Five barrel racers from each regional finals (East, Central and West) advance to Globe Life Field on May 22 for The American Rodeo Semi-Finals with $2 million on their mind. Meet the 15 The American Rodeo qualifiers and their horses in this Barrel Horse News Q&A.
Qualifiers:
- Dusky Lynn Hall
- Randee Prindle
- Missy Jean Etheridge
- Tabitha Dyal
- Bayleigh Choate
- Heidi Gunderson
- Katelyn Scott
- Samantha Willoughby
- Hadlee Landers
- Mindy Holloway
- Hailey Krahenbuhl
- Taylor Armenta
- Tayla Moeykens
- Blake Molle
- Autumn Snyder
The top five qualifier athletes from The American Rodeo Semi-Finals go head-to-head with the top 5 in the 2025 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association world standings in the American Rodeo Showdown Round of 10:
The top four from The American Rodeo Showdown Round advance to The American Rodeo Championship Round, all taking place May 23.
East Region Finalists
Dusky Lynn Hall and Chasin A Win
Stephenville, Texas youth standout Dusky Lynn Hall and her team of horses are a force to be reckoned with. Hall now has two The American Rodeo Regional titles (West in 2025 and East in 2026) and three total qualifications to Globe Life Field aboard different horses. In 2025 she finished fourth in the Final round aboard Aint Seen Famous Yet. In Lexington, Kentucky, Hall and her 2020 gelding Chasin A Win (Chasin Aces N Fame x The Lion Queen x Highly Visible) placed in the Redemption Round and won the Finals for more than $11,000.
Barrel Horse News: Tell us about Spitfire.
Dusky Lynn Hall: Chasin A Win aka Spitfire is very small, around 14.2 hands but has a huge personality. He has a lot of confidence about him.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going back to Globe Life Field again?
Hall: It’s amazing going back again, this is my third time to run at Globe Life Field. I did it at age 9, 11 and now 12.
BHN: How did your runs go in Kentucky?
Hall: My runs in Kentucky started out a little slow. Wally (Aint Seen Famous Yet) got lost at the third in Round two and was long. I didn’t make the top 10 in the average. I was 14th, so we bought back in the buyback round. I ran Spit draw 16 and when I ran I was winning it. Then the next two runners bumped me to third. Their was about 10 runners left to sweat through to make it to the rodeo. In the rodeo, Spit made some mistakes and slipped really bad at first but came through with the win.
BHN: Is there anything you learned last year at The American Rodeo that will help you prepare for this year?
Hall: I have learned that it’s a very long process and to just enjoy each and every run. Everyone of them is a blessing, to have sound horses run and be at the top of my game.
BHN: If you and Spit had a walk-out song what would it be?
Hall: All I Do Is Win by DJ Khaled
BHN: What bit do you run Spit in?
Hall: Spit runs in the Boca Hackamore. He is very light and doesn’t need a lot.
Randee Prindle and Red Man Jones
The Jud Little-bred 2011 gelding and his jockey from Gilman City, Missouri are a team worth studying. With more than $1 million in earnings together, Randee Prindle and Red Man Jones (Brownie Jones x Dinkys Purple Rain x Dinkys Red Man) claimed back-to-back The American Rodeo qualifications to Globe Life Field after an impressive performance in Lexington.
“I went to the [BFA] sale looking for a young colt because I figured I couldn’t afford one started on the pattern but my mom wanted him so I figured I’d try to buy him before the other gelding I wanted sold, and I got him,” Prindle said during a 2024 interview after winning the NBHA Open World Championship. “He was a challenge for the first three years and finally when he turned 8 it all seemed to smooth out some and we got together.”
Recently, Prindle and “Scooby” dominated the qualifying rounds at the Better Barrel Races World Finals, winning both races and running the fastest time of the event.
“If you don’t bring your A-game then he’ll slack off and pull one over so I have to make sure I show up to operate him or it isn’t pretty,” she said in the 2024 interview. “I treat every race just like it’s a little jackpot and the only person I’m running against is myself and if my horse goes in and works nice and comes out sound that’s all I can ask for so I don’t get nervous very much.”
Prindle and Scooby won the 2020 The American Semi-Finals and placed fourth in the 2025 East Region to advance to Globe Life Field.
Missy Jean Etheridge and Seis Martinis
NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Fame trainer Missy Jean Etheridge of Corinth, Mississippi started barrel racing by taking cutting horses to races with her daughter, who college rodeos for the University of West Alabama. She purchased standout futurity mare Seis Martinis (Tres Seis x Morning Traffic x Frenchmans Guy), trained by DaCota Monk, and started her own barrel racing career with a qualification to The American Rodeo Championship Weekend. She also purchased three-time American qualifier Seis Smashin Fame, a 2015 stallion by Tres Seis out of Smashin Ta Fame by Dash Ta Fame, who has ran at both AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field twice.
BHN: Tell us about Marti Jane.
Missy Jean Etheridge: I think the first time I ran her it was maybe February. I’m a cutter, so I don’t really do barrels, I’m just now starting this out because my daughter does it, so I thought, I’ll do it with her. I was pretty shocked that I made it, she’s an amazing horse.
BHN: How did your runs go in Kentucky?
