Reigning world barrel racing champion Kassie Mowry reclaimed the Calgary Stampede course record on Thursday, July 9, 2026, after watching her own mark fall earlier in the same day. Mowry, of Dublin, Texas, rode her horse Jarvis to a time of 16.68 seconds, eclipsing the 16.72-second run set just minutes earlier by Michelle Alley of Madisonville, Texas. Mowry had entered the day holding the record at 16.74 seconds.
Record-Breaking Runs on Day 7
The dramatic sequence unfolded during Pool C competition on Day 7 of the Stampede rodeo. Michelle Alley was the first to break the record, clocking 16.72 seconds. However, three riders later, Mowry responded with a blistering 16.68-second run to reclaim the top spot. Mowry credited a clean start and the exceptional footing provided by the Stampede grounds crew. “I knew I needed a smooth start, wanted a clean run, and then I saw how it was going. I was thinking I needed an actual record-setting run to place in this group,” Mowry said. “This was not the pool to draw here, but the ground felt amazing. It looked amazing for everybody, no matter where you were in the draw. I am so proud of my horse. He loves to step up to the occasion and, when the going gets tough, he steps up.”
Consistent Footing Praised by Competitors
Throughout the week, barrel racers have praised the Stampede grounds crew for providing consistent footing, and Mowry echoed those sentiments after her record-breaking ride. “These guys have it down to a science, and I’m so grateful for them. It’s amazing that every racer has a fair shot, no matter where you draw, and it made for a great barrel race. I guarantee the crowd went wild, and I can’t wait for the rest of the week,” she said.
Jarvis: The Horse Behind the Record
Mowry credited much of her success to Jarvis, the same eight-year-old horse she rode when she originally set the Stampede record last year. “We call him Jarvis. He’s the one that had the record before today and then took it back,” Mowry said. “He’s eight years old, and he has really won at everything I’ve asked of him. He has won in Houston, Fort Worth and Austin so far this year.” Having competed at the Stampede last year, Jarvis returned with valuable experience, which Mowry said helped him handle the pressure of performing in front of one of rodeo’s largest crowds. “Last year was his first year here, so at least he’s got that under his belt. He ended up second here last year when it all came down to it, so you know he’s got a little bit of experience there,” she explained.
Preparation and Rest Key to Success
Mowry detailed her routine with Jarvis: “I practise on him every morning. I never get him out of a trot, just very easy and light. I loosen him up, take the pressure off him and let him just chill in there and kind of take it all in. Mostly, though, I just let them rest. The barn area is great. It’s quiet, it’s cool, so they get good rest here. He’s always laying down in his shavings and, for the most part, we just let them relax.” After giving Jarvis nearly three months off before the Stampede, Mowry said the break helped prepare him for one of the biggest rodeos of the season.
