ProRodeo Barrel Racing Breakdown: Nicole Love Headlines Southeastern Circuit Action

The Southeastern Circuit barrel racers have been making major money moves while the ProRodeo trail heats up.
Nicole Love competes in the barrel racing on her horse, Josie.
Nicole Love and JL Josie Bar "Josie." Image by Alysia Hargus Photography.

The 2023 season is well underway in ProRodeo, and here’s everything barrel racers need to know to stay up to speed.

All Eyes on Southeastern Circuit

Over the past week, ProRodeo contestants have had their eyes on ProRodeo Southeastern Circuit barrel racing. The circuit cowgirls have been hard-pressed to let outsiders get a chance at the big checks on their turf. Here’s everything to know about the Southeastern rodeos, and others impacting the world standings in mid-February 2023.

Jackson, MS 02/10/2023 – 02/18/2023

Added Money: $10,000

1. Margo Crowther, 13.77 seconds, $6,525; 2. Nicole Love, 13.78, $5,220; 3. Sarah Waguespack, 13.81, $4,241; 4. Kassie Mowry, 13.82, $3,262; 5. Kelly Allen, 13.84, $2,610; 6. Rachelle Riggers, 13.86, $1,957; 7. Jimmie Smith-Tew, 13.87, $1,631; 8. Tarryn Lee, 13.93, $1,468; 9. Taycie Matthews, 13.94, $1,305; 10. Katie Halbert, 13.95, $1,142; 11. Sophie Nolen, 13.98, $979; 12. Ari-Anna Flynn, 14.01, $816; 13. (tie) Bayleigh Choate, Kara Kreder and Jessica Routier, 14.02, $489 each.

Starkville, MS 02/10/2023 – 02/11/2023

Added Money: $2,000

Results: 1. Laura Mote, 13.89 seconds, $1,742; 2. Cassidy Champlin, 13.97, $1,493; 3. Ashley Parks, 14.04, $1,244; 4. Sophie Nolen, 14.08, $1,078; 5. Sara Winkelman, 14.11, $830; 6. Abby Phillips, 14.13, $664; 7. (tie) Kellie Collier and Rebecca St. Martin, 14.19, $415 each; 9. Jamie Olsen, 14.20, $249; 10. (tie) Emily Beisel and Ashley Rogers, 14.21, $83 each.

Kissimmee, FL 02/17/2023 – 02/19/2023

Added Money: $7,500

Results: 1. Nicole Love, 15.86 seconds, $3,850; 2. (tie) Chloe Gray and Kristin Hanchey, 15.87, $2,791 each; 4. Taylor Carver, 16.12, $1,925; 5. Jenna Lummus, 16.17, $1,540; 6. Erin Wetzel, 16.18, $1,155; 7. Mickayla Brown, 16.20, $963; 8. Margo Crowther, 16.23, $866; 9. Angie Hammock, 16.26, $770; 10. Cristin Posey, 16.27, $674; 11. Presley Smith, 16.30, $578; 12. Susie Parisee, 16.32, $481; 13. Sandi Brandli, 16.34, $385; 14. Stevie Perkins, 16.36, $289; 15. Kara Kreder, 16.38, $193.

Okeechobee/Brighton, FL 02/17/2023 – 02/18/2023

Added Money: $4,000

Results: 1. Nicole Love, 14.66 seconds, $2,613; 2. Kristin Hanchey, 14.85, $2,221; 3. Ericka Nelson, 14.86, $1,829; 4. Ashley Parks, 14.87, $1,568; 5. Cindy Patrick, 14.88, $1,307; 6. Taylor Carver, 14.93, $915; 7. Chloe Gray, 14.96, $653; 8. (tie) Sandi Brandli and Christine DeRenzo, 15.06, $490 each; 10. Sara Winkelman, 15.07, $392; 11. (tie) Reagan Goudeau and Sally Young, 15.10, $294 each.

UPCOMING: Perry, GA 02/23/2023 – 02/25/2023

Added Money: $5,200

World Standings Update

Here are the updated WPRA world standings as of February 21, 2023 *EXCLUDING SAN ANTONIO.*

Most notably, Morton, Mississippi’s Nicole Love and JL Josie Bar “Josie,” an 11-year-old mare by JL Dash Ta Heaven tore up the SEC rodeos in February, winning $10,638 for their efforts and moving themselves to No. 13 in the world standings seemingly out of nowhere. Florida’s Margo Crowther also moved to No. 8 after her $6,525 check in Jackson, Mississippi on Shes Packin Fame, “Sissy,” just as she starts her runs at San Antonio, where she captured the first round win, worth $2,500.

*Note: The right-hand column represents the athlete’s number of rodeos entered this season.

1Jackie GanterAbilene, TX$36,768.1016
2Brittany Pozzi TonozziLampasas, TX$25,973.966
3Sissy WinnChapman, TX$23,158.3310
4Ilyssa RileyHico, TX$20,279.3411
5Hailey KinselCotulla, TX$17,806.884
6Lisa Lockhart (G)Oelrichs, SD$17,650.465
7Kelly AllenStephenville, TX$17,316.4316
8Margo CrowtherNorth Fort Myers, FL$17,035.158
9Erin WetzelPlant City, FL$16,128.6717
10Jordon BriggsTolar, TX$15,967.223
11Tiany SchusterKrum, TX$14,648.5815
12Ivy HurstSpringer, OK$13,325.035
13Nicole LoveMorton, MS$12,530.577
14Emily BeiselWeatherford, OK$12,416.377
15Abigail KnightCharlo, MT$11,912.584
16Sara WinkelmanBig Lake, MN$11,689.3511
17Stephanie FryarWaco, TX$11,388.0612
18Shannon GriffinLa Luz, NM$10,285.085
19Darby FoxKing Hill, ID$10,241.875
20Fonda MelbyBackus, MN$10,156.706
21Rachelle RiggersLewiston, ID$10,130.636
22Taycie MatthewsWynne, AR$10,127.9810
23Shali LordLamar, CO$10,071.064
24Christina MulfordFranklinville, NJ$9,573.481
25Kalli McCall (R)Lufkin, TX$9,570.5311
26LaTricia DukeThree Rivers, TX$9,552.1712
27Sue Smith (G)Blackfoot, ID$9,487.746
28Austyn TobeyBemidji, MN$9,409.663
29Abby PursifullArthur City, TX$9,316.4814
30Jimmie Smith-TewMcDade, TX$8,680.5311

What About San Antone?

Whilst the SEC heats up, it’s important to note that Texas and Arizona are kicking off their hot seasons as well. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is going strong with one bracket left to wrap up before the Semifinals is set, and the finals will pay $15,000. Jackie Ganter is among those headed to the Semifinals, and she is on a heater after picking up a $25,000 win at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo less than two weeks ago.

Keep up with San Antonio results and more here.

Desert Watch

Mid-February marks the time when some athletes pack up and head for the Arizona and New Mexico Deserts. Tucson, Arizona, is the first stop for many contestants who hang out in the Southwest and California throughout Spring.

Tucson, AZ 02/18/2023 – 02/26/2023

Added Money: $22,500.00

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