Etheridge: It’s kind of a blur. She was real good in exhibitions. The next day, when I ran her, I always have something that I need to work on with her. Our first barrel, I’m trying to get better on that. Second day running her, I started too late in the alleyway. My goal for the finals was to start sooner down the alleyway, because it felt like I was taking off a little bit too late so then it’s kicking me back. The finals night, she did not want to go into that alleyway at all and that’s the first time she didn’t want to go into an alley. My first barrel in the finals was amazing, she smoked it, she did great. Going from my second to my third, I decided not go to two hands and then one hand, because she always feels me doing that and if I mess up she really starts to set down. She actually goes and sucks that barrel upand I don’t think I was expecting it. She literally just did it on her own.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field to run for $1 million?
Etheridge: I guess ignorance is bliss because I don’t know anything that’s about to happen. Dusky Hall helped me, she told me some things and sent me some videos of Dusky Lynn, just so I can get a feel for the arena and what it’s going to be like. I have a line of natural solutions to pain, anxiety and focus so she gets my MJ Tincture and I do use ear plugs. I don’t know what I’m getting into but I’m excited.
BHN: If you and Marti Jane had a walk-out song what would it be?
Etheridge: I just played Lord, You Are My Strength by Juno Skye over and over and over. It’s in her album.
BHN: What drew you to barrel racing?
Etheridge: I’ve been cutting forever, but when I first started out as a kid I had a little horse that I did barrels on but then I got into the cutting, and I’m really good at the cutting. I’m good at training those horses. I trained a couple of cutting horses to do barrels, just so I could go be with my daughter. A barrel horse that I watched my whole life was Louie and Lisa Lockhart. Just watching them and wanting to emulate her. She actually sent me a text that said, ‘Good job on you and Seis Martinis’ and I totally girl crushed.
Tabitha Dyal, Slym Shady and Promise Me Fame Guys
Ten-year-old youth star Tabitha Dyal of Bedford, New York and her two geldings left it all in the arena to earn her first qualification to Globe Life Field. She ran 2017 gelding Slym Shady (FrenchmansFabulous x SF Tiny Bit Of Fame x Dash Ta Fame), who was trained and futuritied by Andre Coelho and Carley Cervi, in the semi-finals to place fifth in the aggregate. She ran 2016 gelding Promise Me Fame Guys (Aint Seen Nothin Yet x Bar Blue Lass x FC Aboo) who won The American Rodeo Barrel Racing title with Lisa Lockhart in 2023, in the region finals where they placed fourth.
BHN: Tell us about your horses.
Tabitha Dyal: Slym Shady, we call him “Slym.” His personality is “he thinks he is the best” and he loves to fidget and chew on things. He will nibble on you if you aren’t paying attention to him. He runs on the top of the ground. He makes up a lot of time getting out of the first barrel and going to the second. He loves going fast to the first barrel. He is not easy to run – you have to be very precise and you cannot make any mistakes when you ride him. But he is incredibly consistent. I started running him in January 2025. Jeff Griffith helps me keep him tuned. I am grateful for Jeff and Martha Wright for helping me so much.
Promise Me Fame Guys, his name is “Levee.” He is very special and I love him so much. You need to “ride” him but also stay out of his way, wait around the turns, smooch and keep forward momentum. You need a lot of rate around the barrels, can’t just kick. I really try to stay out his way and let him work. But when he knows I mean business he feeds off my energy. I have been running him since last July – first time at the Red Rocket Futurity in South Jordan, Utah. We waited a number of months to run him and everyone was wondering where he was but we thought it was so important for me to take the time to get to know him. He is very calm, loves attention and also loves the crowd. He runs better with noise. I love being and spending time with all of my horses but he really loves my company.
BHN: How did your runs go in Kentucky?
Dyal: My first run felt really good. I had been struggling to get the first barrel with Slym and I have been practicing with him. My first barrel was a lot better but it still could have tighter. The rest of it came together. He runs on the top of the ground and he was later in the draw that day so it was faster. Our second run was a tad slower in time but the first barrel was actually better. We were earlier in the draw and the ground felt a bit slower. I almost hit the third barrel but it stayed up. Levee didn’t love the ground there as he digs his back legs in the ground and he didn’t have much to push against. He did not run great on his first run and when his time was out of the running for the top 10, we decided to rest him in case we needed him for the Buyback Round. Once we made it back to the finals, we knew he would be so excited to run for the crowd and he had a rest day, so I ran Levee. The run in the Finals felt smooth, but I was mad it was not faster, and I was shaking my head afterwards. I was so happy we made it to Arlington.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field to run for $1 million?
Dyal: I am just so excited. It has been my goal since watching it on TV last year. I wanted to run there so badly. I love running for a crowd, in a rodeo environment, for the big money. I loved running at Cowtown and Lexington in the Eastern Contender Finals there. I am just looking forward to competing at Globe Life. I cannot think of anything more exciting.
BHN: Did you do anything to prepare for Kentucky or for The American Rodeo?
Dyal: Working on my drills. Doing some jackpots, and taking care of my horses. Working with my coach Martha Wright and working with Jeff Griffith to keep my horses tuned. Mentally, it is another race.
BHN: If you and your horses had a walk-out song what would it be?
Dyal: For Slym Shady, of course the song, The Real Slim Shady. For Levee, also same artist, Lose Yourself by Eminem.
