The 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will take place December 2nd-11th at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will showcase the top fifteen Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and bull riding. The WNFR will also feature the top Women’s Professional Rodeo Association contestants in barrel racing and breakaway roping.
Although it is not often mentioned, all the timed-event horses at the WNFR have Thoroughbred ancestry. The most prolific of those ancestors is the stallion Three Bars. He appears multiple times in every pedigree of each horse competing in roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Most of the horses also trace back to Top Deck, Depth Charge, Jackstraw, Spotted Bull and Azure Te. More recent influxes of Thoroughbred blood come from stallions such as Beduino, Raise Your Glass, Reb’s Policy, Master Hand and Leinster House.
Examining the pedigrees of modern Quarter Horses makes the Thoroughbred influence hard to ignore. To illustrate this point, The Western Thoroughbred went back eight generations and calculated the Thoroughbred percentage of several horses competing at the WNFR. Here are the 2021 Purina AQHA/PRCA Horses of the Year:
Steer Wrestling – Dashin Haze – “Tyson” – 77.0% Thoroughbred
Tyson is ridden and owned and ridden by Curtis Cassidy and also ridden by Jesse Brown. Tyson is a 2005 gelding bred in Alberta by Shady Lane Stables. He is by Royal Quick Dash and out of Sheza Special Chick, by Chicks Beduino. He made 14 starts, won four races, and earned $30,269 on the track. He also placed second in the Grade 3 Alberta Bred Futurity in 2007. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Top Deck, Very Wise, Direct Win, Vandy, Beduino, Depth Charge, Chicaro, Raise Your Glass, Spotted Bull, Lena’s Bar and Seabiscuit.

Team Roping Heading – Ima Fresnos Dee – “Annie” – 24.6% Thoroughbred
Annie is ridden and owned by Cody Snow. She is a 2008 mare bred in California by John Solem. She is by Fresnos Ima Master and out of Dee Bars Lust, by Dee Bar Rocket. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Doc Horn, Monte, Vandy, Master Boss, General Grant and Piggin String.

Team Roping Heeling – Nita Win Playboy – “Drago” – 19.1% Thoroughbred
Drago is ridden and owned by Logan Medlin. He is a 2009 gelding bred in Texas by Ronnie Mahaley. He is by High Caliber Kurtis and out of Nita Win Freckles, by Freckle Image. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Captains Courageous, Uncle Jimmie Gray, Doc Horn, Porte Drapeau, Lawyer, Bayard and Beggar Boy.

Tie-Down Roping – Sort of Popular – “Pouraguaja” – 20.3% Thoroughbred
Pouraguaja is ridden and owned by Marcus Costa. She is a 2007 mare bred in Oklahoma by Mike Denney. She is by Popular Resortfigure and out of RR Quick Bernice, by Quick Emotion. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Greenock, Chimney Sweep, Prince Pan, Top Deck and Very Wise.

Steer Roping – Rbs Badger Tigger – “Tigger” – 13.7% Thoroughbred
Tigger is ridden and owned by Cole Patterson. He is a 2005 gelding bred in Kansas by Dale Ratcliff. He is by Paradise Badger and out of Rbs Tiggers Doll, by Docs Tigger. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Greenock, Mad Way, One Tenth and Doc Horn.

Breakaway Roping – No Wimpy Turns – “Onna” – 12.1% Thoroughbred
Onna is ridden and owned by Shelby Lynn Boisjoli. She is by Whiz N Starlight and out of Its Wimpys Turn, by Wimpys Little Step. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, King O’Neill, All Ashore, Rakermoon and Buggins.

2021 WNFR Barrel Horses
The Thoroughbred ancestry is most significant in the steer wrestling horses but is very prominent in the barrel horses as well. Of all the barrel horses that we analyzed for the 2021 WNFR, the average was 53.3% Thoroughbred in eight generations. The 2021 AQHA/WPRA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year, Jordan Briggs’ Famous Lil Jet, is 62.5% Thoroughbred. Hailey Kinsel’s DM Sissy Hayday, who was second in the Horse of the Year voting, is 54.3% Thoroughbred. Shelley Morgan’s HR Fameskissandtell and Jessica Routier’s Fiery Miss West tied for third in the voting. They are 59.8% and 37.5% Thoroughbred respectively.

