Ilyssa Riley
Name and Hometown: Ilyssa Riley, Hico, Texas
1-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifier
Starting 2023 NFR in 10th place
Regular Season Earnings: $111,473
Joined WPRA: 2017
Major 2023 regular season wins –
• Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo (Waco), $11,467
• Reno (Nevada), Rodeo, $9,269
• Livingston (Montana) Round-Up, $5,543
• Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo NFR Open (Colorado Springs), $12,787
• Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo (Salt Lake City), $6,000
Fun Facts about Ilyssa: She grew up in New Mexico, ventured across the state line to attend Texas A&M University at Canyon where she pursued a degree in advertising and public relations. She qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in 2017, the same year she joined the WPRA. Her climb into the top 15 and her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo has been a steady one. In 2020, she finished 98th in the world standings. The next year she was 55th. Last year saw her inside the top 50 at 30th. She used the circuit system to get to Vegas this year winning the Texas Circuit Finals and then getting a good check at the NFR open. In fact over 20 percent of her season earnings came from those two rodeos. A lot of her success this year has come aboard Misty Money Blurr, “Money,” but he’s not the only weapon in her arsenal. Her family will be cheering her on for the first time in Las Vegas and husband Riley will be providing support for his favorite two-and four-legged NFR competitors.