BHN: What bit do you run these two horses in?
Dyal: Slym is in a Pretzel. He doesn’t like too much on his face, I like the bit to feel more natural and don’t want to have too much bit on him – something in the middle. Aso a Pretzel for Levee, you don’tneed a lot of bit but I need something that he will respond to. It feels like the perfect bit for him.
Bayleigh Choate and TJR Stinson Blue
2022 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year and National Finals Rodeo qualifier Bayleigh Choate of Dalton, Georgia fought her way to the top five to make her second appearance at The American Rodeo, this time aboard 2017 gelding TJR Stinson Blue (Eddie Stinson x Yo Threatnin Frost x Pat Cowan). This is not her first qualification to The American Rodeo though; she placed third in the Final Four Round at The American Rodeo in 2023 with Hail To Be Famous.
BHN: Tell us about Boozer.
Bayleigh Choate: He’s one of the greatest horses I’ve ever got to ride. I feel like he always knows when to step up and he always does. He always just does just enough, he’s going to make you sweat it, and then he’s going to come in at the last round and be like, ‘all right, I’ll win.’ He’s just a cool horse and he’s fun. I think he’s cool because he was the first futurity horse I ever had. Then he took me to the NFR when I was only 19 years old and he’s been with me ever since.
BHN: How did your runs go in Kentucky?
Choate: Honestly, they were awful. The ground was a little bit hard and he’s 16 hands and so when it’s hard, he doesn’t really do as good. It was enough to get by and then in the final round, I thought they were going to make the ground a little bit deeper. So I rode him really hard in there and it was not deeper. I look like a monkey on my horse in the final round, but it was enough to get the job done.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to The American Rodeo again?
Choate: Last time I went to The American, I was on Dash (Hail To Be Famous), this time I’m on Boozer. I’m more excited to be on Boozer because I feel like he was a horse that always kind of got shadowed by Dash a little bit. I was riding some Dash for some other people, and Boozer is mine, so he always got put in the shadows. I’m really excited to be there on my own horse and be able to showcase his talents. He’s been fighting a little bit of issues, so The American will actually be his first run back. We’ll see how that goes, but either way I’m just proud to be on him and I’m proud for him to be there.
BHN: If you and Boozer had a walk-out song what would it be?
Choate: Power by Kanye West
BHN: What bit do you run Boozer in?
Choate: That’s actually a funny story. I don’t even know the name of it. I bought it off Facebook for like $15. I didn’t have anything to ride him in and it worked the very first time I put an on. I’ve not changed it in like 4 years now. The curb chain on it’s so rusted you can’t even get it undone. It’s just a two-piece twisted mouthpiece and it’s a little shank with a little bit of gag.
Central Region Finalists
Heidi Gunderson and Wonder If Im Lucky
Heidi Gunderson of Murdock, Minnesota and leading 2025 futurity horse 2021 gelding Wonder If Im Lucky (Lucky Wonder Horse x TS Sunnys Superstar x PC Mr Sun Peppy), owned by Shannon Kulseth, have more than $350,000 together starting at the 2024 Barrel Futurities of America World Championships. They ran the only sub-15 second run in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the Central Region Finals.
BHN: Tell us about Casey.
Heidi Gunderson: He was Futurity horse of the year last year and so we kind of decided that we were going to rodeo off him a little bit this year. It’s kind of been a Cinderella story, really. Qualified for Denver, went to Denver and won Denver. When we were on our way to Denver, his owner, Shannon Kulseth said, ‘Let’s try to get him into the American.’ I thought that’s a really good idea and I looked at my schedule, and I got state wrestling for the kids when they have this qualifier and this qualifier, and we’re going to be in Denver during Glen Rose, and the only one I can make it to is in San Antonio. So I went all the way to San Antonio before we went to Denver, which is really not on the way from Minnesota.
I just didn’t know how rodeos were all going to go, because of how spooky he is but he has just really figured it out and I think Denver just gave me so much confidence to know that he can go out there and do this. I have gone to some rodeos in Texas, and if I didn’t hit a barrel, he placed. He’s grown so much in the last four-five months. He was still very, very spooky but he just pulls himself up so well. He never fails me and I’m just in awe over that horse.
BHN: How did your runs go in Oklahoma City?
Gunderson: The first run was not slow, a 15.5 in that arena is not slow, but it was just so fast that I think a 15.5 put us deep, like 28th. I thought maybe if you can come back and run a .3, we can still get inthe average. Well, that would not have been good enough and I knew he could be faster. I had a lot going on too, so maybe I just wasn’t all present going down the alley with my sister-in-law being sick in the hospital and then passing away on Thursday, in our second go. That was just all on my mind. When he went down the alley on Thursday, I was like, ‘we have got to go faster,’ and I’m just going to send him and just hope for a Hail Mary, because it was so fast. He did it. He ran a .1, and I still didn’t know if that would get us back. When it did, I knew if I cleaned up his third barrel, he would be faster. I worked him at Shannon’s house that morning, and opted not to take him in and ride him in the arena there because I felt like it would do more harm than good, because he’s so spooky, and I knew the ropers would be in there and that’s not his favorite thing. I worked him through three times at the house and just really worked on closing that third barrel. He takes it very literal. He came back so hard on third and I knew he was just laying it down when we ran home. I didn’t hear what they said and I turned to the guys at the gates and asked what he ran and the guy was like 14.9 and I think I was just like, ‘What!?’ It was a really special moment for my whole family watching at home.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field?
