Canadian Cowboys Association

10/21/2026

The road to the 2026 Canadian Cowboys Association Finals continues, and we’re celebrating the competitors whose hard work, dedication and determination earned them a place at the top of the regular season standings!

Up next in our The Road to the Top series is 2026 CCA Steer Wrestling Season Leader Scott Sigfusson!

In an event where every second counts, Scott knows that success comes down to preparation, timing and, most importantly, trust in the horses and hazers who help make every run possible.

One of his standout moments this season came at Herbert, Saskatchewan, where a lightning fast 4.6 second run earned him the win!

From the countless hours of preparation to the partnerships that make it all possible, Scott’s journey to the top is a reminder that steer wrestling is truly a team effort.

Head over to the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo page to read Scott’s full story and discover the dedication, teamwork and memorable moments behind his season!

Be sure to follow along for more season leader spotlights, competitor stories and all the exciting updates leading up to CCA Finals 2026!

Every season leader has a story. One built through countless miles, early mornings, unforgettable runs and the determination to keep going when things don’t go as planned.

As we celebrate the 2026 Canadian Cowboys Association regular season leaders, we’re going beyond the standings to recognize the athletes, horses, families and moments that made their success possible.

This is The Road to the Top: Scott Sigfusson

2026 CCA Steer Wrestling Season Leader

In steer wrestling, a successful run is never the work of just one competitor.

Behind every fast time is a partnership built on trust, preparation and timing. From the horse carrying the cowboy down the arena to the hazer keeping the steer in position, every piece has to come together in just a few seconds.

For Scott Sigfusson, the 2026 rodeo season was a reminder of just how important those partnerships are.

After a summer of competition, countless miles and memorable runs, Sigfusson finished the regular season at the top of the Canadian Cowboys Association Steer Wrestling standings.

But for Scott, the accomplishment isn’t his alone.

“The two horses I ride are the most important part of what I get to do.”

His main mount Stoney and his hazing horse have been essential to his success throughout the season. Just as important are the hazers he trusts to help put him in the best possible position to make a winning run.

“My hazers are the most trusted sidekicks I could ask for. I know both on the hazer side will try all they can do to help me make a winning run.”

It’s the kind of confidence that allows a steer wrestler to focus on the job ahead. Once the chute cracks, there isn’t much time to second guess a decision. The horse needs to be in the right position, the hazer needs to do his job and the steer wrestler has to commit to the run.

And when everything comes together, it can look almost effortless.

For Scott, the secret to a really good run comes down to a few important things.

“The things that make a run come together are scoring sharp and riding my horse, then letting him do his job.”

That understanding of when to take control and when to trust his horse has been an important part of his success.

But it wasn’t something that came overnight.

Like many steer wrestlers, Scott spent years learning the finer details of the event, particularly the importance of a strong start.

“Scoring took the longest to master. I spent most of my early years being late and running steers too far down the arena.”

It’s a lesson that has stayed with him.

In an event measured in seconds, a small mistake at the beginning can make a big difference at the finish. Learning to leave the box at the right time and put himself in position has been essential to becoming a more consistent competitor.

While experience has helped him improve, Sigfusson knows the horses underneath him remain some of his greatest assets.

“I always rely on my horses to make any steer easy.”

That trust has been especially important during a season filled with different cattle, arenas and challenges.

One of his most memorable moments came at Herbert, SK. Sigfusson drew a steer he knew had the potential to be fast and he went into the run determined to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I drew a great steer that I knew I could be fast on if I stayed behind the barrier. I was 4.6 to win Herbert.”

It was the kind of run that rewards preparation, confidence and the ability to capitalize when the right opportunity comes along and it was another important moment on the road to becoming the 2026 regular season leader.

Of course, not every steer gives a competitor the run he hopes for.

Some leave differently than expected. Others require a quick adjustment. And in steer wrestling, there is rarely enough time to stop and think through every possibility.

