When Pamela Capper began her 2011 season in earnest, the Cheney, Wash., cowgirl kept her expectations quite conservative.

“I started the year out just hoping to make the circuit finals,” said Capper, who had qualified for the Ram Columbia River Circuit Finals before. “I didn’t get started until after the Fourth of July weekend.”

But Capper went on a tear in August, including big paydays in Hermiston, Ore.; Omak, Wash.; and Kennewick, Wash. In fact, she and Jesse sprinted to the finish of the ProRodeo season, passing the field en route to the top spot in the standings heading to the regional finale, which took place Nov. 11-12 in Redmond, Ore.

Jesse is a 10-year-old brown mare with the registered name Sheza Smooth Flight, and she’s quite talented. Jesse and Capper sped past Brenda Mays, a five-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo who rides one of the best in the business, Jethro, the 2010 WPRA/AQHA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year.

“It’s huge to be able to win the circuit, then to be able to win the finals, too,” Capper said.

Now she’ll get ready for the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, set for March 29-April 1 in Oklahoma. It’s Capper’s first trip to ProRodeo’s national championship.

But she’s earned the right to be there, which is why it’s so special.