Summer Kosel and her standout gelding Firewaterfrenchfame “Apollo” rose to the occasion at the Ellensburg Rodeo, capturing the barrel racing championship with a 16.99-second run in the finals.
The win, paired with a placing at Walla Walla, moved the South Dakota cowgirl from No. 18 to No. 16 in the WPRA World Standings with $97,249 earned to date.
Ellensburg tested riders across three runs, but Kosel and Apollo were consistent from the start. After securing checks in the opening two rounds, the duo left no doubt in the finals.
“All gas, no brakes, that was the only game plan,” Kosel said. “I figured if I could just let him roll and make a good run, he has the potential to accomplish anything.”
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Balancing Rodeo, Family, and Apollo’s Schedule
Kosel has built her 2025 season around balancing family and competition, often structuring her rodeo calendar to ensure she’s home during key months.
“I always stay home from May 1 to the Fourth of July run, that’s when my kids have stuff, and I never make a game plan to rodeo during those two months,” Kosel said. “I like to hit the winter rodeos and then get back out here in July. Apollo does so well on these big standards, and I know he shines when he gets to stretch out.”
Her family is a constant presence on the road, from helping in the warm-up pen to holding down the trailer.
“It’s a total team effort, 1000%,” Kosel said. “My husband doesn’t get to come very often, so having him out here this week took a lot of stress off. The kids pitch in too — everyone has their role.”
Ellensburg Win Boosts Summer Kosel’s NFR Chances
Ellensburg held special weight for Kosel, who has history at the Washington rodeo. In 2022, Apollo sustained a hock injury there that sidelined him for months. This year, she returned with a clear head.
“That kind of stuff doesn’t bother me,” Kosel said. “I never even thought about it. I just go out there and run. Apollo may be little, but he’s mighty.”
That mindset has been a cornerstone of her season.
“All I can do is prepare him, and if he’s prepared, then it’s in God’s hands what happens,” Kosel said.
The victory keeps Kosel firmly in the NFR conversation as the season winds into its final weeks. With Puyallup and Pendleton on her upcoming schedule, she’s carrying momentum at the right time.
“I don’t get too stressed about it,” Kosel said. “I just try to stay in my lane and make the best runs I can. We’ve got a great group of barrel racers out here, and everyone is so supportive. That makes it fun.”
Summer Kosel’s Ellensburg win was a family victory, a faith-driven reminder to trust the process, and another step closer to a return to Las Vegas.