Martha Josey
Barrel Racer

Martha Josey personifies barrel racing for many people. She always stood out from the crowd at rodeo events. Her horses were always better-looking, fit, ready to go to work. She'd take part in a Grand Entry or Parade of Champions and it was as though she carried her own spotlight in addition to whatever arena lighting was provided. Josey and her “sweet smell of success” showed in everything she did. She was the first and only cowgirl to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in four consecutive decades. She has the distinction of winning both the AQHA and WPRA World Championships in the same year. Her career has stretched, win-to-win, over four decades.

Her legendary GRA/WPRA career started in 1968 on the gelding, Cebe Reed. Twenty years later, in 1988, she won a medal at the Calgary Olympics. Barrel racing was not an official Olympic sport, but a competition was held as a special event. Later that same year, Josey was inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and her record and career are highlighted in the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. In 2003, Martha and her horse Joe B Jammin were the Equus America, Equus Extreme Champions and the AQHA Reserve World Champions.

Throughout her career, Josey has helped build barrel racing’s recognition as a professional rodeo event, and in part through her efforts, barrel racing is held in the same arena and with the same respect and spectator interest as any of the other rodeo events. In 1999, Josey received the Dennis D. High Lifestyle Achievements Award and was chosen as the Women's Sports Foundation Female Equestrian of the Year.

Josey continues to compete in and win on the WPRA circuit and is regularly featured in national equine magazines. In addition, she produces educational videos, markets her own line of equine products, helps promote Purina products and puts on numerous clinics throughout the country. She and her husband also train and market the very best in barrel horses at their home ranch in Marshall, Texas. The ranch is also home to world-class competitions.

Career highlights

• 2003 – 2003 Equus America, Equus Extreme Champions and AQHA Reserve World Champions on Joe B Jammin
• 2002 – Won Senior 1-D Championship on Joe B Jammin and Senior Reserve 1-D Championship on Sweet Sailin’ Six at NBHA Holiday Classic
• 2001 – Go Round Winner at Copenhagen Cup Finale on Joe B Jammin
• 2000 – Ran fastest time at Lone Star Finals on Joe B Jammin
• 1999 – Received the Dennis D. High Lifestyle Achievements Award; chosen as Women's Sports Foundation Female Equestrian of the Year; Orange Smash received 1999 AQHA “Best of America’s Horse Award” and was memorialized in statue by Peter Stone
• 1998 – Qualified for NFR on Orange Smash and received the Gold Go-Round Winner Buckle
• 1997 – Won NBHA Senior World Championship and Reserve Open 1-D Championship on Orange Smash
• 1989 and 1990 – Qualified for NFR on Mr. Revolution Bars, making her the first and only cowgirl to qualify for the NFR in four consecutive decades; Mr. Revolution Bars won All American Quarter Horse Congress and was the two-time Wrangler Showdown Champion
• 1988 – Won medal at Calgary Olympics in barrel racing special event; inducted into Cowgirl Hall of Fame on Swen Sir Bug
• 1987 – Qualified for NFR on Swen Sir Bug
• 1985 – Qualified for NFR on Jetonfer Pay
• 1980 – Won AQHA and WPRA World Championships on Sonny Bit O’Both
• 1978 - 1981 – Qualified for four consecutive NFRs on Sonny Bit O’Both
• 1968 and 1969 – Qualified for NFR on Cebe Reed