Reno Rodeo Comes to A Close

Munsell, Kinsel Collect Silver Spurs

By Ann Bleiker

After 10 sell-out nights, the 105th celebration of the Reno Rodeo is complete. The 2024 champions are headed down the road with their share of nearly $750,000 in winnings and the coveted Silver Spurs that makes a Reno Rodeo Championship so special. The rodeo marks the start of the busy summer rodeo season and winning in Reno gives contestants momentum as they head into “Cowboy Christmas,” which includes all of the rodeos held over the Fourth-of-July holiday.

Women’s breakaway roping continues to be a fan-favorite event, delivering jaw-dropping performances at the Reno Rodeo. Taylor Munsell came into the final round in the driver’s seat, and she held on to win her first pair of silver spurs following her 3.2-second throw to finish with a total time of 8.0 seconds on three head. Munsell has made the Finals all four years since breakaway roping was introduced at the Reno Rodeo, but this marks her first win.

“I have been so close the last four years and knew a win was in the cards,” stated Munsell moments after winning her first set of silver spurs. “This was the third horse I have ridden here and will definitely be bringing him back.”

Munsell called upon the services of her 16-year-old palomino gelding Pals Star Shine that she calls Ray.

“He is such a blessing,” stated Munsell about her horse. “He was the last horse my granddad and grandma raised. He does his job and lets me win.”

Beau Peterson turned in the fastest time during the final round in a time of 2.7-seconds and finished with a total of 8.5 seconds on three head. Kendal Pierson rounded out the top three with 8.8 seconds on the week.

Prior to Reno, Munsell was ranked third in the WPRA World Standings.

The barrel racing event saw Emily Beisel claim the fastest time of the night with a blistering 16.99-second run aboard 4M Equine Ranch’s Teasin Dat Guy “Chewy,” but Hailey Kinsel‘s consistent performances throughout the week earned her the championship with a total time of 51.54 seconds on three runs. Beisel would end the week in second with 51.59 while Hailey Garrison rounded out the top three 51.81 seconds on three runs.

A year ago, Kinsel and Sister left Reno just missing out on the title to champion Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi. This year they left town with the silver spurs and checks totaling $16,081 as they embark on a busy summer run of rodeos in an effort to return to the Thomas and Mack in December.

“This is so special,” stated Kinsel after collecting the Reno Rodeo victory. “I knew my horse could do it and just wanted to prove to her, myself and all the fans that she could. There are so many talented horses out her but feel she just tries harder, and I am glad she is my partner out here.”

Kinsel was ranked 10^th in the world before Reno, while Beisel was ranked 12^th. In 2023, Beisel won the most money amongst barrel racers over the Fourth of July and she will be eyeing a repeat as she heads into a busy schedule of rodeos.

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