Kacey Bass’s Dedication Proves Victorious in Shawnee

By: Julia Dondero

After years of dedication and perseverance, 15-year-old Texan Kacey Bass reigned victorious with her homegrown, main mount “Woody” to take home the 2022 International Finals Youth Rodeo All Around Cowgirl Title. The duo stayed true and consistent to take home an almost $6000 paycheck, as well as an All Around Horse Trailer and priceless memories. 

The young cowgirl reflected on the magnitude of this win explaining, “I still wear my buckle every day, it’s by far one of my favorites and this win is so special to me. My trophy saddle sits proudly in our living room and this accomplishment will always be so special to me.”

Winning this prestigious title as just a Freshman was no easy feat for the cowgirl who spends her days balanced between school, training horses, and helping anywhere she can at her family’s sale barns in the small South Central Texas town of Brenham. At just 13-years-old Bass began working with her current main mount “Woody”. Sitting at just 14 hands and with a cow horse background, Bass explained he is unique in the barrel horse field and will always have a special place in her heart. 

“Woody is my big baby and one of my most prized possessions. He was originally my Dad’s rope horse and I taught him everything about running barrels. It is so special to achieve this win with him, I wouldn’t be anywhere without him.” 

Bass gleamed with pride and excitement as she recounted that memorable summer week in Shawnee, “The IFYR was the biggest rodeo I had been to at the time and I was so excited, I had to try my best to stay calm.” 

With goals of making smooth, clean runs in all her events, Bass and “Woody” turned in a pair of quick times in both the Barrel Racing and Pole Bending to return to the Short Go in both events. After running one of the fastest runs of the rodeo in the Barrel Racing, the young cowgirl and her heart horse clinched the All-Around title and narrowly finished second in the Barrel Racing. Bass joyfully recounted that exciting moment, as she realized she had won the title. “I started balling out of excitement and joy. It is one of my greatest accomplishments and I am so grateful to the IFYR for this opportunity.” 

The incoming high school junior also gratefully accredited her strong support system for supporting her in every way. From her sister’s boyfriend Nick Ashille (who currently holds the IFYR Tie Down Roping Arena Record) guiding her through the arena set up to her parents and sisters who have guided her in every aspect of her life- support has been everything to the young cowgirl. 

Bass joked, “I am especially grateful for my Dad who let me turn his cow horse into a barrel horse. He probably wouldn’t have guessed his $7500 rope horse would be here, but he excitedly cheers us on from every alleyway.” 

As the young cowgirl prepares for the summer youth rodeo run, she expresses her excitement to return to Shawnee. “I am so excited to return to the IFYR. I will always cherish the memories there and I am so excited about this incredible opportunity to return. The opportunities presented are incredible and the level of competition is unmatched, I would encourage everyone to enter.”