It couldn’t have gone much smoother for Savona cowgirl Carman Pozzobon this past week at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, NV.
While several of the Canadian storylines were exciting at the 60th annual NFR none were more impressive than the first-time-qualifying barrel racer who, just this past July, finished first at the Williams Lake Stampede.
The B.C. cowgirl, riding her talented mare Ripp (Ripn’ Lady), posted her fastest time of the week, a 13.68-second run, for third in the round and a cheque for $15,653.
READ MORE: Thousands in cash awarded at 92nd annual Williams Lake Stampede
More importantly, however, Pozzobon was the only barrel racer to keep the barrels standing through all 10 rounds, which meant in addition to her three go-round placings, Pozzobon captured the first-place aggregate cheque of $67,269 to win $117,884 in Las Vegas.
The week put Pozzobon in fourth place overall — she was 15th entering the week in the WNFR standings — with a season money total of $204,831.
The final night at the WNFR wasn’t without a little drama, however, as Pozzobon and Ripp brushed one of the barrels, putting it on tilt, and dangerously close to a costly five-second penalty.
READ MORE: Great weekend for Pozzobon
“I looked back at that barrel and said: ‘You better stay up, damn it,'” Pozzobon laughed after the run.
Like so many barrel racers, though, she was quick to credit her horse, who she trained herself in the sport.
“I don’t know how she did it,” the 2017 Canadian champion admitted.
“Even when I was falling apart, she was the one that was keeping it together. She’s amazing.”
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