RODEO NEWS

Clutch Performances by Lide and George in Puyallup

By Ann Bleiker

WPRA Barrel Racer Halyn Lide went to her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo last year ranked ninth but with only three weeks left in the 2025 rodeo season she is in a mad dash to earn a second qualification.

A clutch performance at the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Washington over the weekend has her knocking on the door at 16^th. Not only was the cash super important that she collected but she guaranteed herself a spot in the Governor’s Cup the last weekend of September in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Lide and Jettin to Heaven jetted their way to the top of the leaderboard after clocking a 13.76 during the final round to out distance Lisa Lockhart, who appears destined for her 19^th straight NFR qualification and Emily Beisel who tied for second in a time of 13.83 seconds. Lide won $13,400 for that performance and added another $3,510 with a win in the preliminary round bringing her total to $16,910.

“My focus is on gratitude,” wrote Lide on her Facebook page. “Grateful for every opportunity to run barrels, for each horse whose journey I get to be a part of, for my family and the time we can be together.”

She went on to write “Qualifying for Puyallup is always a goal of mine. Huge thanks to Keeper, Shark and Tottie for all earning points at the rodeos to get us there. Wins are always special and this one…with a challenging setup and format, late in a year that’s been tough on us proves what a warrior Keeper is. He loves running barrels and he was determined to make the most of the opportunity.”

On the breakaway roping end Rylee George took advantage of her opportunity as she eyes a return trip to Las Vegas for the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. George won the final round in Puyallup in a time of 2.4 seconds to move from 12^th in the standings to a more secure spot at No. 7 as the 2025 season winds down.

George is no stranger to fast times winning the coveted Betty Gayle Cooper Fast Time award at last year’s breakaway finals with two 1.7 seconds runs. She is hoping to be a repeat champion of that award presented by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in December and with her performance in Puyallup one might not want to bet against her.

In the finals, George battled it out with Zoie Bedke, who finished in 3.7 seconds, while Hali Williams and Martha Angelone came up with a no time but all secured a spot to compete in the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls. Angelone is trying to make a late season push to secure her spot as she is one of only two ladies who has qualified for every NFBR since its inception in 2020. The other is Shelby Boisjoli-Meged who retook the No. 1 spot this week from Taylor Munsell.

George won a total of $15,594 in Puyallup and has won $114,418 for the season.

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