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National Rodeo Hall of Fame
Inducted in 2001
Wanda Harper Bush

Wanda Harper Bush

1931 - 2015

Texas

EVENTS
Eight-time All-Around Champion Cowgirl
Nine-time Champion Calf Roper
Seven-time Champion Ribbon Roper
Two-time Champion Cutting Horse
Two-time Champion Barrel Racer
Champion Flag Racer

Born in 1931 on the family ranch and stock farm near Mason, Texas, Wanda Harper grew up with superbly trained horses. Riding and roping became an integral part of her life from early childhood. She won her first match calf-roping competition against the pick of the neighboring males while still a young lady.

Upon graduating from high school in 1949, Wanda received a registered Palomino named Eagle H and joined the newly formed Girls Rodeo Association (GRA) — today’s Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). Together, she and Eagle H began building a remarkable record in women’s rodeo. A second versatile horse, Phoebe Chess, carried Wanda through her competitive career — accumulating an amazing 29 championship titles. Until she slackened her participation in 1974, Wanda was always among the top 15 female contenders in rodeo.

In 1957, Wanda married Stanley Bush, a master trainer of cutting horses. Following her rodeo career, she turned to training barrel racing horses and holding clinics for aspiring riders. Wanda Harper Bush, who competed brilliantly and served the WPRA in many ways over the years was instrumental in the rebirth of women’s participation in rodeo.

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