Childhood Friends and State Leaders Unite at Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup
Fans Take the Reins: AQHA Fan Favorite Horse Award at Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup
By: Gretchen Kirchmann
The high stakes of Las Vegas came to the Denny Sanford Center in Sioux Falls for rodeo contestants 48-hours before the regular season ended on September 30, 2024.
The Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup is the richest rodeo in the state. Locals and those from neighboring states drove the I-90 and I-29 corridors to watch upsets happen and giant payouts shuffle the deck on the top 15 contestants in ProRodeo and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) breakaway roping and barrel racing.
“Those that are 14 and 15 in the world are pretty nervous. And they should be, you can come from a long way back, $45,000 to be exact. It’s also like the Masters Golf Tournament, you are up against the best in the world, so it’s not going to be easy to win money. You have to bring your A game,” stated Rorey Lemmel, event producer in an interview before the first Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup in 2023.
“Dreams will be made here, and dreams will be broken here,” Lemmel emphasized referencing the large sum of money to catch or be caught in the world standings. We are going to have Vegas here in Sioux Falls.”
Notable guests attending the final round were childhood friends Jim Hunt and Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden with their wives, Joni and Sandy. Both men representing ranching families for generations of West River also hold important elected positions.
“The Governor’s Cup is a significant addition to South Dakota’s rodeo calendar. It not only brings top-tier rodeo talent to our state but also boosts local tourism and showcases the vibrant community of Sioux Falls,” Rhoden is quoted on cowboychannelplus.com coverage.
Hunt is the current President of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and owner of Open Box Rafter Ranch. As the first South Dakotan and tribal member of Cheyenne River Sioux to hold the position of AQHA President, Hunt’s election is a historic milestone. It reflects not only his personal achievements but also the rich cultural tapestry of South Dakota and its deep connection to the equine world. His leadership brings a renewed focus on ranching heritage and the practical applications of Quarter Horses, aligning with the core values of the AQHA.
Hunt’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the equine world and his alma mater, South Dakota State University (SDSU). Representing the AQHA, Hunt brought attention to the new AQHA Fan Favorite Horse Award. This expands on the existing AQHA yearend horse awards and puts the fans at the center of the vote tallying.
“AQHA has a contract with the PRCA that we pick four major events,” stated Hunt. “We started at the Timed Event Championship last spring and did a fan favorite horse; the fans vote on the horse. Clayton Moss’s steer wrestling horse was chosen there and then we made the deal.”
Contestants in the PRCA and WPRA timed events nominate their registered Quarter Horses to appear on the voting ballot. Fans then vote for their favorite horse, with the winner crowned at the event’s conclusion. The AQHA Fan Favorite Horse voting is being held in this order the Puyallup Playoffs, Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup, Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and NFR Open. 
Hunt reflected by acknowledging everybody has a little different taste and measurement for voting on a horse. He pointed out how often contestants talk about their horses like 4x World Champion Barrel Racer Hailey Kinsel and her mare Sister. Kinsel clocked a 13.52 in the final round to win the 2024 Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup. Her emotional interview on the arena floor praised her mare and equine partner. The duo ran a 13.92 to win the first performance on Thursday, and slicing off .40 seconds showcasing their athletic ability.
“We need to elevate that equine athlete and let fans know how important they, are” he reflected on the significance of the new AQHA Fan Favorite Horse award.
World Champion Tie Down Roper Shad Mayfield said, “My horse (Lollipop) makes up for a lot of it. She makes a lot of stuff happen. I have ridden Lollipop all year long and she’s pretty special,” in his interview following his back-to-back Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup win. Mayfield roped his final calf in 6.9 seconds to claim the $30,000 paycheck. His semi-final calf he roped in 7.1 seconds just an hour earlier.
Hunt acknowledged this award will also highlight and evaluate the breeders, trainers, and genetics in the equine world. The fan favorite prize consists of the coveted AQHA bronze and $1,000. Voting results will appear on AQHA social media accounts at the conclusion of the four events including 10-days of the NFR in Las Vegas. Fans can watch for links and future QR codes during each event online.
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About: Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup, is one of the final opportunities for Professional Rodeo Association (PRCA) athletes to secure their qualification for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, NV. Featuring the top four competitors in each event from the recently concluded CINCH Playoffs in Puyallup, WA, and the leading eight athletes in each event from the NFR Playoffs Series Standings, the CINCH Playoffs the Governor’s Cup, promises high-stakes action and exceptional performances.
A qualifying list of Cinch Playoff cowboys and cowgirls competed for nearly $1.1 million dollars representing the United States, Canada and Australia. The contestant list included rookies to veterans and several world championships. Rorey Lemmel produced the event and credits Shawn Decker for the vision along with his home state Governor Kristi Noem and Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden for their support. South Dakota designated rodeo as its official state sport in 2003.
About: AQHA Fan Favorite Horse Awards: Cowboys and cowgirls nominate their registered Quarter Horses to appear on the voting ballot. Fans then vote for their favorite horse, with the winner crowned at the event’s conclusion. Fan Favorite Horse voting is held at the NFR Open, Puyallup Playoffs, Sioux Falls based Cincy Governor’s Cup and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
About Kirchmann Media Group: This article was written by Gretchen Kirchmann a South Dakota State University alum and small business owner. Kirchmann Media Group (KMG) specializes in providing comprehensive coverage of rodeo events, highlighting the stories and achievements of contestants, and bringing the excitement of rodeo to fans around the world. With a deep understanding of the rodeo community and a commitment to quality journalism, Kirchmann Media Group continues to be a trusted source for rodeo news and insights. Visit www.kirchmannmediagroup.com