Smooth French Kiss wins 2025 PBRIP Horse of the Year
In true speed-horse style, it was a race to the top of the 2025 PBRIP Horse of the Year standings. When the dust settled, Smooth French Kiss claimed the year-end championship title for the Paint Barrel Racing Incentive Program with $2,252 in qualifying earnings—less than $200 ahead of second-place finisher Kitnic.
The PBRIP Horse of the Year title was new for 2025, replacing PBRIP divisional year-end awards. The title is awarded to the Paint Horse that earns the most money from all approved PBRIP events during the competition year, with the exception of restricted races and the PBRIP Sweepstakes. As the owner of Smooth French Kiss, Elisabeth wins a $1,000 cash bonus and a custom PBRIP Horse of the Year trophy buckle.
Smooth French Kiss and owner Elisabeth Wyatt competed in three PBRIP events in 2025 and took home hefty paychecks at all three. “Scandal” won the 2D championship at Money & Beaches Barrel Race and the BBR Finals.
Elisabeth purchased Scandal as a youngster—she originally passed on him at a South Texas horse sale but later purchased him privately. With personality to spare, Scandal grew into a solid competitor around the cloverleaf.
“He’s a total ham,” Elisabeth said. “He opens any gate, no matter how fancy the latch! He’s just an all-around good guy and always willing to work. He loves to run the barrels and any other speed event that I point him at. We try to hit the PBRIP races that are local. My broodmare is bred to Dash Ta Magnolia, so I will have a second Paint to run! Thanks so much for the PBRIP program! I’m looking forward to the 2026 season.”
NEW & IMPROVED: 2026 PBRIP Horse of the Year
The 2026 PBRIP Horse of the Year program has been updated and expanded to reward participation across more PBRIP opportunities and create even more excitement.
What’s New for 2026:
- The 2026 PBRIP Horse of the Year will win a Martin Saddlery custom saddle.
- Expanded earnings eligibility, including:
- All PBRIP-approved side pots
- PBRIP Sweepstakes earnings (new for 2026)
- Earnings Still Excluded:
- Pink and Ruby Buckle races
- All Texas Bred (foaled) side pots
- And all PBRIP Futurity earnings
These improvements are designed to elevate the Horse of the Year title and reward consistent performance across the PBRIP program.
“This year is a game-changer for Paint barrel horses,” PBRIP Director Carly Peercy said. “With increased opportunities and the chance to win a custom Martin Saddlery saddle just by running in PBRIP sidepots, there’s truly never been a more exciting time to compete in PBRIP races.”
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