Georgia Warner of New York nearly swept the board at the First Frontier Circuit Finals, held Jan. 15–17 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, capturing Rookie of the Year, the circuit finals average, the year-end breakaway title and the all-around in a dominant debut season.
“I almost can’t believe it,” said Warner. “My goal at the beginning of the season was just to qualify for the circuit finals and win Rookie of the Year in the breakaway. In the month of September, I did really well which allowed me to go into the finals second. I hadn’t really considered up to that point that a circuit title was possible.”
Warner secured the circuit finals average with a 10.3-second total on three head, a performance that ultimately locked in her year-end breakaway and all-around championships to go along with Rookie of the Year honors.
“To win it in my rookie year is incredible and I’m excited to keep building on this season,” the 19-year-old continued. “I have to say I am most proud of winning the All-Around title because I love both events so much. I was so grateful to qualify in both and I think it allowed me to get really comfortable in the arena and have fun with it!”
Consistency Wins the Day
Across the finals, Warner stayed steady when it mattered most. She placed second in Round 2 with a 2.8-second run, earning $1,884, and followed it with a third-place finish in Round 3 with a 3.1-second run for $1,256.
That consistency added up to a 10.3-second total on three head, good for $10,049 in total earnings and the win of the average, year-end breakaway and all-around titles. The performance also punched Warner’s ticket to the NFR Open in Colorado Springs in July.
“Coming into the circuit finals, I wanted to be prepared mentally by ensuring that I was doing everything I could on a daily basis to give myself the best chance possible.” Warner said. “That gave me a lot of confidence and I really only worried about hitting the barrier. The final round was definitely nerve wracking because I knew I had to win the average to win the year end. My calf was a little bit strong so I just got him caught and it worked out!”
Winning the circuit finals average proved pivotal — without those clean, consistent runs, the year-end sweep would not have been possible.
Horsepower and Family Show Up
Warner’s success was anchored by reliable horsepower and a strong family presence behind the scenes.
Her primary mount, “Tommy,” is known for being wary of large, loud crowds, but proved unfazed under the pressure of the circuit finals atmosphere.
“My horses are everything to me.” Warner notes. “Tommy is 18 this year and he is so special to my family, especially my dad, as he is his main heel horse. My dad bought him off of a Craigslist ad and he used to rub my dad off on the fence! I think some of his wild personality is still there! All of his antics aside, he is completely solid during the run and he couldn’t make my job easier.”
Tommy carried Warner through her aggregate-winning breakaway runs and also packed Kurt Warner, Georgia’s uncle, who competed in team roping alongside his brother, Cody Warner — Georgia’s father and a former First Frontier Circuit team roping champion.
“It was really special for my dad to get to rope with his brother and for Kurt to be able to get back into roping since he has mostly been announcing for the last several years,” Warner said. “My parents were instrumental in my success this year. My dad taught me how to rope and helps me practice all the time. He helped me come up with a plan for each run this week and gave me a pep talk before every run.”
A Statement Season
With trusted horses, steady execution and family support, Warner delivered one of the most impressive rookie performances in recent First Frontier Circuit history. Her debut season blended consistency, preparation and composure, culminating in a storybook finish to the 2025 circuit year — and setting the stage for what looks to be just the beginning.
