On her third year of ProRodeo circuit competition, Quitman, Georgia’s Ashten Denney captured both her first Southeastern Circuit Finals qualification and average championship with a 19.0-second time on three head, earning a total of $5,952 and a trip to the NFR Open alongside peer Tiffany Schieck.
“I have been circuit rodeoing for three years,” Denney explained. “The first year I was just focused on filling my permit. Last year I was on the bubble coming into the last weekend, and then a hurricane hit. The eye came right over my house, so we evacuated with the horses—and I kissed my trip to the circuit finals goodbye.”
This season, she had a single focus: get to the Finals.
“My season was hit and miss with drawing and my roping, but thankfully it was in God’s plans for me to make it,” Denney said.
A Mare Who’s Been There for It All
Denney relied heavily on “Corona”—registered as DP Pretty Nicci—her 12-year-old sorrel mare who’s been her partner since high school.
“She’s not the sweetest horse you’ll ever meet, but she’s one of the most athletic, hard-working horses I’ve ever ridden,” Denney said. “I rode her at every rodeo I entered this year. She has carried me so many cool places, and I’m so thankful she chose me to be her person.”
Keeping Her Head Right
If Denney had to pick her biggest win of 2025, it wasn’t a check—it was her mindset.
“Rodeoing can be very stressful if you allow it to be,” Denney said. “I’m thankful to have a husband, friends and family who constantly push me outside my comfort zone and push me to be better.”
Heading into the Circuit Finals, she set one goal: don’t overthink it.
In Round 1, she broke the barrier, turning her 2.4 into a 12.4-second run.
Round 2 brought one of the stronger calves in the pen.
“When I nodded my head, I knew there wasn’t a shot at being fast, so I just went and caught my calf to be 4.0,” Denney recalled.
Round 3, everything aligned.
“When I looked at the draw, I saw they won the second round on my calf, so I knew it was good,” Denney said. “I backed in the box knowing I had to see a good start and do my job. I was 2.4 in Round 3.”
Her consistency and composure sealed the average victory and the Southeastern Circuit’s top ticket to Colorado Springs.
Gratitude at the Finish Line
Denney was quick to credit the people who helped make the win possible.
“I’d like to thank my husband, Joey Denney, for the many hours we’ve spent in the arena and traveling all over the Southeast,” Denney said. “Della Bird for all the entering and planning she does for us. My friends and family for everything they do at home while we’re traveling. And all the stock contractors who have added breakaway to their rodeos.”
With her first Circuit Finals behind her and the NFR Open now ahead, Denney carries not only momentum—but the confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles, leaning on her people, and trusting the mare who’s been with her since high school.
