The Cinch #13 Gold Shootout team of Harper Grace Pierce and Joel Lesh emerged victorious at the inaugural Cinch RSNC Dixie National Super Sort in Jackson, Mississippi, held from Feb. 19-21, 2026. The duo sorted a perfect 30 head over three rounds in 157.28 seconds, earning $6,716 in prize money.
Hailing from Williamson, Georgia, Pierce rode her trusted companion “Spyder,” a 2013 gelding by Smooth Spyder Rey out of Margaret Rey. Spyder has consistently delivered outstanding performances for Pierce in various sorting events, once again proving his reliability in high-stakes rounds that led Pierce to victory.
Reflecting on her strategy, Pierce shared, “Just to do our best and not push them too hard, and just do whatever comes to us.” This approach not only secured the win with Lesh but also a second-place finish with Logan Wolfe in the same class.
Lesh, representing Stillwater, Oklahoma, partnered with his 2020 mare Hot Baloo (Lil Catbaloo x Hotstuff An Then Sum), affectionately known as “Kahlua.” Kahlua has emerged as one of Lesh’s top mounts in sorting competitions, contributing to significant wins such as the Championship at the recent Cowtown Showdown benefit alongside partner Tanner Keith.
With a reliable mount and keen cattle-handling skills, Lesh was well-positioned for success. “The cows kind of give you what they had, and they just were soft, so we just kind of went to them,” Lesh explained. Anticipating the cattle’s behavior, he navigated the rounds effectively.
Lesh also commended his young partner—Pierce, who had recently turned 12—for her composed demeanor throughout the class. “She’s a good little rider. She’s won the Shootout before. She sticks to her game plan, she doesn’t get too worked up in it watching her ride, and she’s just paying attention to her stuff.”
To further highlight Pierce’s achievements, she emerged as the show’s highest money-earner, taking home $10,325 over the weekend. A truly remarkable feat for the young rider celebrating her 12th birthday at the event.