Aspen Miller’s win at the 2025 Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo wasn’t just another check in the books—it was another big step towards a goal she’s been working towards since before she purchased her Pro card—an NFBR Qualification.
With runs of 2.2, 3.5 and 2.4 seconds, she clinched the average with 8.1 seconds and banked $7,769, catapulting her to No. 3 in the WPRA World Standings with $51,699 won.
As the summer run looms, here are three reasons this could be Miller’s year for an NFBR Qualification.
3. She Has the Horsepower—and the Confidence—to Match
Miller came into 2025 with something she didn’t have in previous seasons: a string of solid, seasoned horses and a renewed self-assurance.
“I came into this year with a lot more confidence,” Miller said. “I wasn’t second guessing what I was going to ride. Jigsaw, he was really what I was the most confident in.”
This time last year, Miller had just started hauling Jigsaw—and he was green. This year, he’s proven himself on the road. Coupled with her veteran mare Iggy that thrives on longer setups, Miller now has two reliable mounts that compliment one another.
“I just tried to keep that confidence all the way through,” she said. “I’m very fortunate for [Jigsaw] to have turned into what he has.”
2. She Has Momentum—and She Knows How to Use It
Rodeo is a streaky game, and Miller understands how rare and valuable momentum can be. She did well in the winter buildings, winning the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. With her Guymon win, it looks like Miller will keeping the good momentum going.
“I definitely feel like in our sport, when you get on a roll, it definitely carries,” she said. “I’ve never been in this position before… I just want to keep doing what I’m doing.”
2025 is Miller’s fourth year ProRodeoing, which means her mindset it more seasoned than ever. Miller knows what it means to miss–recalling a stretch in 2023 where she didn’t catch a calf from Pecos, TX, to Salinas, CA, which is about a month, but probably felt like a year or two in rodeo terms. Now, that mental toughness is paying off.
“It’s hard to find confidence when it feels like no matter what you do, you can’t figure it out,” Miller said. “But on the flip side, when you reach the turning point… it’s a completely different mindset.”
1. She’s Traveling with a Winner—and It’s Working
Miller is hitting the road this summer with 2024 NFBR qualifier Tiada Gray, and the partnership has proven rock-solid.
“She’s literally the best,” Miller said. “We rubbed off on each other really well last year when it came to keeping a positive perspective. We got to build off of each other and feed off of each other.”
With a solid team dynamic and mutual drive to make the Finals, Miller’s on track for the best season of her career.
As Aspen Miller eyes the summer run—with Liberty Hill, Killeen, Vernal, and Reno on the schedule—she’s is leaning into her horsepower, her momentum, and her support system.
