As the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo wrapped up in Casper, Wyoming, Acey Pinkston captured the Barrel Racing Championship title with a standout performance. Representing Southwest Texas College, Pinkston credited her success to her dedicated coaches and a strong support system.
Throughout the competition, Pinkston and her equine partner, Bullet, consistently led the pack. But it was their final run that sealed the deal making a blazing 13.90-second run.
“Honestly, he just kind of takes care of me,” Pinkston said of Bullet. “He really amazes me every time we go down the alleyway. The feeling he gave me walking into that building was unlike anything I’ve felt before, I was really impressed. He usually prefers outdoor pens, and I actually bit my tongue saying that this week, he proved me completely wrong. He’s been amazing at adapting over the past two years. I felt like I had a different horse at the College Finals this year than I did the year before last, and he really showed me what he’s capable of.”
Winning at the collegiate level is a dream for many rodeo athletes, and for Pinkston, it’s just the beginning. With her eyes now set on the professional circuit, she’s ready to take on the Pro Rodeo trail. Currently ranked 28th in the world with $31,743 in earnings, the talented barrel racer hopes to climb even higher as the season progresses.