Go beyond the numbers with first-time NFR qualifiers in the barrel racing at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
5. Megan McLeod-Sprague
Hometown: Marsing, Idaho
Horses: Seis Corona (“Jagger”), 2011 gelding, Dash Ta Fame x Tell Em Belle x Tres Seis; Ticket Ta Heaven (“Ticket”), 2019 mare, JL Dash Ta Heaven x Cantstopthiseffort x Special Effort; Cowboy Ta Fame (“Vice”), 2013 gelding, Cowboy Cartel x Fc Peachfuzz Ta Fame x Dash Ta Fame.
WPRA Season Earnings: $174,974
Rodeo Count: 62
NFR Qualifications: 1 (2025)
Recent Career Highlights: 2025 champion San Antonio, Texas; Pleasant Grove, Utah; Livingston, Montana; Canby, Oregon; Homedale, Idaho. 2025 reserve champion Fort Worth, Texas; Redding, Hayward, California; Cody, Wyoming; Redmond, Oregon; Basin City, Kennewick, Washington. 2025 high money earner over Cowboy Christmas. 2025 Calgary Stampede round winner. Seis Corona named 2025 reserve AQHA/WPRA Horse of the Year. 2025 Columbia River Circuit Finals Year-End champion. Multiple Columbia River Circuit Finals and Wilderness Circuit Finals qualifier.
Spotlight on First-Time Qualifiers
Barrel Horse News: Can you talk about the horses you rode this year?
Megan McLeod-Sprague: I rode a variety of horses this year. Jagger won the lion’s share of the money. Ticket won a significant amount for a young, inexperienced horse. I also won money on Vice and rode a few younger horses in some slacks.
BHN: What does it mean to you to make the finals?
McLeod-Sprague: It means the world. I’ve rodeoed a long time and always had a goal to make the Finals. I had a few opportunities when I was much younger that I blew. I had some really nice horses over the last 10-12 years but had some things in life that didn’t allow me to travel the way I needed to make the Finals. Last year, we set out with that making that goal a reality, but once again, life intervened.
BHN: At what point did you think an NFR qualification would be possible?
McLeod-Sprague: Honestly, after San Antonio. Of all the rodeos, I’m not sure that’s the one that was on my radar to win. Usually my team thrives in the bigger, outdoor venues, but I guess Jag proved me wrong this year. He didn’t really care what the pen looked like as long as there were 3 barrels out there! After Jag’s stellar performances at Fort Worth and San Antonio, I knew I had my horse back and a good jump on the year. I knew if he stayed sound, he’d be a force to reckon with.
BHN: What has been your biggest challenge to overcome when rodeoing?
McLeod-Sprague: Travel. Buck (my husband) makes that much easier. He drove probably 99% of the time. I don’t love being in the truck. I also don’tlove being away from home for long periods. We have a big place to take care of and that’s hard to do when you aren’t there! We were lucky to have some great help this year and keep us confident to stay on the road.
BHN: Is there anything you would have told your younger self about this journey?
McLeod-Sprague: Trust God’s timing. He knows exactly what he’s doing. A lot of the time, we make plans and feel so let down when they don’t work out. Instead of feeling down, work harder at the task at hand and work even harder on your Faith!