Gunderson: I’ve watched it on TV and when it was AT&T Stadium. I’m really just curious to get in there and get a feel for the arena and just see what it’s like. I feel like it’s going to be really wide open, which I feel is good for him because he likes it when things aren’t really close to him. He gets really watch-y when there’s people sitting in chairs too close to him that are barrel setters, that’s what he’sfocused on. The further away things are from him, that’s almost a good thing. I think he’s going to handle it well. I have a lot of confidence in him. He feels really good right now. I think he can win anywhere and so can any of those girls and any of those guys and any of those horses. It’s going to be really fun watching. It’s just amazing horsepower and amazing jockeys and trainers, and I’m really thankful to be part of the group. Whoever has their day that day gets to move on. Nobody’s any less, they’re all good, it’s just whoever has their day that day.
BHN: Are you doing anything different to prepare for The American Rodeo?
Gunderson: I don’t think so. I’ll keep exercising him, have a vet look over him just to make sure we’re feeling good. I’m going home to Minnesota after the Ruby Buckle and Casey hasn’t been home since I left on March 17. I think he’ll be really happy to get there and he’ll be there until we leave for the American. I’m not really doing anything different. We have the same game plan always, just keep him happy, keep him healthy, keep him exercised.
BHN: If you and Casey had a walk-out song what would it be?
Gunderson: God Story by Anne Wilson
BHN: What bit do you run Casey in?
Gunderson: I had switched bits on him. He won Denver in the bit that I futuritied him in, and he won a lot of money in that bit, but I just felt like he was maybe getting a touch pushy on that bit. It was a pretty short shank. I put a Flaharty Big Betty on him. It’s a square mouthpiece with chain links in the middle. He likes the reverse gags, so that’s what I have on him and then a Boca band chin strap. He runs in a tie down too.
Katelyn Scott and Justa DTF Frenchman
Odessa, Texas barrel racer Katelyn Scott qualified for her first NFR in 2025 and finished 10th in the world standings with the help of 2015 gelding Justa DTF Frenchman (Aint Seen Nothin Yet x Madeline Spade 410 x Justa Hickory Spade). “Peanut Seed” and Scott placed in the first five rounds of the NFR before an unfortunate fall in round seven, unseating Scott and finishing the pattern himself. Scott qualified for The American Rodeo in 2025 aboard Streak N Liza, advancing from the Central Regionals in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
BHN: Tell us about Peanut Seed.
Katelyn Scott: He’s 11 years old and I’ve been running him about probably 10 months now. Since the NFR, we got into all the winter rodeos, of course, and that went pretty good. We had a little success here and there. We had some more learning curves or just the highs and lows of rodeo. We got to go out to Logandale, Nevada and have a little success there.
BHN: How did your runs go in Oklahoma City?
Scott: I got to run two horses. I got another horse in Streak N Liza, and the first round was good. I actually was a little faster on Streak N Liza. Coming back in round two, Peanut Seed was at the end and after hearing some of the times, I was like, ‘I’m gonna have to make a run to make it. This thing is tough.’ I mean, it’s tough anywhere but I just wasn’t fast enough in the first round, and I was thinking I have to step on it a little bit. Peanut Seed just rose right to the top. He made a great run. I was also really proud of Streak N Liza and ended up 14th and just to be able to go run and compete at that level any time is a huge win or accomplishment to me. I was proud of both horses.
I was first after the drag [in the Finals] and I wasn’t aware that they were going to play this little video right before the run, and I could hear myself talking. I will say I had to just take a deep breath and was like, ‘don’t forget, you’re just out here running the barrels.’ My horse really just took me through the pattern. He was spot on. He made a great run. He felt so good. Heidi ran after me and I can’t remember if there was a drag or not, but to see her success and then I got to hold her horse for just a little bit until his owners got back there. It was so cool. I was holding two amazing horse.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field?
Scott: Last year, that was such a bucket list thing, I just couldn’t believe I got there. So to be able to do it again on a different horse, it’s super cool. It just says a lot for my horsepower and I’m so incredibly thankful. God placed these horses in my life. I’m super excited. Of course, I will probably run Peanut Seed, but, I feel like Streak N Liza and will be along for the ride as well.
BHN: Is there anything you learned last year at The American Rodeo that will help you prepare for this year?
Scott: When I went last year, they had two different riding times. One was like in the evening and one was the next morning. In the evening one, they were doing sound check and it was so loud. I couldn’teven hear myself thinking, it was just so loud and then I came back the next morning thinking it’s going to be loud. They didn’t have anything. They weren’t doing sound check or anything and it was like dead quiet. So my plan is to try to find out when the sound check is and maybe not go to that ride time because it was so loud. Last year, I made a good, just solid run. It wasn’t fast enough, but as usual, my plan will be to go in there and go make the best run I can and just see where the chips fall.
BHN: If you and Peanut Seed had a walk-out song what would it be?
