December always has a way of slowing us down and reflecting on family and life’s many blessings. The air turns crisp, the holiday lights grow brightly and even the busiest of us take time to look back on the year. Yet for barrel racers, that pause doesn’t last long, because we know when the calendar flips to December it’s only the beginning of some of the best barrel racing of the year.
Barrel racers of all skill levels are either preparing for competition or getting their The Cowboy Channel and livestreaming services ready for the best action of the year. The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association top 15 barrel racers will highlight Las Vegas for 10 nights, and futurity trainers will point their rigs for Oklahoma City. Barrel racing fans will have every round queued up and ready to watch. BHN will bring you all the action from both the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and the OKC Futurity at barrelhorsenews.com — be sure to sign-up for our Fast Time email newsletter so you don’t miss a thing as we bring you nightly round recaps and results.
In the spirit of the season, this issue celebrates the season of champions. As we watch the 10 best nights of pro rodeo action at the Wrangler NFR, we hope you use this issue to get to know the WPRA top 15. Stating on page 18, you’ll find the WPRA top 15 bios and recent highlights. On page 26, dive deep with a BHN and EquiStat exclusive on the WPRA top 15 and the horses they rode to qualify for the NFR. Plus on page 48, enjoy an in-depth feature on the WPRA Rookie of the Year.
While you await the January issue and the start of the new year, be sure to check out barrelhorsenews.com for everything we have to offer online in terms of holiday celebrations and barrel racing action.
As always, we bring you highlights from the biggest events of the season, such as the West Coast Barrel Racing Association Finals, Pink Buckle, The Texan, Ruby Buckle East and the CBHI Futurity, all beginning on page 53.
We hope you enjoy this issue. Be sure to stay up-to-date online at www.barrelhorsenews.com as BHN staff bring you the latest news, entertainment and training tips in the industry.
Until next time, stay safe.
— Kailey Sullins
Get your copy of the December 2025 issue here.