That’s where years of practice, the ability to react and trust in a good horse become so valuable.

The work that happens long before rodeo day is what makes those split second decisions possible and while spectators get to enjoy the excitement of a fast run, they don’t always see everything required to make it happen.

“Most people don’t see all the preparation that it takes to get everything ready to make the arena every week.”

Behind each rodeo are hours of preparation, horse care, practice and planning. It’s a demanding lifestyle, especially when the schedule means travelling from one rodeo to the next throughout the summer.

But it’s also a lifestyle Scott clearly loves.

When asked about his favourite CCA rodeo, he doesn’t single out one event.

“I love every rodeo I get to compete at.”

It’s a fitting answer from someone whose passion for the sport has carried him through another successful season and this year, that dedication paid off in a special way.

Finishing the 2026 regular season at the top of the CCA Steer Wrestling standings represents more than just a place on the leaderboard.

It reflects a season of making the most of every opportunity, trusting the horses and people around him, and continuing to put in the work.

“2026 season leader meant that I was able to use every steer I could and capitalize on two great horses.”

It’s an accomplishment he shares with the people who helped make the season possible.

Scott is especially thankful for his family and friends, the CCA committees who work to put on rodeos throughout the summer, the stock contractors who supply the livestock and the hazers who have helped him along the way.

Each plays an important role in making it possible for competitors to continue doing what they love.

And while the season leader title is a reward for all that effort, it’s clear that Sigfusson’s appreciation for the sport goes beyond winning.

It’s about the horses that give him a chance every time he backs into the box. It’s about the people he can count on when the pressure is on and it’s about the countless hours of preparation that make those few seconds in the arena possible.

For Scott Sigfusson, the road to the top has been built on trust, patience and the determination to make every opportunity count.

From a winning 4.6 second run at Herbert to the countless miles travelled throughout the season, each experience has played a part in reaching this milestone.

Now, with the 2026 CCA Finals ahead, Sigfusson will have another opportunity to put those partnerships to work.

Because in steer wrestling, the difference between a good run and a great one often comes down to trusting the people and horses beside you.

And this season, that trust helped carry Scott Sigfusson all the way to the top.

10/21/2026

A HUGE congratulations to Jenna Hilsendager, the lucky winner of our SATURDAY NIGHT FINALS GIVEAWAY!

Jenna has won an incredible PREMIUM BOX EXPERIENCE at the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals!

4 Admission Tickets
Private Refreshment Service
Premium Views of All the Rodeo Action!

Jenna, get ready to round up your crew and enjoy an unforgettable Saturday night of rodeo action from some of the best seats in the house!

A big THANK YOU to everyone who entered, liked, tagged and shared our giveaway! We can’t wait to see you all at the Finals!

Congratulations again, Jenna!

10/19/2026

“You are a great champion. When you ran, the ground shook, the sky opened and mere mortals parted. Part of the way to victory, where you’ll meet me in the winner’s circle, where I’ll put a blanket of flowers on your back.”

Introducing your Canadian Cowboys Association Horse of the Year recipients!

Each and every year, the Canadian Cowboys Association recognizes the incredible equine athletes who help carry our top cowboys and cowgirls into the winner’s circle.

Voted on by their peers, these prestigious awards celebrate the best of the best. The horses who give their all, run after run, mile after mile, through dust, rain and countless long nights on the rodeo road.

These remarkable partners embody grit, heart, determination and undeniable talent. They aren’t just horses they’re teammates, trusted partners and champions in their own right.

Ladies Barrel Racing: “Blaze” — owned by Kaybree Zunti

Steer Wrestling: “Tuck” — owned by Scott Sigfusson

Haze Horse: “T-Bone” — owned by Colter Taylor

Head Horse: “Air Bud” — owned by Tyce McLeod

Heel Horse: “Zoey” — owned by Ty Ellis

Tie-Down Roping: “Mickey” — owned by Shawn Williamson

Junior Girls Barrel Racing: “Mocha” — owned by Mcauy Hutchinson

Ladies Breakaway Roping: “Cindy-Lou” — owned by Bailey Shellenberg

Behind every great cowboy and cowgirl is a horse with just as much heart, determination and desire to win.

