Jessica Routier is a South Dakota barrel racer that is heading to her fifth National Finals Rodeo. She is sitting No. 13 in the WPRA World Standings after having a steady and consistent regular season of pulling checks at all the right places.
Routier’s equine partner is one that has made the Top 3 for Horse of the Year list and is yet another powerhouse palomino mare. Missy is one that Routier trusts on the ranch and inside the arena. 2022 was no different for the duo as they have proved yet again to be among the best to play the game.
With the NFR less than a month away take a look at Routier and Missy’s regular season highlights.
BIGGEST PAYDAYS
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, $18,000
At one of the biggest winter rodeos, Routier and Missy stayed consistent in Bracket 1 placing second in all three rounds and qualifying for the Semifinals. They went on to qualify for the Final Round to be a 14.19 and just out of the money. Their fastest time of the rodeo came in Round 2 of their bracket when they stopped the clock at 14.11 seconds.
Cheyenne Frontier Days, $11,828
Routier and Missy were successful at the Daddy of ‘Em All over the summer placing in Performance Two before being third in their Semifinals with a 17.36 second run. In the Final Round they finished third again with 17.24 seconds that was worth over $6,500 itself.
FASTEST TIMES
Sully County Fair and Rodeo, 16.05 seconds
In her home state of South Dakota, Routier picked up another circuit rodeo win at the Sully County Fairgrounds. Stopping the clock at 16.05 seconds and cinching that first place check by a tenth of a second, Routier continued her push for that NFR qualification.
Yellowstone River Round-Up, 15.37 seconds
In Billings, Montana, she made a 15.37 second run that was good enough for yet another rodeo win adding $2,767 to her season earnings.
NOTABLE WINS
Lawton Rangers Rodeo, 17.24 seconds
Rolling into August, Routier went to Oklahoma where she capitalized in Lawton. With a time of 17.24 seconds, Routier took home the win by almost one tenth of a second.
Fallon Country Fair and Rodeo, 15.97 seconds
She followed up Lawton with a run in Baker, Montana that would also add to her season earnings. A 15.97 second run was fast enough to win the rodeo by two tenths of a second. It was a run that added almost $4,000 to her winnings in 2022.
Meet the NFR Athletes is presented by Montana Silversmiths.
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