Scott: Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice
Samantha Willoughby and SW The Bayou Bug
Samantha Willoughby and 2019 APHA gelding SW The Bayou Bug (Sadies Borntoperform x Bayou Roan x Billy Billy Bayou) stayed consistent to win the aggregate at the Central Region Semi-Finals. The 20-year-old Stephenville, Texas resident and red dun hold several arena records together.
BHN: Tell us about Bug.
Samantha Willoughby: Bug is 14.1 hands with a heart the size of Texas and a personality even bigger. I could sit here all day and talk about him and his personality and how much he means to me. He sat in a pasture till he was 5, not broke, not registered, not anything more than a pasture ornament. I bought him as a birthday present for myself back in 2023, broke him, patterned him, he’s always been a natural. His 10th entry, he broke the arena record at Glen Rose and won it with over 1300 entries. He’s 8 this year and probably has less experience and runs than a futurity horse due to many different factors.
BHN: How did your runs go in Oklahoma City?
Willoughby: He’s been off the past five months and OKC was his first run back so I wasn’t really sure how my runs were going to go. I was in the warm up pen, and I guess the OKC air had something in it all week because he was feeling himself for sure. I didn’t have the greatest runs, my timing was a little off every run and he had ground trouble every barrel the first day, missed my timing at the first barrelthe second day, and then in the finals I had ground trouble at third. Overall I was extremely happy with how my horse felt each day and how he pulled up.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field?
Willoughby: It’s pretty surreal and hasn’t really set in yet, but that’s the goal we’ve set out for, so we’ll do everything in our power to prepare and give them a fight come the 22nd & 23rd.
BHN: Did you do anything to prepare for Oklahoma City or The American Rodeo?
Willoughby: I didn’t have a lot of prepare time going into OKC, he was in and out of the vets making sure we got it right this time and he was feeling his best, he wasn’t cleared to even run until [April] 1st, so I had no expectations whatsoever, but he always pulls through.
Going into Globe Life, honestly haven’t thought about it once. I know if I do it’ll put me in a tail spin. I know that arena is going to be a challenge for us. He doesn’t have a lot of experience so that wide open arena with no walls in sight is going to be tricky. He has a hard time keeping focus in arenas like that, but I’m just going to ride my horse like I know how and go from there.
BHN: If you and Bug had a walk-out song what would it be?
Willoughby: Probably anything by The Score. He’s a very upbeat horse, and he walks very far up into the alley and loves to build the anticipation, and I feel like a lot of their songs just fit the vibe.
BHN: What bit do you run Bug in?
Willoughby: Every bit under the sun, really just depends on the mood of him and me for the day. Usually a L&W O-ring with a square mouth or a 5″ lifter with a 4-piece dog bone. It honestly doesn’t matter what you put in his mouth, he’s going to do whatever he feels like doing.
Hadlee Landers and Regally Classic
Twelve-year-old Hadlee Landers of Lawton, Oklahoma and her mount 2011 mare Regally Classic (A Regal Choice x Classic Dash Girl x A Classic Dash) earned a trip to Globe Life Field after a stellar performance inside OG&E Coliseum. They posted a 15.189 in the region finals to place fourth.
BHN: Tell us about Callie.
Hadlee Landers: When we got Callie, she had been a broodmare for a few years before I started running her, so no one really knew what she could do. She’s spicy and sassy, but her and I just click. She has the biggest heart and always gives me everything she has. We’ve learned together, and I trust her completely. She’s not just my horse—she’s my teammate and best friend.
BHN: How did your runs go in Oklahoma City?
Landers: My runs in OKC were tough. It really felt like a knife fight with all the top competitors, and you had to earn every run. I just stayed focused, trusted Callie, and took it one run at a time and had fun.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field?
Landers: It honestly feels like a dream come true. I’ve worked so hard for this, and to have the chance to run on a stage like that for that kind of money is unreal. I’m really thankful for the opportunity, and I just want to go in there, do my job, and give all the glory to God no matter what happens.
BHN: Did you do anything to prepare for Oklahoma City?
Landers: For OKC, I focused on staying consistent and taking it one run at a time. The competition was tough, and you had to be on your game every run, so I just trusted Callie and did my job.
BHN: If you and Callie had a walk-out song what would it be?
Landers: I’d probably pick something upbeat and fun—just something that gets me excited and ready to go.
BHN: What bit do you run Callie in?
Landers: I run her in a hackamore because it keeps her comfortable and lets her stay free in her run. She responds really well to it, and it helps me keep her soft and focused through the pattern.
Mindy Holloway and Heavens Got Credit
North Texas realtor Mindy Holloway and 2014 gelding Heavens Got Credit (JL Dash Ta Heaven x Credit Chicado x Cash Not Credit), affectionately known as Cornbread used the Redemption Round to help advance to the region finals and claim the final spot headed to Arlington, Texas. The gelding made recent headlines in December when he made the trip to Las Vegas on two-time world champion Kassie Mowry’s trailer and won round six of the National Finals Rodeo. Holloway and “Cornbread” qualified for the 2024 The American Rodeo where they placed fifth in the long round.
BHN: Tell us about Cornbread.