Five of the barrel horses heading to the 2021 WNFR are off the track – Sixappeal, Tres Leche, Steal Money, Dreams First Flash and Macgyver Moonflash. They are 73.4%, 69.9%, 69.5%, 63.7% and 58.6% Thoroughbred respectively. Steal Money and Macgyver Moonflash are both race winners. The horses with the highest percentage of Thoroughbred ancestry are Dona Kay Rule’s High Valor and Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi’s Ima Famous Babe who are both 74.6% Thoroughbred in eight generations.
Overall, the WNFR barrel horses are more Thoroughbred than Quarter Horse. So when you watch them run down the alley at the Thomas & Mack, remember that you are witnessing a culmination of centuries of breeding. Breeding that not only includes legends such as Wimpy, Driftwood and King, but also Bold Ruler, Northern Dancer and Man O’ War.
Here are the Thoroughbred percentages of the horses that will be competing in barrel racing at the 2021 WNFR:
1. Hailey Kinsel – $113,528.59 – 60 Rodeos
DM Sissy Hayday – “Sister” – 54.3% Thoroughbred
Sister is a 2011 mare bred in Texas by Dillon Mundorf. She is by PC Frenchmans Hayday and out of Royal Sissy Irish, by Royal Shake Em. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Anchor Watch, Beduino, Find a Buyer, Zevi, Bold Ruler and Master Hand.

Thunder Stones – “TJ” – 59.8% Thoroughbred
TJ is a 2004 gelding bred in Arizona by Ron Harrison. He is by Sticks An Stones and out of See F Jets Candy, by Pine’s Easter Jet. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Top Deck, Three Bars, Lena’s Bar, Bold Venture, Depth Charge, Tiny Iny, Jackstraw, Top Deck and Miss Pines.

DH Jess Stellar – “Jules” – 48.0% Thoroughbred
Jules is a 2013 mare bred in Texas by Damon Hodges. She is by Mighty Jess and out of PC Frosted Stellar, by Sun Frost. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Raise Your Glass, Raise a Native, Hijo Beauty and Deep Sun.

Corona Share Of Fame – “Nala” – 68.0% Thoroughbred
Nala is a 2014 mare bred in Oklahoma by Jana Harrison. She is by Lions Share of Fame and out of Pay Day Corona, by SC Chiseled in Stone. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Find A Buyer, Lake Erie, Yankee Doll, Mito Paint, Esters Little Klu, Big Klu, Shirley’s Champion, Nomnoe, Sunny South, Native Charger and Corporal.

Viva La Corona – “Viva” – 46.9% Thoroughbred
Viva is a 2014 mare bred in Oklahoma by Lana Merrick-Bailey. She is by Heart of the Cartel and out of Flit Bars Ida Bay, by Flit Bar Beggar. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Beduino, Lilsalady, Little Request, Keeper of My Heart, Raise Your Glass and Nashville.

2. Jordan Briggs – $102,618.20 – 55 Rodeos
Famous Lil Jet – “Rollo” – 2021 WPRA/AQHA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year – 62.5% Thoroughbred
Rollo is a 2014 gelding bred in Texas by Bubsy Quarterhorse LLC. He is by Dash Ta Fame and out of Blazin Black Beauty, by Blazin Jetolena. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Blazing Duchess and Fols Native.

Frenchmans Future – “Stoli”- 46.5% Thoroughbred
Stoli is a 2011 mare bred in Texas by Charles and Kristie Peterson. She is by Frenchmans Guy and out of Sixies Future, by Stoli. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Beduino, Miss Painted Clown and Gin Squirt.

3. Shelley Morgan – $94,229.33 – 55 Rodeos
HR Fameskissandtell – “Kiss” – 59.8% Thoroughbred
Kiss is a 2014 mare bred in Louisiana by Elizabeth Hays. She is by Ceo and out of Fames Fiery Kiss, by Dash Ta Fame. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Witch, Salem, Lena’s Bar, Texas Dancer, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie and Sharon’s Charger.

Kinda Heavenly – “Phoebe” – 64.5% Thoroughbred
Phoebe is a 2013 mare bred in Oklahoma by Jud Little. She is by JL Dash Ta Heaven and out of Kindabugginme, by Bug In My Frosty. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Raise Your Glass, Nevalero, Dothan, Good Bird, Azure Te, Truly Truckle and Jerry Crow.