We don’t know about you but we can’t wait to see these incredible equine athletes at the 63rd Canadian Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo this October 22–25, 2026, in North Battleford, SK!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR!

10/19/2026

The road to the 2026 Canadian Cowboys Association Finals continues, and we’re celebrating the competitors whose hard work, determination and dedication earned them a place at the top of the regular season standings!

Up next in our The Road to the Top series is 2026 CCA Ba****ck Riding Season Leader Brady Schlesinger!

From countless miles on the rodeo trail to hours spent in the gym, Brady’s season has been built on consistency, preparation and the determination to keep improving.

One of his biggest highlights came at Virden, Manitoba, where a memorable ride on Prime Time Rodeo’s P11 No Matter What helped him reach the short go and ultimately take home the win!

Through the highs and lows of ba****ck riding, Brady has learned an important lesson: forget about the last horse and get on the next one.

Head over to the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo page to read Brady’s full story and discover what it took to reach the top of the standings!

Be sure to follow along for more season leader spotlights, competitor stories and all the exciting updates leading up to CCA Finals 2026!

Every season leader has a story. One built through countless miles, early mornings, unforgettable rides and the determination to keep going when things don’t go as planned.

As we celebrate the 2026 Canadian Cowboys Association regular season leaders, we’re going beyond the standings to recognize the athletes, horses, families and moments that made their success possible.

This is The Road to the Top: Brady Schlesinger

2026 Canadian Cowboys Association Ba****ck Riding Season Leader

For Brady Schlesinger, the 2026 rodeo season was about finding consistency, staying healthy and learning how to make every second of a ba****ck ride count.

In one of rodeo’s most physically demanding events, success doesn’t come easily. It takes strength, preparation, determination and the ability to move forward after the rides that don’t go according to plan and throughout the summer, Schlesinger proved he had what it takes to put those pieces together.

After countless miles, challenging draws and a season spent competing across the Canadian Cowboys Association rodeo trail, Schlesinger finished the 2026 regular season at the top of the Ba****ck Riding standings.

But behind that accomplishment was a season of growth, one where a seemingly small adjustment made a big difference. For Schlesinger, the breakthrough came when he began focusing on keeping his feet moving throughout the entire ride. It’s a detail that might be easy to overlook from the grandstands but in ba****ck riding, every movement matters.

A strong ride isn’t simply about staying aboard for eight seconds. It’s about maintaining rhythm, control and an effective spur stroke while matching the power and movement of the horse beneath you and for Schlesinger, understanding that difference helped take his riding to another level.

When asked what separates a good ride from a great one, his answer comes down to precision.

“A good ride is spurring the whole time, and a great ride is having my toes out and no bobbles.”

It’s a standard that reflects his desire to do more than just make the whistle.

He wants to make every ride count.

Of course, maintaining that level of performance throughout an entire rodeo season brings its own challenges.

For Brady the biggest has been staying healthy and in shape. Ba****ck riding places enormous physical demands on competitors and the long hours spent travelling between rodeos can make recovery and conditioning even more important.

That’s why his preparation extends far beyond the arena.

Weight training, mobility work and regular practice have all been essential parts of his routine.

While spectators see the excitement of an eight second ride, they don’t always see the work required to be ready for it. The hours spent in the gym, the commitment to staying strong and mobile and the miles travelled from one rodeo to the next are all part of the effort behind a successful summer.

And there are aspects of ba****ck riding that can be difficult to fully appreciate unless you’ve experienced them firsthand. One of those is just how tightly a rider’s hand is secured into the ba****ck rigging. It’s a detail that adds another layer of intensity to an event already known for its physical demands.

But despite the challenges, Schlesinger has continued to develop his skills and build the confidence needed to compete against some of the toughest horses on the rodeo trail.

