Kinsel

By Patrick Everson

When the 2022 Wrangler NFR began back on Dec. 1, barrel racer Hailey Kinsel was fifth in the world standings. The three-time world champion stood almost $60,000 behind leader and defending world champ Jordon Briggs.

Kinsel didn’t make matters easier when, in the first go-round, she tipped a barrel for a 5-second penalty. In Round 6, she tipped another barrel.

But the rest of Kinsel’s week was insanely clean and filled with big checks. The Cotulla, Texas cowgirl cashed in seven rounds, including four solo first place checks and one first/second split. Kinsel won the last two go-rounds with the two fastest times of the week, 13.34 seconds and 13.35 seconds.

“This is Sister’s 21^st round win at the NFR, and I think 21 is a good number for Las Vegas,” a beaming Kinsel said of Saturday night’s go-round win aboard her champion horse.

Although Kinsel finished just eighth in the average – worth $6,995 – she bagged her fourth gold buckle by piling up $172,783 over the past 10 days. Kinsel finished the year with $302,127, claiming the world championship by about the size of one go-round winner’s check, with Briggs second at $274,520.

“This one’s special. I got more emotional,” said Kinsel, who also owns the 2018, 2019 and 2020 world championships.

As always, Kinsel deferred to her superhorse.

“She just rose up every time,” Kinsel said. “I can’t be halfway with that horse. She goes all-in every night. She makes me better and doesn’t let me slack.” 

Shelly Morgan won the NFR average with a total time of 137.28 seconds through 10 rounds, pocketing $74,150.