Cheryl Kennedy and Papagaio Dominate NWSSR Qualifier

Bennett, Colo., cowgirl Cheryl Kennedy swept the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo barrel racing qualifier.

There's a new sheriff in town in the Mountain States Circuit, and she meant business when she showed up to the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo barrel racing qualifier in Denver, Colo., Dec. 28-29. 

Cheryl Kennedy, co-owner of Smoke Creek Quarter Horses, swept both rounds and the average to win a total of $6,715, putting her in the No. 1 position in the Mountain States Circuit standings.

"One of my goals this year is to make the Circuit Finals. It has been a goal since I started barrel racing," Kennedy said.

She is well on her way to her goal and possibly has already punched her ticket to the Circut Finals, given that the barrel racer in the 12th position in the 2023 standings qualified with just a little over $6,700. 

Smoke Creek Quarter Horses started their breeding program 25 years ago to produce the best possible horses they could and keep Cheryl in barrel horses. With a full-time job that required Kennedy to travel a lot and put in long hours, a team of people was necessary to accomplish the task.  

"I am just so thankful for the team of people that help me. There is no way I could do this without all of the help and the hours they dedicate to me and our program. My husband, Bill, has studied breeding and put so much time into these horses. He's so smart about the crosses, and he knows what kind of horses will work for me," Kennedy said.

Popagaio, also known as Poppy, is a home-raised 8-year-old gelding by Tres Seis and out of Miss Lucky Lucky by Dash ta Fame. Futuritied by Cody Bauserman, Poppy is a match made in heaven for Kennedy and ready for the rodeo scene. 

"I know that he [Bill] 'custom-made' Poppy for me. The day Poppy was born, Bill told me that he was going to be a special horse for me. I am just so thankful to the whole team and everyone that has helped me along the way. Poppy is a once-in-a-lifetime horse," Kennedy said.

Kennedy has only competed at the NWSSR two times prior to this year and then took a 10-year hiatus. This is her first time going through the qualifier, and she made short work of it. 

A total of 145 barrel racers from all over the country entered the qualifier in hopes of earning their positions in the tournament-format rodeo. Even though Kennedy dominated the qualifier, she will start over with a clean slate, entering the tournament-style rodeo.

The top 10 plus any ties from each of the two go-rounds in the qualifier, along with 20 additional from the average qualified for the 40 available positions.  

While Kennedy took top honors, Fonda Melby didn't make it easy for her. Kennedy won round one with a 16.15, but Melby was hot on her heels, clocking a 16.18 on her 2016 stallion, RF Back for the Cash, also known as Heat Wave, who is by Judge Cash and out of the great mare RC Back in Black.

The two battled it out in Round 2 as well when they tied for the win with a smoking run of 15.93. Giving the average win to Kennedy and followed closely by Melby. Both cowgirls have a great jump start on the 2024 year with solid performances.

While Kennedy plans to stay in the Mountain States Circuit mainly throughout the year, Melby, who makes her home in Oklahoma over the winter months, will be going to as many of the winter rodeos as she can get into. Her next stops include Odessa and Uvalde, Texas along with being back in Denver.

National Western Stock Show and Rodeo Barrel Racing Qualifier Results:

Round 1: 

1. Cheryl Kennedy, 16.15 seconds, $2,293
2. Fonda Melby, 16.18, $1,965
3. Tessa Arnold, 16.22, $1,638
4. Kylie Kanngiesser, 16.30, $1,419
5. Casey Mathis, 16.32, $1,092
6. Kailey Mitton, 16.33, $873
7. Cayla Small, 16.37, $655
8. Chelsea Moore, 16.42, $437
9. Alex Odle, 16.43, $328
10/11/12. Sophie Nolen, Donna Tippen and Oceane Veilleux, 16.45, $73 each

Round 2:

1/2. Cheryl Kennedy and Fonda Melby, 15.93 seconds, $2,129 each
3. Piper Cordes, 16.04, $1,638
4. Millie Marquart, 16.07, $1,419
5. Natalie Bland, 16.08, $1,092
6/7. Tessa Arnold and Amanda Welsh, 16.12, $764 each
8. Alyssa Gabrielson, 16.20, $437
9/10. Lucy Bowns and Brittany Fellows, 16.23, $273 each

Average: 

1. Cheryl Kennedy, 32.08 seconds on two, $2,293
2. Fonda Melby, 32.11, $1,965
3. Tessa Arnold, 32.34, $1,638
4. Millie Marquart, 32.54, $1,419
5. Natalie Bland, 32.56, $1,092
6. Piper Cordes, 32.64, $873
7. Cayla Small, 32.65, $655
8. Kailey Mitton, 32.72, $437
9. Amanda Welsh, 32.74, $328
10. Alex Odle, 32.75, $218