One of his most memorable moments of the 2026 season came at Virden, MB.

Matched with Prime Time Rodeo’s P11 No Matter What, Schlesinger put together a ride that helped him qualify for the short go. He then went on to win Virden, making the rodeo one of the standout moments of his summer.

It’s no surprise that Virden also holds the title of his favourite CCA rodeo to compete at.

And while that ride became a highlight, there were other draws throughout the season that tested his confidence.

One of those was Prime Time Rodeo’s Worth the Wait.

Schlesinger admits he was nervous heading into the matchup, but the ride ended up working out in his favour. It’s the kind of experience that reminds a competitor how important it is to trust his preparation, even when facing a horse that brings a little extra uncertainty.

Not every ride, however ends the way a cowboy hopes.

For ba****ck riders, learning to move on after getting bucked off is just as important as celebrating the good ones. Schlesinger has developed a straightforward approach to handling those setbacks.

He watches the video, figures out what went wrong and then puts the ride behind him.

Rather than carrying the disappointment into the next rodeo, he focuses on what he can learn and moves forward.

It’s a mindset that has helped him stay focused through the ups and downs of an entire season.

And if he could go back to the first rodeo of 2026 and offer himself one piece of advice, it would reflect that same philosophy.

“Forget about the last horse and get on the next one.”

It’s a simple reminder that in rodeo, the next opportunity is always waiting. One tough ride doesn’t define a season, just as one great ride doesn’t guarantee success.

What matters is continuing to show up, making adjustments and giving yourself another chance.

And Schlesinger knows there are still horses he’d like another opportunity to face.

At the top of that list is White Line Rodeo’s Sure Fire.

For a competitor determined to keep improving, another matchup represents a chance to apply what he’s learned and put together the kind of ride he knows he’s capable of making.

Throughout the 2026 season, that drive to improve was matched by a commitment to staying healthy and competing consistently.

And when Schlesinger reflects on what it means to finish the regular season as the CCA Ba****ck Riding Season Leader, the accomplishment carries plenty of significance.

“Means a lot to me, we went to a lot of rodeos this summer and stayed healthy so it’s awesome.”

It’s a statement that captures the reality of what it takes to lead the standings.

Success isn’t just about making one memorable ride. It’s about putting in the work, travelling the miles and being ready to compete again and again throughout the summer.

For Schlesinger, that journey was made better by the people who shared it with him.

He is especially thankful for his travelling partners, Quaide Skjonsberg and Denten Skjonsberg, along with their family, Jack and Jody, for their help and support throughout the season.

From the long drives to the challenges that come with life on the rodeo road, having good people alongside him has made an important difference.

Schlesinger also credits his mom and dad for their continued encouragement and support.

Behind every competitor chasing a season leader title are people who help make the journey possible and Brady recognizes the role his family and travelling crew have played in getting him to this point.

Now, with the 2026 regular season behind him, Schlesinger can look back on a summer that brought both progress and success.

He found a technical adjustment that helped improve his riding.

He learned to move past setbacks without letting them affect the next opportunity.

He stayed committed to his physical preparation and remained healthy through a demanding rodeo schedule.

And along the way, he delivered memorable rides, including a standout performance at Virden that earned him a victory.

For Brady Schlesinger, the road to the top has been built through hard work, consistency and a willingness to keep learning.

Every horse has brought a different challenge. Every rodeo has offered another opportunity. And every mile has been part of the journey toward the top of the standings.

Now, as he heads toward the 2026 CCA Finals as the Ba****ck Riding Season Leader, Schlesinger has plenty to be proud of.

But perhaps the biggest lesson of his season is one that applies to every competitor who has ever faced a difficult ride.

Learn from the last one, leave it behind and be ready for the next.

Because in rodeo, the road to the top isn’t defined by one eight second ride.

It’s built by the determination to keep climbing back on.

10/18/2026

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER!

