Top-of-the-line horses complete the true partnership of professional rodeo athletes and their equine partners. Exemplary equine partners are key to success in any event, and each year, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association names the best in each event.

The Nutrena Horse of the Year presented by AQHA awards provides recognition to ProRodeo's top horses. The 2023 Nutrena Horse of the Year presented by AQHA was recently unveiled, recognizing some of the industry's best.

In the Barrel Racing, Fame Fire Rocks, "Poprocks," ridden by Taycie Matthews – owned by Mission Ranch LLC was accredited top honors. "Pockrocks" has been key to Taycie Matthews success this season, as she enters her first National Finals Rodeo this December. "Poprocks" has also led the Arkansas native to a Reserve Reistol Rookie of the Year title in 2o22 and the 2023 College National Finals Rodeo Barrel Racing title.

Receiving reserve honors in the barrel racing was none other than Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi's Jets Top Gun, "Benny," owned by Busby Quarter Horses. "Benny" was a key component to Pozzi Tonozzi's record-breaking season, as she enters her 17th NFR.

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Shelby Boisjoli. Photo by Fernando Sam Sin.

Looking toward Breakaway Roping, all eyes were on No Wimpy Turns, "Onna," owned and ridden by Shelby Boisjoli. With several major wins, including the CINCH Playoff Series Championship, Boisjoli and "Onna" will enter her fourth NFBR atop of the pack, earning $164,548.50 in the 2023 regular WPRA season.

Also earning reserve Nutrena Horse of the Year, is Kits Tiana Play, "Little Man," ridden and owned by Kelsie Domer. The steadfast duo will enter this year's NFR in sixth place in the WPRA NFBR standings.

For a complete list of 2023 Nutrena Horse of the Year awardees, visit prorodeo.com.

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