Go beyond the numbers with first-time NFR qualifiers in the barrel racing at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
12. Hayle Gibson-Stillwell
Hometown: Redcrest, California
Horses: Buncha Dinero (“Piper”), 2019 mare, PC Frenchmans Hayday x Rambunchkie x Bellamy Road; RDC DancingToTheLead (“Fancy”), 2017 mare, Lead The Field x Kari Dancer x Dash Ta Fame; Smiling N Ta Fame (“Sharky”), 2011 mare, Ks Cash N Fame x Dancing In My Heart x Special Kinda Dancer.
WPRA Season Earnings: $140,041
Rodeo Count: 82
NFR Qualifications: 1 (2025)
Recent Career Highlights: 2025 champion Walla Walla, Washington; Lewiston, Couer d’Alene, Emmett, Idaho; Scottdale, Arizona; Thermal, Hayward, Sonora, California; Redmond, Oregon; Fallon, Nevada; Rock Springs, Wyoming; Vernal, Utah (tie); Eagle, Colorado (tie). 2025 reserve champion Poway, Santa Maria, Stonyford, California; Canby, Sisters, Oregon; Othello, Washington.
Spotlight on First-Time Qualifiers
BHN: Can you talk about the horses you rode this year?
Hayle Gibson-Stillwell: Piper is a 6-year-old mare I bred and raised out of a thoroughbred mare I bought off the track and ran barrels on. Piper is very special to our family and the first foal I’ve bred and raised. Fancy is an 8-year-old mare I bought as a yearling at the BFA sale. Fancy carried me on my wedding day last year and now to my first NFR. She is so special. Both mares I started and trained. Sharky is a 14-year-old mare who I consider my ole faithful. She’s been my rock for years now and was the first horse to really level me up as a rider.
BHN: What does it mean to you to make the finals?
Gibson-Stillwell: It’s hard to even put in words what it means to make the finals and especially on a mare I bred and raised. Making the finals has always been a dream—like everyone—I just wasn’t sure it was possible. I’m beside myself with emotion because it is a reality and I’m so thankful and grateful and so proud of my horses. The emotions are overwhelming and amazing.
BHN: What has been your biggest challenge to overcome when rodeoing?
Gibson-Stillwell: My biggest challenge while rodeoing is being away from my family and close friends.
BHN: Is there anything you would have told your younger self about this journey?
Gibson-Stillwell: It is possible. Enjoy the journey and every step of the process. Cherish the friendships made and don’t take anything for granted.
BHN: What was your biggest win this year?
Gibson-Stillwell: It’s hard to pick the biggest win this year. A few come to mind. The Calgary qualifier and qualifying for that rodeo was huge! Rock Springs was big because I walked up after having a bad week and ran a 16.91 to win the rodeo on Piper. In Vernal, Utah I spilt the win on Fancy. She also ran a 16, but that was one of her first runs back after finding out about her diaphragm injury. Breaking the arena record at Cour D’Alene, Idaho, too. Lewiston, Idaho and Walla Walla, Washington both were very meaningful end of the season wins at tour rodeos that came in clutch to help this NFR qualification.