Have you entered our SATURDAY NIGHT FINALS GIVEAWAY yet?!

One lucky winner will score a PREMIUM BOX EXPERIENCE at the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals!

THE PRIZE INCLUDES:
4 Admission Tickets
Private Refreshment Service
Premium Views of All the Rodeo Action!

HOW TO ENTER:
LIKE the original giveaway post
TAG who you’d bring
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WINNER ANNOUNCED TOMORROW — MONDAY, OCTOBER 19!

Don’t miss your chance to experience Saturday night at the Finals in style!

Reminder: The winner will be announced by the Canadian Cowboys Association. We will NEVER ask for payment or credit card information to claim your prize. Watch out for scam accounts!

SATURDAY NIGHT FINALS GIVEAWAY!

We’re giving ONE lucky winner the chance to enjoy Saturday night at the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals in style!

YOU’LL WIN A PREMIUM BOX EXPERIENCE INCLUDING:
4 Admission Tickets
Private Refreshment Service
Premium View of All the Rodeo Action

Bring your crew, settle in and enjoy one of the biggest nights of the Finals from some of the best seats in the house!

TO ENTER:
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Winner will be announced Monday, October 19, 2026!

Don’t miss your chance to experience an unforgettable Saturday night of rodeo action!

Please watch for scam accounts. The winner will be announced by the Canadian Cowboys Association. We will never ask for payment or credit card information to claim your prize.

10/18/2026

The road to the 2026 Canadian Cowboys Association Finals continues, and we’re celebrating the competitors whose hard work, dedication and determination earned them a place at the top of the regular season standings!

Up next in our The Road to the Top series is 2026 CCA Ladies Barrel Racing Season Leader Kaybree Zunti!

What started as a season focused on developing young horses turned into an unforgettable summer for Kaybree and her talented mare, Blaze!

After a few challenging years, one emotional run at the Kindersley Indoor Rodeo helped Kaybree regain her confidence, reignite her competitive spirit and set her sights on the rodeo trail.

Now, after previously earning a CCA Junior Barrel Racing season leader title, she’s reached the top of the ladies standings, following in the footsteps of her mom, a multiple time CCA Ladies Barrel Racing finalist!

Head over to the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo page to read Kaybree’s full story and discover the special bond, determination and family support behind her incredible season!

Be sure to follow along for more season leader spotlights and all the exciting updates leading up to CCA Finals 2026!

Every season leader has a story. One built through countless miles, early mornings, unforgettable runs and the determination to keep going when things don’t go as planned.

As we celebrate the 2026 Canadian Cowboys Association regular season leaders, we’re going beyond the standings to recognize the athletes, horses, families and moments that made their success possible.

This is The Road to the Top: Kaybree Zunti

2026 Canadian Cowboys Association Ladies Barrel Racing Season Leader

For Kaybree Zunti, the 2026 rodeo season wasn’t supposed to be about chasing a season leader title. In fact, her original plans looked quite different from the summer that eventually unfolded.

After a few years of tough luck and struggling to find confidence in the arena, Zunti had planned to spend much of the season focusing on developing her young horses, entering larger jackpots and attending the occasional rodeo close to home but sometimes, the best seasons are the ones you never see coming.

And for Zunti, everything began to change with one horse, one run and a renewed belief in what was possible.

That horse is Blaze, a 9 year old mare registered as Blazin Hot Goldbar, by 99 Goldmine whom Zunti and her family purchased a few years ago.

For Zunti, Blaze has become much more than a competitive partner.

“She is the biggest gift I could ever ask for. She loves her job and tries her heart out every single time we enter the arena.”

That willingness to give everything in the arena has made Blaze an important part of Zunti’s success, but it’s their connection outside of competition that makes the partnership particularly special. Zunti describes a horse who knows exactly who her person is.

Blaze comes running across the pen when she sees Kaybree approaching, something she doesn’t do for anyone else and while she’s more than willing to work for Kaybree, the same can’t always be said when other family members climb aboard.

