NFR Round 1: 13.56, Wenda Johnson and Steal Money “Mo”
Wenda Johnson and Steal Money, “Mo,” topped the first round of barrel racing at the 2022 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Dec 1. Listen to her full interview from the Thomas & Mack, plus hear hosts Kayla and Kreg Jones’ breakdown of the horses used and happenings of the first round.
- “Kassie Should Never be Underestimated” and Other NFR Round 1 Insights with Danyelle Campbell
- For the Love of the Horse: Wenda Johnson Wins Round 1 of the 2022 NFR
- Game Changer: Emily Beisel Weighs in on Unconventional Headgear and Warm-Up
NFR Round 2: 13.61, Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister”
Kinsel breaks down her first victory of the NFR in her round 2 interview, including Sister’s unique tendancies and how coming into the NFR lower in the world standings helped her strategize a different gameplan.
NFR Round 3: 13.59, Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister”
Kinsel was in great spiritis after her back-to-back round wins and talked about the realities of NFR grand entry, what her schedule in Vegas has been like and her reverse psychology tricks that help her stay prepared in all situations.
Round 4: 13.60, Emily Beisel and Namgis D 33 “Chongo”
Beisel had some lucky charms and a mindset that were both on point in Round 4. Hear about her round win, lucky unicorn socks and Beisel’s commitment to striving for excellence no matter how much she wins on the ProRodeo scene.
Round 5: 13.52, Lisa Lockhart and Promise Me Fame Guys “Levee” and Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister”
A wicked fast fifth round saw both Lisa Lockhart and Hailey Kinsel turn in 13.52-second runs. The times may have been the same, but both cowgirls have very different horses, ages and riding styles, which they breakdown in detail.
Round 6: 13.57, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and Babe On The Chase “Birdie” and Emily Beisel and Namgis D 33 “Chongo”
No. 2 and No. 14 in the running order clocked identical times in Round 6. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi earned her first NFR go-round win in 11 years and discusses how treating rodeo as a business and keeping emotions separate has helped her reach a high level of success in her career.
Beisel breaks down how she found the grit to stay clean and what it’s like riding a “unicorn,” like Chongo inside the Thomas & Mack.
Round 7: 13.60, Wenda Johnson and Steal Money “Mo”
Johnson made her trip back to the go-round buckle ceremony after clocking a 13.60 in a tough round of barrel racing aboard her right-barrel turning horse, Mo. Johnson moved to No. 1 in the aggregate after Lisa Lockhart downed a barrel.
Round 8: 13.41, Leslie Smalygo and JustAHeartBeatToFame “Gus”
Smalygo was the first and only NFR first-timer to grab a round win at the NFR. She and “Gus” proved that big dreams do come true in this heartfelt interview.
Round 9: 13.35, Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister”
In shocking fashion, Hailey Kinsel and Sister clocked the quickest time of the week despite Kinsel’s reins flipping over sister’s head at the second barrel.
Round 10 Winner and 2022 World Champion Hailey Kinsel
The day after the NFR ended, Hailey Kinsel sat down with BRM while packing up her trailer to head home and discussed her year and what it was like working towards her fourth gold buckle.