For many years Barrel Horse News has highlighted the leaders in the barrel racing industry through our annual statistical review issues showcasing the leading owners, breeders, riders, horses, sires and dams from the previous competition year. We followed that by highlighting the Decade’s Leaders via EquiStat’s 10-Year Statistical Review. This was done for several reasons. Although EquiStat began tracking barrel racing in 1985, in its infancy EquiStat only tracked futurities and derbies while professional rodeos were much harder to record in those days. By 2011 half of all Women’s Professional Rodeo Association circuits were being recorded and that number continued to grow. Because of the missing years in EquiStat’s tabulations of pro rodeos prior to 2011, some earnings reflected in Lifetime Data are likely much more than recorded in EquiStat. Therefore, the 10-Year Statistical Review showcased a more complete look at the state of the industry. Now, the database has grown to include nearly 15 years of professional rodeo data and shows a more complete look at the overall leaders across the industry. Therefore, in recent years we’ve replaced the 10-Year Statistics with the Lifetime Statistical Review.
With more than 35 years of calculated data, EquiStat is the only place to find complete, accurate results in the barrel racing industry. Moreover, it’s the best resource to see the overarching trends and successes in the barrel racing industry over time. The first time BHN printed Lifetime Statistics was in 2020, having reported decade earnings in other years. Now, with the extensive look EquiStat holds in barrel racing data beginning in 2023 BHN opted to move forward with Lifetime Earnings from this point forward. For the third consecutive year, we’re bringing you the exclusive BHN EquiStat Lifetime Statistics beginning on page 36.
Plus, this issue highlights all that being a barrel racer encompasses in the Lifestyle Issue. From a fun look at a family of musicians and barrel racers in Jennifer Denison’s “Horses and Harmony” on page 20, to tips from the pros on how to avoid and manage mechanical disasters while you’re on the road in Abigail Boatwright’s “Mechanical Mishaps Managed” on page 28, this issue has everything the barrel racer needs.
You’ll also find coverage from all the biggest events of the season like the Women’s Rodeo World Championships, Run at the Rose and Colorado Classic Futurities, Royal Crown Breeders Challenge Guthrie, the NBHA Las Vegas Super Show, All American Youth and more, all beginning on page 53.
We hope you enjoy this issue. Be sure to stay up-to-date online at barrelhorsenews.com as BHN staff bring you the latest news, entertainment and training tips.
Until next time, stay safe.
— Kailey Sullins
Get your copy of the August 2025 issue here.