Tres Leche – 69.9% Thoroughbred
Tres Leche is a 2016 mare bred in Texas by Michael Partin. She is by Tres Seis and out of Easy On Liberty, by Shazoom. She made seven starts on the track and earned $4,075. Her best effort was a second place finish at Los Alamitos in California. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Little Request, Top Conference, Reb’s Policy, Anchor Watch, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Moonsashinnin and Beduino.

4. Dona Kay Rule – $84,989.96 – 62 Rodeos
High Valor – “Valor” – 74.6% Thoroughbred
Valor is a 2009 gelding bred in Oklahoma by Lana Merrick. He is by Valiant Hero and out of Rare High, by Rare Form. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Beduino, Mayshego, Azure Te, Reb’s Policy, Lilsalady, Noholme, Moolah Bux, Mito Paint, Yankee Doll and Top Deck.

A Juicy Adventure – “Juice” – 12.9% Thoroughbred
Juice is a 2008 gelding bred in Indiana by Catherine Cline. He is by Smart Like Juice and out of Minis Daisey May, by Carcon Nowata. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Doc Horn and Dennis Reed.

5. Jessica Routier – $78,847.28 – 49 Rodeos
Fiery Miss West – “Missy” – 37.5% Thoroughbred
Missy is a 2011 mare bred in South Dakota by Gary Westergren. She is by Firewater Frenchman and out of Frenchmans Bo Dashus, by Royal Quick Dash. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Find a Buyer and Beduino.

High On Smoothies – “Nicki” – 52.3% Thoroughbred
Nicki is a 2015 mare bred in South Dakota by Jessica and Riley Routier. She is by High On Corona and out of Especials Smoothie, by Especial. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Beduino, Lilsalady, Noholme, Yankee Doll and Lena’s Bar.

Frenchvanilasmoothie – “Jelly” – 35.2% Thoroughbred
Jelly is a 2016 mare bred in South Dakota by Jessica and Riley Routier. She is by Frenchmans Easy Doc and out of Especials Smoothie, by Especial. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars and Lena’s Bar.

6. Cheyenne Wimberley – $77,132.30 – 77 Rodeos
Royal Blue Fame – “Chewy” – 65.6% Thoroughbred
Chewy is a 2014 gelding bred in Texas by Dr. Steve Hurlbert. He is by Dash Ta Fame and out of Eyes Are Blue, by Royal Blue Chew Chew. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Beduino, Confidant, Secretariat and Azure Te.

VQ Sucker Punch – “Rocco” – 59.8% Thoroughbred
Rocco is a 2011 gelding bred in Colorado by Randy Ray Hulsey. He by Dash Ta Fame and out of Honor This Nonstop, by Mr Honor Bound. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Fast Fellow and Imbros.

Streakin Images – “Lex” – 55.9% Thoroughbred
Lex is a 2010 mare bred in Oklahoma by KC Quarter Horses. She is by Pyron Six and out of Visual Images, by Dashing Cleat. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Lena’s Bar, Hijo the Bull, Little Request, Direct Win, Jack’s Jet, Find a Buyer and Beduino.

Dash Ta Suz – “Smooch” – 66.0% Thoroughbred
Smooch is a 2011 mare bred in Texas by Dr. Steve Hurlbert. She is by Dash Ta Fame and out of Six Moon Suz, by Marthas Six Moons. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Ole Fols, Long Chance, Hempen, Nashrullah and Spy Song.

A Streak Ta the Moon – “Fragile” – 56.3% Thoroughbred
Fragile is a 2016 mare bred in Texas by Dr. Steve Hurlbert. She is by A Streak of Fling and out of Dash Ta Suz, by Dash Ta Fame. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Lena’s Bar, Hijo the Bull, Little Request, Direct Win, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Long Chance and Hempen.

7. Amanda Welsh – $76,919.48 – 59 Rodeos
Frenchman Fire Fly – “Firefly” – 35.5% Thoroughbred
Fire Fly is a 2010 gelding bred in Wyoming by Robert and Peggy Welsh. He is by Frosty Frenchman and out of Princess Bar Dash, by Hot Dasher. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Rocket Bar and Find a Buyer.

