Cornhusker Breeders & Open Futurity 2025 | McCook, NE

EMDukat Photography
Sep 1
4 min read

Updated: Sep 4

The Cornhusker Breeders & Open Futurity lit up Kiplinger Arena in McCook, Nebraska this past weekend (August 29–31, 2025). Over 190 riders from across the Midwest — with some hauling in from as far away as Texas — came together for three days of fast runs, tough competition, and plenty of cheering from the stands. 📷 The full proof gallery from the weekend is now live! Images are organized by rider, then horse, making it easy to find your runs: View the Cornhusker Futurity 2025 Photo Gallery

From Friday night’s Senior Slot Race, to the Breeders & Open Futurity, the Breeders Derby/Maturity, and lightning-fast Open races, there was no shortage of action to capture.

The Cornhusker is known for its friendly, supportive atmosphere, and 2025 was no exception. Riders and spectators alike filled the arena with energy, especially during special moments like the Senior Slot Race group, where competitors all wore purple in honor of Dianne Young, who is bravely fighting cancer.

Dressed in purple in support of Dianne Young, the Senior slot group gathers for a photo.

Setting the Pace: Carley Cervi and Flit Six

The Cornhusker Futurity weekend kicked off with the Warm-Up Race, where Carley Cervi and Flit Six wasted no time setting the pace. Their quick, clean 15.340 run showed off both grit and finesse, kicking the weekend off in style and lit up the arena, earning them the win and setting the tone for the a weekend of barrel racing.

Carley Cervi and Flit Six win the warm up race at the Cornhusker Futurity Friday evening.

Celebrating Our PeeWee Riders

Our PeeWee barrel racers were one of the sweetest highlights of the weekend, watching the young riders give it their all in the arena Saturday evening before the American Contender. Every PeeWee competitor went home with a bag of goodies thanks to our generous PeeWee sponsor, Heather Rhinehart. Their smiles and determination lit up the Kiplinger Arena, and we can’t wait to see where their barrel racing journeys take them.

The PeeWee riders gave it their all and were awarded a bag of goodies thanks to PeeWee sponsor, Heather Rhinehart.

Youth Competitors Shine Bright

The Youth division at the Cornhusker Futurity 2025 was packed with talent and heart. These young riders showed just how bright the future of barrel racing is here in McCook:

🥇 1D – Dusky Lynn Hall on IAINTDOINITSPARKY 🥈 2D – Hattie Vasa on WRANGLERS GONE MAD 🥉 3D – Madelyn Rasmussen on SMART LIL NIECIE

Each of these competitors brought grit, determination, and speed to the Kiplinger Arena, earning well-deserved recognition for their runs. Watching our Youth riders rise to the occasion was one of the weekend’s best highlights! The Youth race was sponsored by the Branic family in loving memory of Brayton Branic.

Hattie Vasa, Dusky Lynn Hall & Madelyn Rasmussen win the Youth Race. — Hattie Vasa, Dusky Lynn Hall & Madelyn Rasmussen pose with Branic family, sponsors of the Youth race in memory of Brayton Branic.

American Contender Regional Qualifier

One highlight of the weekend came Saturday evening with a packed house for the American Contender Regional Qualifier, where 11 horse-and-rider teams ran for a chance to advance.

American Contender riders Mary Dugan, Kelcey Hass-Mcnamee, Duksy Lynn Hall, Colton Lewis, Perry McMillian, Katie Loughran. Not pictured Kappie Bryant.

Congratulations to Dusky Lynn Hall and Ain’t Seen Famous Yet (“Wally”), who took home the win! Full results are available on Better Barrel Races here.

Dusky Lynn Hall riding Aint Seen Famous Yet during the American Contender in McCook, Nebraska.

Cornhusker Futurity 2025 Average Champions

The excitement carried right through Sunday as the Cornhusker crowned its Average Champions.

Jessica Leach and Aint An Angel put together consistent, powerful runs to take home the Breeders & Open Futurity Average win. Their 15.269 in the second round sealed the deal, showcasing the speed and precision that had the crowd on its feet.

Jessica Leach riding Aint An Angel, the 2025 Breeders & Open Futurity Average Champion

Dusky Lynn Hall added to her weekend success, pairing with Aint Seen Famous Yet to win the Breeders Derby Average. The duo lit up the arena with two standout runs, including a 15.139 in round one that carried them to the top of the leaderboard. Dusky also piloted Chasin A Win to a round-two victory, proving once again why she’s a name barrel racers around the world know.

Dusky Lynn Hall shows off her buckle for winning the Cornhusker Derby average with Aint Seen Famous Yet.

The Team That Makes the Cornhusker Futurity Possible

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Cristi & Drew Gaffney and their crew for all the hard work that goes into making the Cornhusker Breeders & Open Futurity such a success. From organizing the runs to working the ground, setting up barrels, and over all keeping everything moving pretty dang smoothly, their efforts create an event that riders, families, and fans look forward to year after year. I’m grateful for the opportunity to photograph such an incredible weekend — and I can’t wait to share even more highlights soon.