Cheyanne McCartney made a major move in the WPRA World Standings this past weekend, winning the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, and jumping from No. 18 to No. 11 with a $7,891 payday.
Just one year removed from a tough showing in Nampa, McCartney returned with a vengeance aboard her 11-year-old mare “Lexus,” registered as “Aladdins Approach.”
The pair put together a 1.8-second run in Round 1, followed by a 2.7-second trip in Round 2 that kept her in the hunt. Then in the short round, McCartney roped her strongest calf of the weekend in 2.1 seconds to edge out the rest of the field.
“I was in the back and couldn’t really hear the times, so I didn’t think I had a shot,” McCartney said. “Bradi Good actually told me I won it, and I didn’t believe her until someone else confirmed it. That’s breakaway—you just never know.”
The win was more than just a confidence boost. It marked a turning point for McCartney, who ended her 2024 rodeo season early due to a lingering shoulder injury and disappointing results. She instead focused on a successful futurity season, raking in over $60,000 across the Riata Buckle and AQHA World Show before returning stronger in 2025.
Much of her renewed momentum comes from the connection she’s built with Lexus, a mare originally from New York.
“She fits me better than anything I’ve had in a long time,” McCartney said. “She’s quick-footed, has great timing and just suits my style. We’ve had to work through some growing pains, but I’m looking forward to the rest of the summer.”
With her No. 11 spot secured for now and the summer run heating up, McCartney plans to ride Lexus at major tour stops while developing her promising 6-year-old gelding “Teddy,” registered as CR Tuff King, for backup duty.
“After last year, to win Nampa and be in this position—it’s everything I’ve worked for,” McCartney said. “I’m blessed to be healthier and stronger than last summer.”
