Kinsel Keeping it Fast in Vegas
By Amy Wilson
Tiany Schuster
Photo by Kenneth Springer
First in the Ram Top Gun Standings with $120,423 won at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, first in the average by 1.05 seconds, second in the WPRA World Standings, and first in Round 6 with 13.49 seconds, Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister” are continuing their already impressive year!
“It’s very hard to process and take it all in. I’m just trying to ignore it all right now, because as far as my brain is concerned, I have four rodeos left and the ones we’ve done don’t really exist,” Kinsel said. “So that’s kind of the way I’m going to keep looking at it because it’s working so far.” It’s definitely working. Kinsel is the only WNFR contestant to have placed in every round so far – and she’s been in the top 4 of all six rounds.
The 2017 graduate of Texas A&M University described her Round 6 victory, “It was a really fun run, and it felt like my first barrel was a little better than the last couple nights.” When she ran, Tiany Schuster was in the lead with 13.52 seconds. “I honestly was really pulling for Tiany to win the round – she showed off what she’s done all year – so awesome for her,” Kinsel said with the sweet character she has. She then continued, “But we’re happy with it. She ran really hard, and I’m glad she likes it here.” And in regards to winning another go-round buckle, she said with a laugh, “It’s not getting old yet.”
Kinsel is complimentary of the world’s best barrel racers and the opportunity to be at the WNFR with them. “A lot of girls have showed up and showed what they’ve been doing all year which is awesome, so I’m really impressed with them. And it’s been fun to get to know them all and be able to spend more time with them than usual.”
Schuster, who is No. 1 in the world standings, finished second in the round on Show Mance and is sixth in the average. Tillar Murray clocked 13.63 seconds to place third in the round. WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year, Taci Bettis was 13.72 seconds for fourth. Stevi Hillman, who’s third in the world standings, rode Sharpie to her first check of the 2017 WNFR with a time of 13.74. She split 5th/6th with Ivy Conrado, who is second in the average with 82.29 seconds, and Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, who is riding the stallion, Freckles Ta Fame “Can Man”.
Nellie Miller continues to make consistent runs. She is fifth in the world standings and third in the average. Lisa Lockhart is also staying consistent and is currently fourth in the average. Amberleigh Moore, who is fourth in the world standings, had a disappointing tipped barrel. She’s now 11th in the average.
Courtesy of WPRA