Mindy Holloway: Cornbread is a 12-year-old gelding by JL Dash Ta Heaven. I have owned him for over six years, however we were a big part of his life even when he was 2 and 3 years old and owned by Edwin Cameron and Tiany Schuster. He has a very “Dennis the Menace” type personality. He loves people and he loves apples and oatmeal creme pies. He has been very successful in the arena, holding the arena record at Waco, Texas in the Pavillion arena, he qualified me in 2024 to The American and he recently got the opportunity to run down the Thomas and Mack Center alleyway with Kassie Mowry, helping her win another world title.
BHN: How did your runs go in Oklahoma City?
Holloway: My first run in OKC didn’t go as planned. Cornbread was really dialed in and we just barely caught the first barrel leaving it to be really fast. That made me re-think my game plan, so I chose not to run him in the second round because I was out of the average at that point, and I went straight to the Redemption Round. They only take the top three from the Redemption Round, so I knew it would be really tough. We had a little ground trouble in that round but were able to sneak into the Finals for Saturday night. For Saturday night, I knew that it would be really tough to get into the top five to advance—and it was! Cornbread and I did not have our normal first barrel that last round, got by it a little more than we normally do so in my run I thought, ‘we have got to go!’ And go he did, Cornbread just got us inside the top five by the skin of our teeth.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field?
Holloway: This year it’s $2 million because last year no one won it. I am even more excited to have the opportunity to run for that kind of money, that is life-changing money! I am glad I have already been once, so I have a little more experience going in to know what to expect. I am just so proud of my horse for getting us there.
BHN: Did you do anything to prepare for Oklahoma City or The American Rodeo?
Holloway: I always prepare Cornbread the same for any big event. He has timed workouts to keep him in tip top shape and regular visits to his vet, Dr. Chris Ray, DVM. Chris knows Cornbread like he is his own. I will also discuss with my farrier (who also is my husband), any changes we might need to make to prepare Cornbread for any type of ground set up.
BHN: If you and Cornbread had a walk-out song what would it be?
Holloway: Cornbread and I don’t require a walk out song to get fired up, we need more of a keep calm and carry on song! For that, I would say Cody Johnson’s Till You Can’t. The song is an anthem about seizing opportunities, pursuing ambitions, and chasing dreams before time runs out. I feel like that is my motto in life — don’t take anything for granted and be thankful for the many blessings already received.
BHN: What bit do you run Cornbread in?
Holloway: Elliott Medium Shank Spur Up 03
West Region Finalists
Hailey Krahenbuhl and Saaul Good
Hailey Krahenbuhl started taking show jumping lessons when she was 8 years old. A little girl’s love for horses didn’t depend on the discipline and when she was 12, she ran a barrel horse in a rodeo. There, she found a love for speed, continuing to compete in both show jumping and barrel racing. In 2019 she was in a jumping accident at a horse show, paralyzing her from the waist down. In a remarkable recovery, she regained her ability to walk, but she no longer had the same passion to continue jumping anymore, and went all in on barrel racing. The now 20-year-old bought 2020 gelding Saaul Good (Winners Version x Wild Frenchlady x Frenchmans Guy) from Dale Long and has set the west barrel races on fire, claiming multiple arena records and wins. Saaul Good qualified for the 2025 The American Rodeo with Long and is making his second appearance inside Globe Life Field in 2026 thanks to Krahenbuhl.
BHN: Tell us about Sully.
Hailey Krahenbuhl: I have had him for almost a year now, he has set arena records almost everywhere we go. I have never had a horse like him that wants to win just as bad as me. He has a very confident personality, and he makes sure it is known. My goal is to one day walk down the alley of Thomas and Mack with Sully.
BHN: How did your runs go in Las Vegas?
Krahenbuhl: I hit a barrel in the first round of the aggregate; I decided to scratch him from the second round and buy into the redemption. I knew no matter what I had to go clean, and we could make it in, and then we won the Redemption Round. I was sick all day before the finals, I knew I could make the top five if I just made it clean so I thought of making a “safe run,” but if you know me, I’m in it to win whether there is a risk or not. I gave it all I had, and we ended up winning the finals.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field?
Krahenbuhl: A lot of stress will be involved because I know that would be life changing, but no matter what happens, my horse is going to show up for me and do the best he can. All that matters is I’m there to begin with. It all starts with a dream.
BHN: Did you do anything to prepare for Las Vegas or The American Rodeo?
Krahenbuhl: I entered a small jackpot in Vegas right before heading to South Point. I really focused on where my hands needed to be to keep the barrels up. He’s a hard horse to ride, you have to ride him perfectly to his spots, one mistake will be noticeable. As I prepare to head to Texas and Globe Life, I’m not going to change a single thing. I think a lot of people try to over do it or change things, I keep everything the same. I’m just going to keep him fit and head to a race before Texas to keep him sharp.
BHN: If you and Sully had a walk-out song what would it be?
Krahenbuhl: Definitely “Let it Rock” by Kevin Rudolf. I always listen to hype music before I run at a big race. To win, you have to feel as confident as ever.
BHN: What bit do you run Sully in?
Krahenbuhl: I run him in a three-piece copper inlay twist with a roller. He is a very sensitive horse. I can actually almost fit my whole hand through his curb chain. Dale Long gave me this bit when we bought him. Of course, not every bit that works for someone is going to work for you. However, it fit my hands and had an amazing feel. Most importantly, it worked for Sully.
