Jody Sheffield is the epitome of a circuit cowgirl, someone who works a full-time job and competes at events closer to home.

But she won the Pendleton (Ore.) Roundup last year and earned the right to play at some big events this winter and spring. One of those was RodeoHouston. Her husband, also a rodeo cowboy, mentioned that Sheffield could quit her day job if she won Houston.

Well, the Utah cowgirl did just that, and my first question was if she needed me to help write her resignation letter.

Unfortunately for her full-time rodeo career, Sheffield is keeping her day job. Insurance benefits are too hard to come by, even with $55,400 she earned in Houston. And that’s OK. Besides, it might be the first time in a long time that a part-time cowgirl qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.