2025 NFR Barrel Racing: A Showcase of Horses and Horsemanship

Ten nights in Las Vegas brought high-pressure runs, tricky ground, and standout moments from elite competitors and once-in-a-lifetime horses. The 2025 National Finals Rodeo reminded everyone watching that success at this level is built long before Vegas. 

Our eyes were glued to the barrel racing each night, watching competitors and horses answer the call under the brightest lights in the sport.

Countless hours of preparation. Months of sweat and long roads. Endless miles. Horses that never quit. Competitors who show up and trust the work they’ve put in.

All Eyes On Cornbread

There is no question that one of the most talked about horses of the 2025 NFR was Heavens Got Credit, better known as Cornbread.

Owned by FullBucket ambassador Mindy Holloway, Cornbread is a standout 11-year-old gelding with an impressive resume even before stepping into the Thomas and Mack. Now he has added another big notch to his resume by playing a key role in helping Kassie Mowry secure her 2025 NFR Barrel Racing Championship.

Once Cornbread entered the mix, all eyes were fixated on this special gelding. He lit up the arena with try and athleticism while laying down textbook, consistent runs, a combination that is extremely hard to find in a horse.

Just one week before the NFR, Mindy got the call from Kassie Mowry. She needed another horse for the biggest stage in barrel racing. Mindy didn’t hesitate.

Cornbread stepped into Thomas and Mack midway through the Finals and quickly made his presence known. He went on to win Round 6 and collected multiple checks to help Kassie secure her 2025 World Title. 

Cornbread is supported with Equine Probiotic Pellets to help maintain digestive balance at home, on the road, and during high-pressure environments like the Thomas and Mack. Along with Medical Muscle, a highly concentrated antioxidant formula that helps support normal muscle function and recovery through heavy work.

Andrea Busby and a Trailer Full of Horsepower

And speaking of horses we couldn’t keep our eyes off, Andrea Busby brought a string of knock out horses to Vegas.

She once again demonstrated what a well built program looks like at the highest level.

With longtime standout Jets Top Gun aka “Benny” sidelined, Andrea leaned on the depth of her string. Watching HanksNTheFastLane, “Goodbye,” handle the Thomas and Mack night after night was impressive. The atmosphere, footing, and pressure never rattled him, showing a maturity and mind well beyond his years. 

And talk about try and grit. When Born On Derby Day, “Derby,” stepped in, she gave nothing short of 100 percent. You can physically see the want and determination that this mare brings to every single run.

In Round 10, Andrea climbed aboard Diamond Center, “Hef,” owned by Sue Smith, and closed out the 2025 NFR, securing 5th in the average. 

Her season was built on consistency, preparation, and trust in her program and horses.

Andrea supports her horses year-round with Equine Probiotic Pellets for daily gut support, Athletic Formula to help support nutrient digestion and energy metabolism so they get the most out of their feed, and Medical Muscle to help support normal muscle function and recovery through training, hauling, and competition. She also keeps Probiotic Paste and BioClay 5-in-1 Paste in her trailer, ready to use during travel and routine changes.

More Than Wins

What stood out most this year was not just who won rounds wins or the titles at the end of it all. 

It was the horsemanship.

Programs built with patience. Horses managed methodically, raised and trained with intention and care every step of their journey.

That approach never goes out of style.

We are proud to support ambassadors like Mindy Holloway and Andrea Busby along with their amazing equine athletes, and we look forward to watching their stories continue into the 2026 season and beyond.

Want a deeper look into the protocols pros like Andrea and Mindy use on the road? We have a FREE guide that answers all of your questions and more!