Awards

Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards Presented by AQHA

By Ann Bleiker

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – While most awards in rodeo are reserved for the human athlete, there is one that is solely based on the equine athlete’s accomplishments and what makes it even more special is that it is voted on by the top 25 WPRA members in each discipline. That award is the Nutrena Horse of the Year Award presented by AQHA.

This year in the WPRA category we have two very familiar award winners – one who last won this title in 2018 and one that is a back-to-back winner.

On the barrel racing side DM Sissy Hayday known around the industry simply as Sister took top honors for the first time in seven years. Sister, who is ridden and owned by four-time world champion Hailey Kinsel, will be making her ninth consecutive trip to the Wrangler NFR.

“No way…are you serious,” said a very excited Kinsel upon learning the news about her beloved 14-year-old palomino mare being name 2025 Horse of the Year in barrel racing. “It has been a lot of years since the last one. What an incredible field of horses that was up for this award this year. This is the best news ever.”

Finishing second for the first time was Seis Corona “Jagger” ridden and owned by Megan McLeod-Sprague, who will be making their first trip down the alleyway at the Thomas and Mack in December. Rounding out the top three was 2024 Horse of the Year Force The Goodbye “Jarvis” ridden and owned by Kassie Mowry.

Winning for the second consecutive year on the breakaway roping side is Stylish Drifter “Dutch” ridden and owned by Josie Conner. Dutch continues to carry his jockey to new heights at the age of 16 and the duo is heading back to their fourth Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping ranked No. 2 in the world and looking for their first gold buckle.

“That is awesome,” said Conner upon learning the news. “This is Dutch’s second consecutive year to win it, and it means so much. This is such a prestigious award and highlights how great our animal athletes are because we can’t do our job without them. It is extra special this year because Riley’s (Webb) horse (Marked Up Cat “Rudy”) won the tie-down roping award, so for the first time both horses in our barn are 2025 Horse of the Year winners, so that is pretty cool.”

Taking reserve Horse of the Year honors in breakaway was Aladdins Approach “Lexus” ridden and owned by Cheyanne McCartney, who will be making her fourth NFBR appearance. Jigsaw Wildcard “Jigsaw” ridden by Aspen Miller and owned by Craig Miller finished third in the voting. Miller and Jigsaw will be making their first trip to the NFBR in December.

Congrats to all the winners and all that were nominated for this prestigious award.

Barrels:

1. DM Sissy Hayday “Sister,” ridden & owned by Hailey Kinsel

2. Seis Corona “Jagger,” ridden & owned by Megan McLeod-Sprague

3. Force The Goodbye “Jarvis,” ridden & owned by Kassie Mowry

Breakaway:

1. Stylish Drifter “Dutch,” ridden & owned by Josie Conner

2. Aladdins Approach “Lexus,” ridden & owned by Cheyanne McCartney

3. Jigsaw Wildcard “Jigsaw,” ridden by Aspen Miller – owned by Craig Miller