COLUMBIA CIRCUIT: BARRELS NFR Open Tickets Punched Redmond Repeat for Allan, Gartner at Columbia River CFR By Tim Gentry A fter an amazing 2022 campaign, both of the reigning Columbia River Circuit Champions kept their respective crowns: Cheyenne Allan remains Year-End Champion and Kacey Gartner won her second-straight Circuit Finals Rodeo Average title. These two champions will once-again represent their circuit at the $1M NFR Open next July in Colorado Springs, and gives Allan a chance to repeat as NFR Open Champion.
Aboard RCA Royal Flush (Three), a nine-year-old sorrel gelding, Allan dominated the Columbia River Circuit all season from their home base in Mabton, Washington, and built a commanding lead of over $15,000 coming into Redmond, making the CFR a mere formality on the way to the Circuit Championship, the third of her career. Highlights of their incredible season included wins in Kennewick, WA and Joseph, OR, along with their dramatic win in the final round of the NFR Open in Colorado Springs, CO. Even failing to take a check at her circuit’s CFR couldn’t take the shine of her 2022 campaign, or diminish her faith in the horse she calls an angel sent from heaven. “Sometimes, I think God gives us a test,” explained the veteran cowgirl. “How will you handle your disappointment or your failures? It’s okay. I still believe in my horse.” As proud as she is of her Circuit Championships, her ultimate goal remains the NFR. Qualifying for and winning the NFR Open gave her a taste of what that experience would be like, and it’s driving her schedule planning for next year. The plan was to use the CFR as a springboard for 2023. “I went down there to win all three goes,” said Allan when asked if having a commanding lead kept her off Three’s throttle in Redmond. “The money that you earn sets you up for this year. That’s what helps you getting in for the next year because the money you earn at circuit finals helps you [qualify].” Even with the average win and checks in all three goes, the $6,413
Kacey Gartner earned piloting Rebel Look (Mercedes) could only bring her second place finish that much closer to Allan. Still, the Walla Walla, Washington, cowgirl focused on the many positives of the season she and Mercedes put together. “This was the closest that I’ve gotten and it’s the most money I’ve ever won in our circuit,” said Gartner. “Hats off to Cheyenne. She’s had a phenomenal year. To finish behind her is an honor, to be honest with you. She is a hero in my eyes, and she’s such a great woman and mentor. She’s somebody I’ve looked up to as long as I can remember. Being second to her is totally fine with me, but I would love a shot at winning our circuit.” The year-end may have been off the table, but there was still plenty of pride and money to vie for in Redmond, a pen Gartner and Mercedes have turned into their personal ATM of late. The pair followed up their 2021 CFR average title with a $4,000 first-place check at the High Desert Stampede in Redmond this past March. “I’ve always loved that pen,” said Gartner. “It’s a great arena. They’ve worked so hard on making good ground for us. This year was the first year we got a tractor drag halfway through. They hand raked after each girl ran. The committee dang sure worked their heinies off to make it good for us this year. It’s appreciated for sure.” Fast, even ground for the fastest horses in the circuit made for a tight race in all three goes. Chelsie Stodghill, Prineville, OR, set the fast time in round one with a 15.05, and only a quarter of a second separated the top four paying places. Gartner’s 15.24 was good for third, but they lost time on the second barrel when Mercedes cut in early and Gartner grazed it. They still clocked, but she knew they left a few extra tenths on the arena floor. Lewiston, Idaho, cowgirl Rachelle Riggers took top honors in the second go with a 15.10, and once again the window between first and fourth was razor thin. Stodghill continued her strong weekend with continued on page 28 Cheyenne Allan repeated as the Columbia River circuit year-end champion and will now have a chance to defend her NFR Open title she captured in July 2022. With another year-end title on her resume, she will make the trek once again in July 2023 to Colorado Springs, Colorado for the NFR Open. Photo by Bill Lawless
Kacey Gartner won her second straight Columbia River Circuit Finals average title and will once again join Cheyenne Allan in representing their circuit at the $1 million NFR Open in July in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo by Kent Soule
18 WOMEN’S PRO RODEO NEWS DECEMBER 2022
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