Taylor Armenta and Hes Got Cat Style
Fourteen-year-old Taylor Armenta and 2014 gelding Hes Got Cat Style (Palo Duro Cat x My La Tee Dah x Sonnys Hot Jazz) showed out in Las Vegas, placing eighth in the first round of the Semi-Finals and won the second round to claim the fourth place position in the aggregate. They finished second in the Finals, earning a total of $9,525 at South Point and a qualification to run at Globe Life Field. Armenta and “Thor” are dominate players at youth rodeos, recently winning the National Junior High Rodeo Association barrel racing world championship.
BHN: Tell us about Thor.
Taylor Armenta: Thor by Palo Duro Cat out of an appendix-bred mare, My La Tee Dah. My La Tee Dah’s second dam, Roses Rosie, is a paternal granddaughter of Secretariat. I think that is unique about him, when you look at his pedigree it’s not something you’d think that would be a great barrel horse. He’s not in any incentives or by a big-name stud, but he doesn’t know that. He just goes out there and wins anyways. I only run Thor at big money events so he doesn’t get run often but this winter in Arizona he ran at the two Xtreme Million races, winning the mini million and at the Turning Point race, he was second out of 850 entries and was the only one in the youth 1D. He won around $30,000 in a little over a month. Thor also has quite the personality, I’m not sure he knows that he is a horse. He wants to be around us 24/7, doesn’t really care to associate with other horses. In fact he is quite mean towards them. When we bought him, he came with a list a mile long with do’s and don’ts. Number one on that list was to never turn him out with another horse. Thor also talks a lot and always answers when we talk to him especially when you call him ‘Thor Baby.’ He also demands belly scratches, it’s almost obsessive, he lifts his hind legs up and stares at you till you start scratching. He will follow you around until you scratch him. Cleaning his pen takes forever due to this.
BHN: How did your runs go in Las Vegas?
Armenta: Our first run was smooth and Thor was very honest, but I knew the second round was going to get tough and to make sure I made it back in average, I knew I needed to be fast so I asked for more and he delivered. We got the second round win. I had the same plan for the short go, with the group of girls I was running against I knew Thor and I had to lay it all out on the line. We got a little close on first and I had to do a leg lift but Thor always shows up when it counts and I know I can depend on him.
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field?
Armenta: Qualifying for the American Rodeo and having a shot at $2 million is really exciting for me. I set this goal last year after the $1 million went unclaimed, so to be one of the 15 contenders now is really special. I know these spots are earned, not just given, and it means a lot to be part of this group. This is a huge opportunity for me to keep chasing my dreams. I am really grateful for it and excited to see what happens.
BHN: Did you do anything to prepare for Las Vegas or The American Rodeo?
Armenta: We didn’t do anything too different to prepare for these events than we would for any other race. He actually just came back from a six-week break after winning the Xtreme Mini Million in Arizona in March, so we focused on keeping him fit and happy. He didn’t see a barrel pattern until the week before we came to Vegas. I have been riding with my coach, Cory, just riding correct, working on muscle memory and making sure Thor feels sharp. Before Globe Life, we will make sure he sees his favorite vet, Dr. Harvey at Outlaw Equine, gets some fast shoes from my shoer Trevor Duhon, and lots of therapies. Just whatever he needs to feel his best.
BHN: If you and Thor had a walk-out song what would it be?
Armenta: Our walk out song would be ‘Till I Collapse by Eminem because it motivates me to dig deep when I’m tired or when things aren’t going well. It reminds me who I am and why I do what I do and that I’m not stopping until I’ve given everything I’ve got.
BHN: What bit do you run Thor in?
Armenta: I run him in a L&W 183 combination with a #18 mouthpiece. I just like the way it feels in my hands on Thor. Sometimes he gets a little strong on the backside of third and I feel it helps me bring his nose around. Other than that, he doesn’t need much help from me.
Tayla Moeykens and KN Fames Best Yet
National Finals Rodeo qualifier Tayla Moeykens and 2018 gelding KN Fames Best Yet (Dash Ta Fame x KN Fabulous N Khaki x Frenchmans Fabulous) have been a team since “Yeti” was 5 years old. Moeykens and Yeti were two-time reserve college champions together, reserve champions at the 2025 Cheyenne Frontier Days and now The American Rodeo qualifiers.
BHN: Tell us about Yeti.
Tayla Moeykens: Yeti is a 8 year old gelding. We’ve had him since he was 5. He was a two-time reserve college champion, reserve champion at Cheyenne in 2025, NFR Qualifier, and won Hermiston, Oregon in 2025. We always say he’s the sweetest horse until you do something to make him mad. He’s a big kid!
BHN: How did your runs go in Las Vegas?
Moeykens: He was Mr. Consistent all weekend placing fourth in both rounds, fifth in the average, and third in the short go. That is exactly what we strive for is consistency. He was honest and made the best run he could for each round. I really wouldn’t change much!
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field?
Moeykens: Of course it’s exciting, but for me it’s always about making the best run I can for that day. It’s been on my bucket list for a while now. I made the top 30 in the old format a few times and was super close to making it, so it’s cool to finally get a chance at Globe Life.
BHN: How will you prepare for The American Rodeo?
