By Lindsay Leyden, Rodeo Austin

AUSTIN, Texas -- A new group of cowboys and cowgirls took the spotlight at Rodeo Austin for the second night of the qualifying round in the Ride for the Brand Cowboy Tournament. Contestants compete March 11-25 in a bracket-style format for $570,000 in prize money.

Hailey Kinsel was among the competitors in Sunday's performance and is hoping to continue her winning streak by claiming a spot in the playoff round on March 23-24. The Texas A&M student and recent RFD-TV 2017 American barrel racing champion is wise beyond her years as she does not let the pressure of competition phase her focus.

It's just like any other win, you just have to keep doing good," Kinsel said. "You may be on top one weekend and then you might be on bottom the next weekend in rodeo.

Kinsel grew up on a cattle ranch in south Texas and began rodeoing at the ripe age of three years old and with experience comes wisdom. As she continues in this year's rodeo season, Kinsel said she completely bases her rodeo schedule on her horses.  

"If my horses are doing well, I'll keep entering and if they need a break then we'll take a break," she said. "It's completely on their schedule and right now they're doing good, so I'm going to keep entering."

Kinsel and her equine partner, Sister, competed at Rodeo Austin for the first time on Sunday night.

"I came to Rodeo Austin a long time ago as a kid to watch, but this is my first time to enter and I'm really excited," Kinsel said.

Kinsel ran a 15.80 time, which was third in the performance, and will hopefully claim her a spot in the final round on March 25.

See full results and standings for Rodeo Austin here.