Born: 1938 (Gregg County, Texas)
Biography:
Martha Josey (born Martha Lavaughn Arthur on March 11, 1938, in Gregg County, Texas) is an American professional rodeo cowgirl who has made a significant impact in the world of barrel racing. With a career spanning over several decades, Josey has become one of the most accomplished and respected figures in the sport.
Martha Josey’s love for horses was ignited at an early age through her father’s influence. Her father, Robert Jonas Arthur Sr., was a prominent member of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and played a vital role in instilling a passion for horses in Martha. She began riding on a pony as a young child and developed a deep connection with these magnificent animals.
Tragedy struck at the age of 10 when Martha Josey experienced the loss of her father due to a heart attack. However, her mother rented out some of their land for oil, allowing Martha to purchase a talented gelding named CeBe Reed. It was during her teenage years, after attending a rodeo, that Josey found inspiration to pursue competitive barrel racing. She worked tirelessly with CeBe Reed, honing her skills and forming an unbreakable bond.
In 1967, Martha Josey married R.E. Josey, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Sadly, R.E. Josey passed away on February 24, 2022, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with Martha’s own journey.
Martha Josey’s career took off when she partnered with her first remarkable barrel horse, CeBe Reed. Together, they accumulated an astounding 52 consecutive wins, earning Josey numerous awards, including seven horse trailers. In 1968 and 1969, they competed in the prestigious National Finals Rodeo (NFR), securing $3,421 in prize money in 1969 alone. The success she experienced with CeBe Reed allowed her to quit her job and pursue professional barrel racing on a full-time basis.
Her second extraordinary horse, Sonny Bit O’Both, proved to be equally exceptional. Martha Josey and Sonny competed in the NFR for four consecutive years, from 1978 to 1981. Sonny made history by becoming the only horse to win both the AQHA and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) championships in the same year.
In 1980, Martha Josey clinched the highly coveted World Barrel Racing Champion title at the NFR, solidifying her status as a top-tier barrel racer. This achievement propelled her into the spotlight and solidified her place among the sport’s elite.
Throughout her career, Josey continued to amass accolades, thanks to the exceptional horses she partnered with. With her horse Jetonfer Pay, she won the Pro Tour Circuit in 1985, further adding to her impressive list of accomplishments. Her remarkable performances also earned her induction into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
Martha Josey and Swen Sir Bug, affectionately known as J.C., made their mark at the 1987 NFR. Their partnership showcased Josey’s unwavering determination and exceptional talent.
An extraordinary opportunity presented itself in 1988 when barrel racing was featured as an exhibition event at the Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta. Josey, along with J.C., participated in this historic event and captured a gold medal, bringing further recognition to her exceptional skills on an international stage.
Martha Josey’s last notable horse, Mr. Revolution Bars, accompanied her to the NFR in 1989 and 1990. Their partnership solidified Josey’s status as one of the rare barrel racers to consistently qualify for the prestigious event.
Beyond her personal success in the rodeo arena, Martha Josey has made significant contributions to the sport. She is revered as the founder and co-owner of the Josey Ranch Barrel Racing Clinic, a renowned institution that has trained countless aspiring barrel racers. Through her clinic, Josey has shared her wealth of knowledge and expertise, shaping the future of the sport and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Martha Josey’s impact on women’s history cannot be understated. As a trailblazer in a predominantly male-dominated sport, she shattered glass ceilings and proved that women could excel in rodeo events. Her extraordinary achievements have opened doors for future generations of female barrel racers, inspiring them to dream big and reach for the stars.
Awards:
– 1980 World Barrel Racing Champion (NFR)
– Inductee of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame (with Jetonfer Pay)
– Gold medalist in the barrel racing exhibition event at the 1988 Winter Olympics (with Swen Sir Bug, J.C.)