Morgan Bagnell is 20, a sophomore at Oklahoma State, and the runaway leader of the 2026 WPRA Resistol Rookie standings, carrying a lead of more than $20,000 into the summer run. Kayla Jones caught her in the slack at the Music City Rodeo in Nashville to talk through how a Heath, Texas, kid who did not grow up rodeoing got here this fast.

The short version: a supportive family, a stepdad in stock contractor Pete Carr, and a trailer of horses most rookies would never get to draw from. Catfish, Axel, Sir, and Iago each come out of a different proven program. The longer version, including how she decides which one to run and why she sent a proven derby horse back for more seasoning instead of forcing it, is in the episode.

If you have watched her name climb the standings all spring and wondered who she is, this is the one to put in your ears. Patreon members get about 10 extra minutes with Morgan this week.

About the guest

Morgan Bagnell is a 20-year-old WPRA rookie from Heath, Texas, and the early leader of the 2026 Resistol Rookie standings. Granddaughter of a reining and reined cow horse family and stepdaughter of stock contractor Pete Carr, she started running barrels at 12 and now balances a business degree at Oklahoma State with a full pro-rodeo schedule. Her win in the Wild Card round at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and a strong showing at the Resistol Rookie Roundup in Fort Worth set the tone for a breakout rookie year.

A few things you’ll hear

• Why she waited to buy her rookie card until the horses and her school schedule finally lined up
• The four horses in her trailer, and the programs behind each: Catfish (Jet N For Karats), Axel (Jet Fuel Only), Sir (Sir Epic), and Iago (CouldaWoodaShoulda)
• Why she sent Sir back for seasoning instead of forcing it, and what she learned watching Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi ride him
• How she picks which horse to run each day, and Pete’s “no rear-view mirror” rule for the rodeo road
• The Calgary qualifier goal shaping her entire summer schedule
• Patreon members get about 10 more minutes on her rookie-year strategy

Listen

Sponsor — Martin Saddlery

This week’s episode is brought to you by Martin Saddlery. Their iconic line of barrel saddles continues to help riders of every level gain confidence and security in today’s tough competition. The current lineup, the Stingray, BTR, Crown C, FX3, and Guardian, was designed so each rider can find a fit for their style and a secure seat at speed. Find your perfect fit and competitive edge at martinsaddlery.com.