The MSU-Northern Rodeo returned from the NIRA Big Sky Regional Finals this week, with some bringing home a major win. Amongst the winners is Brittney Cox and her Blue Roan Mare CCR Pearl N' Blu, or simply "Pearl". The duo brought home the Barrell Racing Championship and qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming.

Brittney and Pearl's journey to a Championship win began 10 years ago, when Pearl was born to a Mare and Stud, both owned by her family with a combined value of $1,200. Brittney trained Pearl on her own through the years, which can only attest to their bond in the arena; now Pearl has a value far exceeding that of her roots.

Brittney and Pearl pose with their hard earned trophies.

Brittney and Pearl made their entrance to the Big Sky Regional Finals with a great position of leading the nation with 344 Points for their event. The night of their event they followed their stiffest competition; ahead by 5 points who knocked over a barrel. Brittney recalled being shocked at that moment, followed by her coach's advice to "have fun", that's just what she did. The duo won their event by .100 of a second in front of a sold-out arena of 4,000 spectators, securing their Championship Win by 25 points with a time of 17:37 and taking home two great pieces of hardware.

Brittney says that she has so much gratitude to her Mom, Lori Faber; her Coaches, Doug and Emily Kallenberger; and Paige Raty at Bear Paw Veterinary, providing equine massage. Brittney goes further that she owes all the glory to God and a lot of luck for their win. Luck or not, we can't wait to see Brittney, Pearl, and the rest of the MSU-Northern Rodeo Team give it their best in the arena in Casper in June. Those who want to see Brittney and the rest of the team compete can watch on ESPN3.