A milestone moment for one of rodeo’s best jockeys.
Round 3 of the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo finished with a defining achievement for one of the sport’s most recognizable barrel racers. After her and Teasin Dat Guy “Chewy” took a second-place finish on the round, Emily Beisel officially surpassed $2 million in lifetime career earnings.
The Oklahoma cowgirl is known for her explosive athletic riding style, signature leg lifts, and fierce competitiveness. She now has hit a milestone that only a small handful of barrel racers have ever reached. What makes it even more impressive is the trajectory of it all. Beisel has qualified for seven consecutive NFRs, beginning in 2019, and has built her career dollar by dollar through consistency and sheer horsemanship.
Beisel’s riding ability has long been praised across the industry. She is one of the most technically gifted riders in the field, with fans and fellow competitors often noting how much horse she can bring out of any mount. Her athleticism in the saddle,especially those powerful leg lifts around each barrel, has become her trademark.
That style, paired with her instincts for timing and precision, has resulted in massive success under the bright lights. She now ranks No. 5 all-time in NFR-only earnings with $727,259 won inside the Thomas & Mack alone. Night after night, she proves why she belongs the that top 15 year after year.
Horsepower is Everything
A turning point in Beisel’s career came in 2024 when 4M Performance Horses handed her the reins to Teasin Dat Guy, the standout gelding known as “Chewy.” The horse previously carried Molly Otto to her first NFR qualification in 2021, and nder Beisel, he has accomplished more.
Chewy’s speed and try match perfectly with Beisel’s aggressive riding style. Together, they’ve become one of the most exciting duos to watch at major rodeos across the country. Round 3’s lightning-fast run pushed Emily over that 2 million dollar mark.
Other horses that have been a huge part of Emily's career include a fan favorite, Namgis D 33 aka Chongo. Pipewrench, Trigger, Beau, and Liza have also all greatly contributed. Emily always has a full trailer of equine talent behind her.
This accomplishment doesn’t just represent longevity for Beisel but it also reflects her ability to compete and stay relevant in one of rodeo’s toughest, fastest-changing events. Every year the field gets deeper, faster, and more competitive and Beisel continues to adapt and excel.
Gold Buckle Contention
That consistency all year long is why she keeps coming back to Las Vegas, round after round, year after year, proving she belongs in every world title conversation. She came into the 2025 NFR sitting 3rd, but a couple knocked barrels along the way dropped her to 5th in the standings right now. However, the barrel race is tight. We still have 6 rounds to go, lots of money up for grabs, and the gold buckle race is still heating up. Emily still has a real chance at her first world title this year.
With six nights left in this year’s NFR and both of her horses firing, the story is far from finished. No matter how the next rounds unfold, fans know Emily Beisel’s one of the best, and now that successful career is officially worth more than two million dollars.