Thu Dec 04 22:50:00 UTC 2025: SPORTS ILLUSTRATED – NFR Barrel Racers Announce Horse Choices Amidst EHV-1 Concerns
LAS VEGAS – The shadow of a recent EHV-1 outbreak loomed large as barrel racers prepared for the 2025 National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Following a stressful period of uncertainty and speculation sparked by the outbreak at the WPRA World Finals in Waco, Texas, barrel racers have now finalized their equine partners for the prestigious competition.
World Champion Kassie Mowry will leave her champion partner at home and instead ride the seasoned 10-year-old gelding “He Will Be Epic.” Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi will stick with her plan to ride “Sir Epic,” a 7-year-old owned by Pete Carr and Morgan Bagnell. Emily Beisel will ride her successful 9-year-old mare “Ivory On Fire” as she chases her $1.7 million lifetime earnings goal.
Four-time World Champion Hailey Kinsel confirmed that fans can expect to see her and her legendary palomino, “DM Sissy Hayday” (Sister), back in the arena, ready to contend for another title. NFR rookie Megan McLeod-Sprague will rely on the strength and experience of her 14-year-old gelding, “Seis Corona.” Veteran Lisa Lockhart will debut on the 7-year-old mare “Blazin Ta Betty.”
Carlee Otero, after a tumultuous few weeks due to quarantine concerns, confirmed she will be able to ride both “AM Regina George” and “Cathys Kandy,”. Halyn Lide will make her return trip to Vegas without her number one horse, who is recovering from EHB-1; social media has hinted that she may be on “Halos Frosted Fame.” Tayla Moeykens will be cracking out on a different horse for Round No. 1 – “DDD Streaknfirewater.”
Tricia Aldridge will be relying on the talents of her golden palomino stud, “Adios Pantalones” while Hayle Gibson-Stillwell will be riding “Piper,” a home-raised and trained horse. Wenda Johnson plans to ride “Steal Money, Mo” and Andrea Busby has chosen “HanksNTheFastLane” for Round No. 1. Katelyn Scott will pair with “Peanut Seed” and Julie Plourde, a last-minute replacement for Anita Ellis, will ride “Wateverock RC.”
The 2025 NFR is set to be a thrilling display of skill and horsemanship, set against the backdrop of recent health concerns within the equine rodeo community.
First Piper 