Cassidy Kruse

Cassidy Kruse – Gillette, Wyo.
First-time WNFR qualifier

This may be Cassidy Kruse’s first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualification, but it is not likely to be her last.

Cassidy, 20-years-old, is a three-time National High School Rodeo qualifier for her home state of Wyoming and has used her experiences there to advance to rodeo’s biggest stage. She has two trusty horses in JKR Assured Win “JJ” and Guys Dashing Girl “Ellie.”

By the first of March and six months into the rodeo season, Cassidy was 10th in the world standings. She had big wins in her home state at Sheridan and Casper in July and maintained her position until the second week of September. Then a big win at the Washington State Fair Rodeo’s Justin Boots Playoffs in Puyallup moved her up one spot.

She and JJ thrived in that environment and went on to win the Justin Boots Championships held in conjunction with the River City Roundup in Omaha, Neb. While she wasn’t exactly on the bubble for a WNFR qualification, her late-season push to moved her up to eight in the standings. Going home or slowing down was never an option or consideration for the competitive cowgirl.

She had her parents to back her up on that. They have encouraged her every step of the way and raised her to finish what she starts. This Wyoming cowgirl will be taking a business approach at every run in the Thomas and Mack Center and doing her best to not let first-time jitters get to her. She is the first barrel racer to represent Wyoming at rodeo’s championships since Brandie Halls was there in 2007.