By: Julia Dondero
Former first-grade teacher and current WPRA Breakaway Roper, Erika Frost embarked on her WPRA Resistol Rookie Year journey earlier this year and is already making headlines. Currently sitting within the top 10 of the WPRA Resistol Rookie Breakaway Roping standings, Frost looks forward to the remainder of the PRCA season with two goals in mind: to take home the WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year title and qualify for her first Women’s Rodeo World Championship.
Originally from Quebec, Canada, Frost began her rodeo career as a Barrel Racer, and it wasn’t until she was in school at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford, Oklahoma that she started Breakaway Roping.
Frost explained the challenges of starting roping at a later age than many of her competitors and explained, “It was challenging for me to start roping at a later age. Working on my mental game and building my self-confidence with Paige Lawrence Champion has been a game changer for me.”
It was also during her time at SWOSU that she met her now husband, Josh Frost. The two met through Rodeo, and have since been inseparable. Erika explained, “Josh always encourages me and is my biggest supporter. He believed in me and my roping abilities long before I did.”
As the power couple embarks down the road in their first year of competing professionally together, the 2023 PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Champion and 2022 Reserve World Champion Bull Rider is often seen pushing Erika’s calves and supporting her along the way.
In a previous feature with WCRA, Josh also expressed his excitement for his wife’s rookie year, explaining, “I am so excited for her season. The WCRA has provided so many opportunities for the two of us, and I am excited to cheer her on this season.”
Erika, who made it to the Progressive Round at Rodeo Corpus Christi explained the impact the WCRA has made on her young career. “Competing in Corpus Christi was incredible. From the environment to the opportunities to showcase my skills on a large stage, the WCRA has provided me with many next-level opportunities and I am so grateful for them.”
This Summer, Frost will embark on her first “Cowboy Christmas” run with her two trusted equine partners, “Tom”, who was previously Josh’s calf horse, and her newest powerhouse addition, “Juice”. Throughout the Summer, Frost plans to nominate her runs with her sights set on qualifying for Rodeo Carolinas this October at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. “It’s an awesome opportunity to compete on such a prestigious stage, I am excited to nominate my runs for it.”
