Acey Pinkston and her trusty horse StreakinFrenchBullet delivered a flawless week at the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, leading her Southwest Texas College team to the women’s barrel racing national championship.
The junior at Southwest Texas College entered the short round No. 1 in the average after consistent runs of 14.35, 14.36 and 14.27 seconds. But it was her 14.13-second run in the final round that sealed the deal, earning her the 2025 CNFR barrel racing championship with a 57.11 on four runs, and three out of four round wins along the way.
Looking for full 2025 CNFR barrel racing results? Click here.
Looking for goat tying results? We’ve got them here, too.
Pinkston, a junior business major originally from Alice, Texas, turned Stephenville resident, went wire-to-wire in the barrel racing, capped off by a confident short-round run as the last out of the performance. But she didn’t do it alone.
“My horse was absolutely flawless. I told my mom (Liz Pinkston) after the first round, ‘That was a dream run,’” Pinkston said. “And he just kept showing up. He’s the one that gave me confidence this week.”
Bullet came into Acey’s life four years ago from Arizona’s Erin King, not long before she lost a once-in-a-lifetime mare, Maya, to a freak injury.
“I’d never been able to connect with another horse the way I did with her. But Bullet stepped in when I needed something steady,” she said. “He’s a little bit like me—quirky, spicy, but all heart. He makes me feel like I belong out there.”
Behind the scenes, Pinkston leaned on her mother Liz and her coaches Joey and Sugar Almand. Sugar even had a hand in a short-round superstition: Acey had left her belt behind in a rush that morning. Sugar found it, prayed over it, and slept with it under her pillow the night before the short go.
“She said, ‘You’re going to wear this and win the short round,’” Pinkston laughed. “And then we did. I don’t even know how to explain it.”
As Pinkston celebrated with her team, she said the camaraderie and coaching made all the difference.
“We’re there for each other no matter what. I lost my voice by Wednesday night cheering for our team,” she said. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have the best team, the best support people in my life. I’ can’t thank my family enough, and I’m blessed to have my faith to fall back on through all the wins and losses. I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude!”
Pinkston will transfer to Weatherford College next year to continue her rodeo and academic journey.
