Summer Kosel is a professional barrel racer and rodeo contestant from Glenham, South Dakota.
Known for her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, Kosel has significantly impacted rodeo, particularly in barrel racing.
She is recognized for her partnership with her horse, Apollo, with whom she has broken records and won numerous competitions.
Kosel’s career is marked by her commitment to her family, faith, and love for rodeo.
In this article, you will know Summer Kosel’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Summer Kosel’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Summer Kosel |
| Date of Birth | May 30, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Glenham, South Dakota |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | N/A |
| Husband | Kevin Kosel |
| Children | Four (Hope, Serenity, Victory, Courage) |
| Profession | Rodeo Contestant/Barrel Racer |
| Net Worth in 2023 | $1 million |
| Career Earnings in 2023 | $115,681.61 |
Summer Kosel hails from Glenham, South Dakota, where she lives with her husband, Kevin, and their four children.
The couple runs a family ranch and a stock contracting business, Smokin Guns Rodeo Production, which organizes amateur rodeos in South Dakota.
Kosel’s life revolves around her family and her passion for rodeo. Her children also participate in the sport.
Kosel’s journey in rodeo began at a young age, as her father raised racehorses.
She was around horses most of her life, and after a brief period away from the sport to pursue other interests, she returned to barrel racing after starting her family.
Today, she is a prominent figure in the rodeo world, known for her talent, dedication, and strong bond with her horse, Apollo.
Early Life
Summer Kosel was introduced to horses and rodeo by her father, who raised racehorses.
She was riding horses before she could walk, and her early life was deeply intertwined with these majestic animals.
However, she took a break from the sport to pursue other interests, including a desire to be a singer and dancer.
It was only after she got married and started a family that horses and barrel racing reentered her life.
Professional Career
Summer Kosel is a professional barrel racer from Glenham, South Dakota. Her father raised racehorses, so she has been involved with horses since childhood.
After getting married and starting a family, she returned to barrel racing, a sport she had been involved in all her life. Kosel joined the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) in 2017.
She has had significant success in her career, with major wins in 2023 at events such as RodeoHouston, San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, Red Bluff Round-Up, Guymon Pioneer Days, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Dodge City Round-Up, and the Governor’s Cup Rodeo.
A significant part of Kosel’s success can be attributed to her horse, Apollo, also known as FirewaterFrenchFame.
Apollo’s previous owners initially intended him to be a rope horse, but a friend started him on the barrel pattern before Kosel purchased him.
Together, they have broken records, including at the 2022 Cheyenne Frontier Days, where they set a new arena record.
Despite her professional commitments, Kosel is also a dedicated mother to four girls who compete in rodeo.
She and her husband, Kevin, a former bull rider, run a stock contracting company and ranch.
As of 2023, Kosel is a 1-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifier and started the 2023 NFR in 9th place.
Horses
Summer Kosel’s professional rodeo career is marked by her partnership with her horse, Apollo, also known as FirewaterFrenchFame.
Apollo, a chestnut gelding, was initially intended by his previous owners to be a rope horse.
Kosel and Apollo have won over $115,000 in 2023, including go-round wins at some big shows: Houston, Ft. Worth, Clovis, California, Guymon, Oklahoma, and Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Husband
Summer Kosel is married to Kevin Kosel. Together, they run a family ranch and a stock contracting business, Smokin Guns Rodeo Production.
Summer Kosel’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Summer Kosel’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million. Her earnings from rodeo competitions alone amount to $115,681.61.
Career Earnings
In 2023, Summer Kosel earned significant prize money from various rodeos.
Some of her major wins include RodeoHouston ($8,250), San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo ($6,581), Red Bluff Round-Up ($5,941), Guymon Pioneer Days ($6,256), Cheyenne Frontier Days ($15,442), Dodge City Round-Up ($11,80), and Governor’s Cup Rodeo ($14,500).
| Event | Earnings |
| RodeoHouston | $8,250 |
| San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo | $6,581 |
| Red Bluff Round-Up | $5,941 |
| Guymon Pioneer Days | $6,256 |
| Cheyenne Frontier Days | $15,442 |
| Dodge City Round-Up | $11,80 |
| Governor’s Cup Rodeo | $14,500 |
| Total 2024 Regular Season Earnings | $115,682 |
FAQs
1. Who is Summer Kosel?
Summer Kosel is a professional barrel racer from Glenham, South Dakota, known for qualifying for her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in 2023. She balances rodeo with family life as a mother of four and co-owner of a stock contracting business.
2. What are Summer Kosel’s career achievements?
She earned $228,697 in 2023, finishing seventh in the world standings. Highlights include winning Guymon Pioneer Days, Buffalo Bill Rodeo, and placing second at Cheyenne Frontier Days. She also set arena records in Cheyenne.
3. What is unique about Summer Kosel’s horse, Apollo?
Apollo, an 11-year-old chestnut gelding, is a Ruby Buckle-eligible horse known for agility and intelligence. He won the 2023 WPRA Rising Star Award and excels in both indoor and outdoor arenas.
4. How did Summer Kosel start barrel racing?
She began riding at age three, growing up on a racehorse farm. Her father gave her a retired racehorse to train, teaching her horsemanship and fearlessness in handling fast, untrained horses.
5. Why did Summer Kosel take a break from rodeo?
She paused her career for over a decade to focus on family and pursue a singing career in Nashville. She returned to barrel racing after her husband encouraged her to reignite her passion.
6. How does Summer Kosel balance rodeo and family life?
Her husband manages their children’s activities and ranch operations while she competes. She prioritizes family events, limiting travel during critical moments like her daughter’s high school graduation.
7. What training methods does Summer Kosel use for Apollo?
Apollo undergoes weekly water treadmill sessions to maintain muscle strength. During breaks, he enjoys grazing freely, and Kosel avoids overworking him to preserve his physical and mental health.
8. What awards has Summer Kosel’s horse, Apollo, won?
Apollo received the 2023 Scoti Flit Bar Rising Star Award, recognizing his debut NFR season. The award honors horses displaying exceptional talent and contributions to their riders’ success.
9. What is Summer Kosel’s mindset during competitions?
She emphasizes faith over luck or superstitions, believing success stems from preparation and trust in God’s plan. Her mantra focuses on gratitude and staying grounded in her values.
10. What are Summer Kosel’s future goals in rodeo?
While family remains her priority, she aims to compete selectively in 2024, targeting major rodeos like Cheyenne Frontier Days. She remains open to another NFR qualification if opportunities align.