Frostys Tri Star – “Tri Star” – 13.7% Thoroughbred
Tri Star is a 2013 stallion bred in Wyoming by Robert and Peggy Welsh. He is by Frosty Frenchman and out of Bright Penny Star, by Carlas Watch. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Azure Te and Vandy.

8. Nellie Miller – $75,519.15 – 47 Rodeos
Rafter W Minnie Reba – “Sister” – 41.0% Thoroughbred
Sister is a 2008 mare bred in California by Sam Williams. She is by KS Cash N Fame and out of Espuela Roan, by Blue Light Ike. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Lena’s Bar, Fleet Kirsch and Reno Irritant.

Rebas Cash – “Cowboy” – 41.0% Thoroughbred
Cowboy is a 2011 gelding bred in California by Sam Williams. He is by KS Cash N Fame and out of Espuela Roan, by Blue Light Ike. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Lena’s Bar, Fleet Kirsch and Reno Irritant.

9. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi – $73,785.70 – 92 Rodeos
Babe on the Chase – “Birdie” – 64.5% Thoroughbred
Birdie is a 2011 mare bred in Texas by Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi. She is by Chasin Firewater and out of Streaking Six Babe, by Streakin Six. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Depth Charge, Rocket Bar, Lena’s Bar, Hijo the Bull, Little Request, Direct Win, First Ambassador and Boyarsky.

Rock On Guys – “Lefty” – 52.3% Thoroughbred
Lefty is a 2017 gelding bred in Texas by Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi. He is by A Guy With Proof and out of Vital Rock, by Firewaterontherocks. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, In Conflict, Noholme, Beduino and Pass Em Up.

Ima Famous Babe – “Katniss” – 74.6% Thoroughbred
Katniss is a 2013 mare bred in Texas by Brittany Pozzi. She is by Dash Ta Fame and out of Streakin Six Babe, by Streakin Six. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Hijo the Bull, Little Request, Direct Win, First Ambassador and Boyarsky.

10. Emily Miller-Beisel – $73,473.14 – 82 Rodeos
Namgis D 33 – “Chongo” – 43.8% Thoroughbred
Chongo is a 2010 gelding bred in Texas by Stan Sigman. He is by Bucks Hancock Dude and out of Track Goddess, by Eyesa Special. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Beduino, Raise Your Glass, Little Request and Geiger Countess.

Biddin on Fame – “Beau” – 59.0% Thoroughbred
Beau is a 2013 gelding bred in Oklahoma by Youree-Ward Barrel Horses. He is by PC Frosty Bid and out of Jaxsons Olympic Fame, by Poco Lijerito. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Azure Te, Beduino, Mona’s Baby, Lena’s Bar and Cul De Sac.

Namgis D 35 – “Pipewrench” – 37.9% Thoroughbred
Pipewrench is a 2010 gelding bred in Texas by Stan Sigman. He is by Bucks Hancock Dude and out of Central Station, by First Down Dash. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Tiptoe Tune and Vikingson.

11. Stevi Hillman – $71,178.49 – 73 Rodeos
Cuatro Fame – “Truck” – 67.2% Thoroughbred
Truck is a 2007 gelding bred in Kansas by Brandy Wilson-Mehl. He is by Dash Ta Fame and out of Princess Streaks, by Streak Laico Bird. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Little Request and Gay Dunce.

Famous Lemon Drop – “Barbie” – 55.1% Thoroughbred
Barbie is a 2016 mare bred in California by Shannon Akerstorm. She is by First Down French and out of A Famous Lady, by Dash Ta Fame. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Dusty Canyon, Fanny Jinks, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie and Zevi.

Imafrenchmanprincess – “Baby Flash” – 55.5% Thoroughbred
Baby Flash is a 2011 mare bred in Missouri by Dr. Robert Leonard. She is by A Sharp Frenchman and out of Royalled Out, by Lowell D Royal. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Mito Paint, Beduino, Raise Your Glass and Hijo Beauty.

Good Grief Girl – “Glitz” – 58.6% Thoroughbred
Glitz is a 2014 mare bred in Utah by Clay Peck. She is by The Goodbye Lane and out of Dash N Down Town, by Dash 209. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Leinster House, Find a Buyer, Top Deck and Reb’s Policy.

