Rodeo Celebrities

CLN Exclusive with YETI Ambassador and 4x Barrel Racing World Champion, Hailey Kinsel

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Hailey Kinsel, a YETI Ambassador and 4x World Champion Barrel Racer, has undoubtedly paved her way to success through unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of her dreams. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring rodeo athletes who yearn to make a mark in their chosen event. Join us as we delve into Hailey’s story, uncovering the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her into the accomplished individual she is today.

Image provided by YETI

Krysta: What did the early years of barrel racing look like for you? Did you always aspire to be a professional barrel racer?

Hailey: I always loved horses and competing with them, and barrel racing quickly became my favorite rodeo event from a young age. Growing up watching the National Finals Rodeo on TV, and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in person, made me want to compete at those rodeos someday, but it wasn’t until I was older that I realized what it took to be a professional barrel racer, and that I could possibly make a living doing it.

Krysta: Barrel racing isn’t a solo sport, it takes two. Can you describe the relationship you need to have with your four-legged partner to be exceptional in this sport? 

Hailey: To compete successfully with a horse, you need to find an equine partner who has talent, willingness to work with you, a love for their job, and then an immense amount of trust in you as their rider and caretaker.

Krysta: Is there anything special or out of the ordinary about your routine that helps you keep your edge for competitions? 

Hailey: I simply try to remind myself every day that the reason I do this is because I love horses and I love the sport, which keeps me in a positive attitude towards competing.

Krysta: What accomplishment are you the proudest of to date?

Hailey: I am most proud to have multiple NFR qualifications and world championships primarily aboard my horse, Sister, which my mom and I trained together.

Image provided by YETI

Krysta: What is the best advice you can give aspiring barrel racers?

Hailey: Always remember to smile, have fun, and pet your horse.

Krysta: Where do you hope rodeo will be as a sport in 10 years?

Hailey: I hope to see continued growth in rodeo contestant participation and fan attendance, increased payouts, higher levels of security for contestants and horses, and overall professionalism of our sport including consistent ground conditions and tractor dragging at all rodeos for the barrel racing.

Image provided by YETI

Krysta: What has it meant to be a part of the YETI Ambassador team?

Hailey: It has been an honor to be a part of a team of elite athletes and individuals from all walks of life, working with a company committed to excellence, and coming together to celebrate our shared love for the great outdoors. Each year I have worked with YETI, I have become more impressed with their desire to reach new heights of quality in their products and customer satisfaction.

Hailey’s Favorite YETI Products for Her Day-To-Day

I hope you enjoyed this CLN Exclusive Interview with Hailey Kinsel and I can’t wait to share the next one with you. Make sure to check out the button below to read the full YETI Series here on Cowboy Lifestyle Network and follow them on your favorite social media platform.

Krysta Paffrath

Hi everyone! I'm Krysta Paffrath, I am a proud Arizona native who has a passion for everything business and rodeo. I am beyond thrilled to be the Editor in Chief for Cowboy Lifestyle Network. With my background in digital marketing and rodeo, this was a natural fit for me to join the team. My adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit has guided me to work in many places like the WYO Quarter Horse Ranch in Thermopolis, Wyoming, a working cattle ranch in Seligman, Arizona, and many places in between. I am passionate about preserving the western way of life and working with different brands and rodeos to make that happen. If you're looking for a write-up, please shoot me an email at krysta@clngo.com. Learn more about me at krystapaffrath.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!

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