California cowgirl Hayle Gibson-Stillwell is making waves on the West Coast, climbing into the Top 10 of the WPRA World Standings with nine wins this season—most of them close to home.
“My horses are definitely happy to be in California,” she laughed.
Her team of mares—Piper, Fancy, and Sharkey—has delivered all year. Fancy, in just her third run back after a six-month break, claimed second at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo.
“She’s ready for summer,” Gibson-Stillwell said. “I’m so blessed to have three really good mares.”
At the iconic Motherlode Roundup, she and Piper clocked a 17.32 to take the win, one that meant more than just a buckle.
“Winning any rodeo is an accomplishment, but doing it on something you’ve bred, raised, and near your hometown—it just makes it that much more special.”
After Santa Maria wrapped, Gibson-Stillwell emerged as the top money earner among barrel racers over the California run, banking over $17,000 in the stretch.
Now sitting No. 9 in the WPRA World Standings with $43,025 in season earnings, the California cowgirl is keeping her focus simple heading into the summer run and the rest of the season.
“I’m just taking it day by day, keeping my horses happy and healthy, and letting the cards play out as they may.”