For Hailey Kinsel, being a cowgirl was never simply a career ambition—it was the life she grew up living. Raised around horses, cattle, and the rhythms of ranch life, Kinsel found her calling early, trading other sports and activities for the arena while still in junior high. That dedication has since made her one of professional rodeo’s defining barrel racers, with an extraordinary partnership alongside her longtime horse, Sister. Together, they have built a record-setting career rooted not only in speed and competition, but in trust, patience, and an unwavering commitment to doing right by the horse beneath her.
From the lessons learned on the ranch to the pressure of the arena, Kinsel’s approach to rodeo has always been grounded in preparation, gratitude, and the bond she shares with her horses. Here, she reflects on the moments, horses, and lessons that have shaped her journey—and what it means to live the life of a cowgirl.
Palomino County: What first drew you to rodeo, and when did you realize you wanted to compete seriously?
Hailey Kinsel: I grew up in the ranching lifestyle, always on horses and working cattle, so rodeo events were like the favorite pastime for ranch kids. I watched the NFR on TV every year and wanted to be there someday. It was in junior high when I decided to step back from other sports and activities to pursue rodeo as close to completely as my parents would allow. They wanted me to be well-rounded, but I always just wanted to be a cowgirl.
PC: Which horse has had the greatest impact on your career, and what made that partnership special?
HK: The horse of my youth that taught me to love barrel racing was Josey. We got her from a family friend when I was 12. She was off the track and so fast, and a little kamikaze. I learned the most from her, both how to win and how to lose. She prepared me for the horse I have ridden in professional rodeo for the past 11 years, Sister. Sister has become the highest-earning performance horse of all time in Western sports, in large part thanks to the lessons those early ranch and race horses taught me about training and patience.
PC: What is one pre-competition ritual you never skip?
HK: Equipment checks! I always make sure we are safe and ready.
PC: How do you prepare mentally before entering the arena?
HK: I like to get in a quiet space where I can take it all in and be grateful for where I am, my horse, and the run we’re about to make. Then I like to enjoy the warm-up and keep it lighthearted. Before going into the arena, I go into a mental bubble, where nothing else matters but me and my horse.
PC: Which rodeo is always circled on your calendar, and why?
HK: The Calgary Stampede. It is by far my favorite regular-season rodeo! The atmosphere is amazing for a competitor, and the ground conditions for horses are exceptional. It is a rodeo you have to qualify in the previous year to compete at, so it is an honor just to be there. My horse, Sister, loves it, so that makes it even more fun for me!
PC: What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
HK: In 2020, in one of the hardest years in rodeo and in my life, Sister and I ended the NFR as the world champions, aggregate champions, fast time of the week, and Top Gun Award winner. The finale to that year was the most proud I have ever been of myself and my horse.
PC: What is one lesson rodeo has taught you that applies beyond the arena?
HK: Make the best of everything you have, and be a great steward of your gifts. Whether that is your current job, horse, or relationship, by doing your best by them and maximizing their potential, you develop the habits you need for when the dream horse or job or relationship comes along, and you’re already prepared!
PC: How would you describe your personal rodeo style in three words?
HK: Hard working, efficient, and classy is the rodeo style goal I try to achieve!
PC: What is one item that is always in your gear bag or trailer?
HK: My YETI Rambler coffee mug!
PC: What song gets you fired up before a big run?
HK: I love “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” by The Hollies.
PC: What do you wish more people understood about the relationship between a cowgirl and her horse?
HK: We communicate without words. We depend on and trust one another immensely, in every area of life.
