Kassie Mowry Reveals She Will Chase Second Gold Buckle Without Jarvis

The rodeo world got some major news tonight. Defending world champion Kassie Mowry, the No. 1 ranked cowgirl entering the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, publicly confirmed that her superstar gelding Force the Goodbye “Jarvis” will not be running down the Thomas and Mack alleyway this year.

Mowry enters this year’s NFR at the top, right where she left off last year. She has won more than $200,000 in this years regular season and did so in just 28 rodeos. Kassie addressed the situation publicly for the first time, ending days of speculation among fans who were concerned about Jarvis.

The whole issue stems from possible EHM exposure following the BFA, where Jarvis competed in the derby in November. Although Jarvis is believed to be completely healthy at this time, multiple horses tested positive for EHM after the event. This led veterinarians and officials to require quarantine protocols for all potentially exposed horses. Under the strict biosecurity rules now in place, Mowry is unable to haul Jarvis to Las Vegas to run at his second NFR.

The setback is heartbreaking. Jarvis dominated the regular season with back to back huge wins at RodeoHouston, San Angelo, Greeley, and several other major venues, helping Mowry secure her sixth NFR qualification in one of the most efficient seasons ever recorded.

Still, Mowry did not waver in her optimism and positivity as she spoke on stage in Las Vegas.

“#1 is a great place to be. My horse, I am so proud of what he did this year. I could not be happier with him coming in in this position. But my trailer looks a little different this year,” Mowry explained. Still with a smile she said, “So I am going to have to really brush up on my jockeying skills. I brought my big grey horse Will and he has been here a few times and done well so I am excited to start out on him.”

Will, a big grey Epic Leader gelding has proven himself to be capable in the Thomas and Mack. Now he is stepping back into the spotlight and has some big shoes to fill.

The news lands with added weight considering the historic season Mowry and Jarvis put together in 2024. After entering last year’s NFR ranked fourth, she delivered a historic performance winning five rounds in a row, tying Jimmie Munroe’s record.

Kassie earned more than $295,000 at the finals alone, allowing the incredible pair to leave Las Vegas as the 2024 world champion. Jarvis was named the 2024 Nutrena Horse of the Year presented by AQHA, and they also claimed the RAM Top Gun Award for the most money earned by any contestant through the finals.

This year was expected to be a continuation of that momentum. Instead, Mowry now faces an unforeseen challenge. She is chasing a second consecutive gold buckle without the horse who carried her to her first gold buckle and another record breaking season.

Even so, the champion’s poise and confidence in her backup mount reflect the professionalism that defines her career. While fans may be disappointed not to see Jarvis run down the alley this year, they will no doubt be watching closely as Mowry adapts, adjusts, and prepares to work for another well earned world title.

If history has shown anything, it’s that champions rise in the face of adversity. No one understands that better than Kassie Mowry.