca, Sammy and Weslee work outside the arena together and they feel doing so gives them an advantage over the other teams.
Sunday average winners were, No Bull Breeding Service – Team captain, Megan Vosburgh, team members Dusty Henry, Lana Stromberger, and Lora Andersen. They rodeoed together off and on over the last five years with this being the first year all-together. Lora and Lana’s first WRR was in 2013, while Megan and Dusty started competing in 2014. What got them hooked on WRR you may ask? Megan loves the adrenaline rush and definitely the people she’s met. Lora enjoys “the chance to compete in events that are closely related to what we do every day on the ranch.” Dusty came to love the WRR thanks to Lana, who gave her the opportunity; “She is the most awesome gal I know.” Lana enjoys being around women who are like her, enjoying the ranch life and working in the ranching lifestyle; “I have made the best friendships through the WRRA.” The Mugging is Megan, Lora and Dusty’s favorite event, although Dusty does like a good scramble! Lana’s loves the Branding. Megan also loves watching all the teams, “the rodeos are just fun!” Their advantage they feel is their awesome friendship, they love to rodeo and hang out, they communicate work well together. They all agree the friendships and lifelong friends that they have made through the WRR is priceless.
Both Lora and Megan serve on the board of directors. Megan states, “I believe in the sport, it’s very empowering and awesome to see all the women getting out and showing off their skills.”
Both teams agree Duel in the Sandhills is one of their favorite sanctioned rodeos. Megan put it best when she said, “Everyone would have to agree that the WRRA Finals are a great experience!”