Moeykens: We will do the same thing we always do. Take care of the horses the best we can with our therapies, work them on the pattern once or twice a week, and then go make our run! They know their job and I trust them to give me their best.
BHN: If you and Yeti had a walk-out song what would it be?
Moeykens: Backup Plan by Luke Combs and Bailey Zimmerman because Yeti gives me his all every single time and never gives up.
BHN: What bit do you run Yeti in?
Moeykens: It’s a Sherry Cervi large twist with a medium shank. He’s pretty light in the mouth and doesn’t need my help much. I’ve ran him in a draw bit too. This is just the one he’sdone the best in.
Blake Molle and Wildchildsgotcashuno
Back-to-back Maple Leaf Circuit average winner and Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier Blake Molle and her 2017 gelding Wildchildsgotcashuno (Bugemforcash x Xv Wild Child x Whos Salty Dog) have become a team to watch since pairing up less than a year ago. They won the West Region Semi-Finals Aggregate in Las Vegas and sits in the top 30 of the WPRA world standings as of April.
BHN: Tell us about JJ.
Blake Molle: JJ has the biggest personality and heart. He thinks he has won every time he comes out of the arena. If he’s not a fan of something there is no ignoring it. He’s extremely curious. The worse he is when I am warming him up the better he runs.
BHN: How did your runs go in Las Vegas?
Molle: Our runs in Vegas were super consistent and I was very proud of that. I missed grabbing my horn on the third barrel my second run and it was one of the nicest third barrels we ever had. JJ worked so good and was so solid!
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field?
Molle: It’s definitely really exciting, but it’s also just another rodeo. I’m leaving that in God’s hands.
BHN: Did you do anything to prepare for Las Vegas or The American Rodeo?
Molle: I just made sure he was feeling his best and responding to my body when warming up. JJ is going to get all pampered and get his rest in before we head to Globe Life.
BHN: If you and JJ had a walk-out song what would it be?
Molle: Our walkout song would be Legendary by Welshly Arms. No real reason, just feels fitting for JJ and I’s relationship.
BHN: What bit do you run JJ in?
Molle: Jim Warner Hackamore. He is super soft and really responsive. He’s not a horse that needs a lot or any help in his turns so the hackamore fits him perfectly.
Autumn Snyder and Frenchmen Returns
College National Finals Rodeo qualifier Autumn Snyder bought 2019 gelding Frenchmen Returns (Frenchmen R Hot x She Returns For Cash x Chicados Cash) from Joy Wargo when she went to look at a horse for her sister, Amberley. They have become quite the duo, recently winning the 2025 NBHA Vegas Super Show, also held at South Point Arena.
BHN: Tell us about Duke.
Autumn Snyder: I could easily talk about Duke all day. I just love the guy so much. Duke has taught me that a horse can go through pretty much every emotion a human can and knows how to let you know what he’s feeling at all times! Some days I have to ask him if he would enjoy coming out of the bucking chute or the alleyway more — he knows how to buck. Duke will do anything for a cookie. I appreciate every little thing about him because he not only has made me a better jockey but a better person in life. Duke filled my WPRA permit the first year I started running him. We also won the 1D average at a bigger race in Nebraska. He won the Better Barrel Races World Finals 1D Non-Qualifier race and the 1D average at the 2025 NBHA Super Show in Las Vegas!
BHN: How did your runs go in Las Vegas?
Snyder: I ran a 16.3 the first go, so that is how you know it was a ‘me’ problem. Duke is very in tune with my body and if I don’t give him the correct signals we tend to just dance around in the arena, instead of running aggressive and staying locked in. For the second go I told myself to get it together and just ride better and trust my horse. Then I would make a decision based on my next run if I would enter the Redemption Round or not. Second go we tipped first leaving it and just cruised home and ran a 15.4. I immediately called my family and asked them if I should enter the Redemption Round, knowing I was going to need money to get home after I spent my last bit of money on the Redemption Round entry. I took a gamble on it and we placed second and made $1,300! Day of the short go I felt all the emotions from thanking Duke for getting us this far and thanking all of my support. I couldn’twait to show south point arena what Duke and I could do!
BHN: What is it like knowing you’re going to Globe Life Field?
Snyder: Having even the thought of getting the opportunity to run at Globe Life Field is more than anything to me. What an absolute honor I get to experience as well as all my family and friends! The rodeo world just continues to grow and is able to offer more opportunities to do what we love to do every day. I am so incredibly thankful to run for that amount of money!
BHN: Did you do anything to prepare for Las Vegas or The American Rodeo?
Snyder: To prepare for each round, run by run I would talk my horse through each run before we hit the alleyway. One of the biggest changes I made was my mentality and mindset. I needed to remember how hard I’ve worked to get here and just enjoy it. I also needed to be better for my horse and show up for him. The last two rounds I was able to just lock in and drown out the fear and just visualize Duke and I back at home in the practice pen.
BHN: If you and Duke had a walk-out song what would it be?
Snyder: Rumpshaker (Instrumental) by Kid Ink, definitely the instrumental version. Or the song Light by San Halo.
BHN: What bit do you run Duke in?
Snyder: Steel Nose Jim Warner Hackamore. The steel nose hack helps me break his speed if I need to him to rate down into a turn. He always hates a bit in his mouth.
