Northern's Tara Stimpson begins racing in the CNFR

The 2018 College National Finals Rodeo is starting this week, the Montana State University-Northern Skylights will be represented.

Northern’s Tara Stimpson is in the barrel racing field this week at the CNFR in Casper, Wyoming. Stimpson, a native of Lodge Grass, punched her ticket to the CNFR with a second-place finish at the University of Providence Rodeo back in May.

Stimpson, and her horse, Peanut, had a big spring season on the Big Sky Region rodeo circuit, and that was coming off a strong 2017 season, not only at the college ranks but also on the professional barrel racing schedule as well.

Stimpson has plenty of experience in the area and in barrel racing as she was named the 2017 Montana Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year and now looks to put her skills to the test against the best college barrel racers in the nation.

Stimpson’s first run at the CNFR was this morning. She returns to the arena Tuesday, again for a 7 a.m. run and finishes up with her third and final trip around the barrels Wednesday afternoon. The CNFR runs all this week in Casper.