“When my dad and brother try and ride her she likes to throw a fit and tries to start bucking so I’m safe to say she’s stuck with me haha!”

It’s that bond, built on trust and understanding, that Zunti believes has made them stronger inside the arena but Blaze’s personality doesn’t stop there. Away from the barrels, she’s a mare who knows she’s a star.

“She knows she’s a rockstar and she will show it off to you!”

Despite her speed in competition, Zunti laughs that Blaze might be the laziest horse she’s ever owned when it comes to exercising and there’s one thing nobody should forget when walking past her pen.

A cookie.

According to Zunti, anyone who walks by without offering Blaze a treat might find themselves on her bad side the following day.

But when it’s time to run barrels, that laid back personality disappears.

One of the defining moments of Zunti’s 2026 season came early at the Kindersley Indoor Rodeo. After several years of disappointing results and uncertainty about her ability to win again, Zunti and Blaze delivered a run that changed the direction of their summer.

“I would say my run from Kindersley stood out the most. Out of all the runs this year that run brought me to a few tears.”

It was more than just a fast time.

It was a moment of reassurance that the work, patience and belief she had invested in her horse were beginning to pay off.

“After a few years of having tough luck and not much confidence of winning, Blaze went in there and smoked a run to start our year off.”

That performance gave Zunti the confidence to reconsider her plans. Instead of staying close to home and focusing primarily on her colts, she decided to keep entering rodeos and see where the season might take them.

And it took them all the way to the top of the CCA Ladies Barrel Racing standings.

The Kindersley Indoor Rodeo would also become the site of another personal milestone, as Zunti achieved one of her goals by winning the Ladies Barrel Racing Championship buckle. It’s a rodeo that now holds a special place in her memories.

But while Kindersley was a turning point, the consistency that followed was built on a partnership Zunti had spent years developing.

Blaze is a horse who thrives in smaller arenas, particularly indoor setups where the barrels come quickly and while different arena sizes can present challenges for some horses, Zunti has learned she doesn’t need to change much about Blaze’s approach.

“Blaze is so honest that when I move inside or outside I don’t really adjust anything, I just make sure that before my run I show her the arena so she knows what it looks like.”

That reliability allows Zunti to focus on her own riding, making adjustments to help her horse when the pattern gets tighter.

In smaller indoor arenas, she works to ride sharper and get forward more quickly, knowing that the barrels arrive sooner.

But even when she isn’t quite where she needs to be, Blaze often has things figured out.

“If I’m not there she’s there and she’s already got it handled!”

It’s that kind of confidence in a horse that can make the difference between a good season and a great one.

For Zunti, the foundation of a successful barrel run starts at the very beginning of the pattern.

She’s always believed the first barrel is the most important. Often referred to as the money barrel, a strong first turn sets the tone for everything that follows.

And while the few seconds spent in the arena are what spectators see, Zunti knows keeping a horse performing at that level throughout an entire summer requires careful management.

She believes horses experience many of the same physical challenges as the competitors who ride them. Long hours on the road, demanding weekends and repeated competition can leave them sore, stiff and tired.

That’s why Blaze’s health and comfort remain a priority.

Regular veterinary care, quality feed and a conditioning routine that limits unnecessary time on her back are all part of Zunti’s approach.

Rather than spending much of the week riding, she focuses on long trotting Blaze alongside a side by side to maintain her fitness while giving her back a break.

It’s an approach that reflects how seriously she takes the responsibility of caring for the horse who has given her so much and that care has helped Blaze remain ready to compete throughout the season.

For Zunti, finishing the 2026 regular season as the CCA Ladies Barrel Racing Season Leader is an accomplishment that carries special meaning.

She’s been in this position before, having previously earned a CCA Junior Barrel Racing season leader title but achieving the same distinction in the ladies division represents another milestone in her rodeo career.

“It means so much. I was season leader a few years ago in the Junior barrel racing so to be able to also do it in the ladies means so much!”