12. Ivy Saebens – $70,806.08 – 65 Rodeos
KN Fabs Gift of Fame – “JLo” – 51.2% Thoroughbred
JLo is a 2009 mare bred in Texas by Kenny Nichols. She is by Frenchmans Fabulous and out of Mistys Dash of Fame, by Dash Ta Fame. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Anchor Watch, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Murrtheblurr, Never Bend, Cornish Prince and Truly Truckle.

KN Streak N Fabulous – “Reba” – 50.0%
Reba is a 2016 mare bred in Texas by Kenny Nichols and James Barron. She is by A Streak of Fling and out of KN Fabs Gift of Fame, by Frenchmans Fabulous. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Lena’s Bar, Hijo the Bull, Little Request, Direct Win, Murrtheblurr.

13. Wenda Johnson – $67,384.56 – 25 Rodeos
Macgyver Moonflash – “Mac” – 58.6% Thoroughbred
Mac is a 2013 gelding bred in Ontario by Ivy Lane Racing. He is by First Moonflash and out of Touched by the Moon, by Black Moons Arising. He made seven starts, won one race, and earned $14,409 on the track. His one win was at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Tilt the Odds, Pukka Gent, Leannie, Bornapet and Hinge of Fate.

Steal Money – “Mo” – 69.5% Thoroughbred
Mo is a 2016 gelding bred in Texas by J. Santos Espinoza. He is by First Moonflash and out of Im Chica Stoli, by Stoli. He made nine starts, won one race, and earned $4,255 on the track. His one win was at Lone Star in Grand Prairie, Texas. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Tilt The Odds, Pukka Gent, Beduino, Miss Painted Clown and Raise Your Glass.

Dreams First Flash – “Flash” – 63.7% Thoroughbred
Flash is a 2011 gelding bred in Washington by Quarter K Inc. He is by First Moonflash and out of First Down Dream, by First Down Dash. He made one start at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, finished sixth, and earned $50 on the track. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Tilt The Odds, Pukka Gent, Raise Your Glass and Hijo Beauty.

14. Lisa Lockhart – $65,043.71 – 68 Rodeos
Rosas Cantina CC – “Rosa” – 58.6% Thoroughbred
Rosa is a 2010 mare bred in North Dakota by Alan Woodbury. She is by Corona Cartel and out of Dash Ta Vanilla, by Dash Ta Fame. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Lena’s Bar, Baby Steel, Beduino, Mayshego, Azure Te, Reb’s Policy, Lilsalady and Lake Erie.

Prime Diamond – “Cutter” – 68.8% Thoroughbred
Cutter is a 2011 gelding bred in Texas by Jacquie Thompson Crenshaw. He is by Prime Talent and out of Hugos Diamond, by Hugo Streakin. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Beduino, Lilsalady, Coup de Kas, Dana’s Princess, Little Request, Find a Buyer, Noholme, Away From Holme and Aforethought.

Promise Me Fame Guys – “Levee” – 29.7% Thoroughbred
Levee is a 2016 gelding bred in Montana by Demrece and Harvey Keller. He is by Aint Seen Nothin Yet and out of Bar Blue Lass, by FC Aboo. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Master Hand and Top Deck.

15. Molly Otto – $64,172.51 – 77 Rodeos
Teasin Dat Guy – “Chewy” – 52.3% Thoroughbred
Teasin Dat Guy is a 2016 mare bred in Minnesota by Katie Lindahl. She is by Frenchmans Guy and out of Teasin Jetolena, by Blazin Jetolena. Prominent Thoroughbreds in her pedigree include Three Bars, Blazing Duchess, Find a Buyer, Master Hand, Experteeser and Cold Command.

Sixappeal – “Jimmy” – 73.4%
Jimmy is a 2013 gelding bred in Minnesota by Steven Pribyl. He is by More Nachos and out of Six It Up, by Tres Seis. He made seven starts and earned $2,976 on the track. His best effort was a third-place finish at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota. Prominent Thoroughbreds in his pedigree include Three Bars, Beduino, Lilsalady, Hempen, Reb’s Policy, Find a Buyer, Yankee Doll and Dixie Chicken.

Sources: http://www.equibase.com, http://www.equineline.com, http://www.pedigreequery.com