PHOTO: RYANN PEDONE VIA FACEBOOK
Going into the ProRodeo Tour Finale, barrel racer Ryann Pedone was sitting 16th in the WPRA World Standings. She needed to win some big money in the final stretch to secure a spot at her first NFR — and she did just that, with the help of her beloved horse Stinger, owned by Highpoint Performance Horses.
Together Pedone and Stinger won the Tour Finale, in fact, turning in a time of 15.97 seconds in the final round, the fastest time of the rodeo.
Pedone has finally realized her dream of getting to compete at the National Finals, but unfortunately, Stinger won’t be with her due to injury.
Trainer Charlie Cole of Highpoint Performance Horses announced on Facebook that Stinger has fractured his hock and will not be able to run at the 2020 NFR.
Cole wrote:
We are heartbroken to announce that Feel The Sting “Stinger“ will not be running at the 2020 National Finals Rodeo. Stinger fractured his hock and will need time to heal and recover. We are very grateful that his prognosis is for a full recovery!
Ryann and Stinger have had an incredible year and have shown the World that they can compete with the very best! Stinger is everything we could of dreamt for when Sherry Cervi so graciously sold us the Stingray embryo 8 years ago.
We can’t thank Ryann Pedone enough for all the hard work, training, and care she’s given to Stinger.
Thank you also to Dr. Don Lee for his care of Stinger.
Our team will regroup and we will be ready for the NFR with our other horses Hollywood and HP Dash Ta Fiesta “Firewater”.
On a positive note, to lighten the sting, Stinger will stand the 2021 breeding season! More info to follow soon.
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