It’s also an accomplishment that connects her to her family’s rodeo history.

Her mother was a multiple time CCA Ladies Barrel Racing finalist and following in those footsteps makes the achievement even more rewarding.

“It’s also heart warming to follow my momma’s tracks as she has been a multiple finalist in the ladies barrel racing.”

For Zunti, rodeo has always been about more than individual success. It’s a family effort, built through years of support, sacrifice and a shared love for the sport.

And when she reflects on the people who helped make her 2026 season possible, the list is a long one.

At the top are her parents.

From helping her prepare for rodeos to putting their own plans aside so she could travel and compete, their support has been constant.

Zunti laughs that she hasn’t always been the most organized when it comes to getting ready for a weekend away.

There have been plenty of late nights before leaving for a rodeo when something still needed to be packed or repaired and through it all, her parents were there to help make sure she could get down the road.

Her grandfather has also played an important role, serving as the family’s personal mechanic and handyman, always ready to fix whatever needed attention.

She is equally grateful to her sponsors for believing in her, supporting her travels and cheering her on throughout the season and she makes a point of recognizing the rodeo committees whose hard work and volunteer hours make the sport possible.

For Zunti, those efforts don’t go unnoticed.

“Rodeo is a sport where it truly takes a village to make happen.”

It’s a statement that captures the community behind every competitor who spends a summer chasing their goals.

And while the miles can be long, there are certain rodeos that make the journey especially meaningful.

Unity will always be Zunti’s favourite CCA rodeo because of the hometown crowd.

Kindersley however, has earned a special place alongside it, not only because of the atmosphere but because of the confidence and success she found there in 2026. Those moments are reminders of why competitors continue to put in the work, even when the results aren’t guaranteed.

And Zunti understands that side of rodeo well.

When asked what spectators don’t always see about competing throughout an entire summer, her answer goes far beyond the time spent travelling.

“The effort. The miles. The mental game of knowing how to win and how to lose and the genuine love for the sport of rodeo.”

It’s the hours in the practice pen, the disappointments, the setbacks and the small victories that don’t always show up in the standings. It’s learning to handle both success and failure while finding the determination to move on to the next rodeo.

“Rodeo is the most humbling sport there is.”

That perspective has been shaped by her own experiences, particularly the years when winning didn’t come easily.

And perhaps that’s what makes the 2026 season so meaningful.

If Zunti could go back to the beginning of the year and give herself one piece of advice, it would be to keep entering and keep putting in the effort.

Her original plan had been to stay within a four hour radius of home, especially with the rising cost of diesel.

But after that breakthrough run in Kindersley, she realized there was something worth chasing.

What began as a season focused on developing young horses became a summer that reminded her why she loved competing in the first place.

And through it all, Blaze continued to prove just how special their partnership had become.

“Blaze and I had made some good runs in the past but we were still trying to figure each other out.”

This season, that understanding grew into the kind of trust that allowed them to succeed in arena after arena.

“She has proven to me that no matter the circumstances if you trust and believe in one another, the end goal will always be a win, and she did just that for me.”

For Kaybree Zunti, the road to the top wasn’t a straight path.

It was shaped by years of challenges, moments of uncertainty and the patience required to build a partnership with a horse she believed in.

But sometimes, all it takes is one run to change everything.

From an emotional performance in Kindersley to achieving a goal she once held in the junior ranks, Zunti’s 2026 season has become a reminder of what can happen when preparation meets opportunity.

Now, with the CCA Ladies Barrel Racing Season Leader title to her name and the 2026 CCA Finals ahead, Zunti and Blaze have another opportunity to add to their story.

But regardless of what comes next, the season has already given her something worth celebrating.

Renewed confidence, a special bond with a horse named Blaze and the satisfaction of knowing that every mile, every challenge and every late night was worth it.

For Kaybree Zunti, the road to the top began with a change of plans.

And it became a season she’ll never forget.