From record-breaking futurity runs in Utah to one of the richest open barrel races in the country, this week’s Rundown has plenty to celebrate — including a major industry award and key fall deadlines every barrel racer should know.
Listen now.
Dr. Leslie Schur Named PRCA Veterinarian of the Year
After nearly three decades of service behind the scenes at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dr. Leslie Schur has been named the 2025 PRCA Veterinarian of the Year. A respected Las Vegas-based veterinarian and longtime NFR team member, Schur has dedicated her career to equine athletes at the sport’s highest level. She’s also a competitor herself — both she and her daughters barrel race — making the recognition a fitting tribute to a lifetime of commitment to the sport.
Industry Updates and Deadlines
Future Fortunes nominations are due November 1. Weanlings can still be nominated for $175 before late fees apply through December. Fees will increase substantially in 2025, so now’s the time to get paperwork submitted.
The PRCA Playoff Series Rodeos have also been announced for the 2026 season. Notable additions include Music City Rodeo (Nashville, TN), Elko (NV), Estes Park (CO), and Sikeston (MO). These 60 rodeos make up the qualification route to Sioux Falls and Puyallup — a critical path for athletes chasing NFR Open qualifications.
In other industry news, the Barrel Racing Industry Alliance (BRIA) has released its 2026 list of graded races. Modeled after the black-type system in the racehorse industry, BRIA’s grading program continues to evolve in standardizing the value and performance tracking of top-tier barrel events. Full details are available at BarrelRacingAlliance.com.
Columbia River Circuit Finals – Redmond, Oregon
The Columbia River Circuit Finals Rodeo wrapped in Redmond with a dominant showing from Hailey Garrison, who won the third round and the average aboard He Be Gee Be (“Hebe”), earning $9,833. Megan McLeod-Sprague, who entered the event leading the standings by nearly $12,000, started the weekend strong with a Round 1 win aboard her 6-year-old mare Ticket. Julia Johnson and Chunk took the Round 2 victory after a consistent showing across all three runs.
The Texan – Abilene, Texas
One of the most lucrative barrel races of the fall, The Texan in Abilene guaranteed $850,000 in payouts and offered multiple runs per entry. In the 1D, Carlee Otero and AM Regina George ran a 14.711 to take home $100,000. The 2D paid out $75,000 to Makenna Shook and XV Mario, edging Ashley Parks by just one-thousandth of a second. The 3D was a tie between Connie Tobiasson on Flits Flaming Fire and Tabitha Dyal on Slym Shady, each earning $35,000. The 4D also tied, with Christy Dufey (Rebel Frenchgirl) and Gigi Robinson (OKR Flashy Starlight) each winning $30,000, and the 5Dwent to Alexandra Daigle on VF Backed N A Corner for another $30,000.
The overall average title went to Tiany Schuster and Chalk Cliffs, who earned $8,323 in the 1D. In all, the event boasted 86 pages of results and more than $850,000 in total payouts.
Witchfest – Cedar City, Utah
SSR Productions’ Witchfest continued its tradition of fun and fast runs, featuring $10,000 added to each of the futurity, derby, and open divisions. Edria Day and Squirt of Fame once again proved unbeatable, winning both the 1D Derby and the average. Rita Cheeney and HP Dash Ta Fairfax captured the Futurity Average title, while Jordynn Knight clocked the fastest time of the weekend, a 15.590 on Heza Swift Spyder, sweeping multiple classes and taking home more than $4,400.
Nebraska 4D Finals – Broken Bow, Nebraska
With nearly $10,000 added, the Nebraska 4D Finals saw Mackenzie McCuistion take the Sunday win with a 15.3-second run. Chandler Camblin and VF Silver Design placed third both days to win the average, while Misti Bown, Kari Spanel, and Beth Till took home the 2D, 3D, and 4D average titles respectively.
ABOUT CHEWY
he Rundown is presented by Chewy, your trusted source for equine and pet supplies. Whether you’re ordering feed, supplements, or grooming products, Chewy makes it simple to keep your horses and dogs cared for — with fast shipping, top brands, and customer service that truly understands animal owners. Shop the products you rely on at Chewy.com