Together, the Minnesota duo of Steve Freiheit, of Wykoff, and Kylie Cronemiller, of Milaca, conquered the #12 class at the 2025 Cinch RSNC World Finals, topping a large field with an impressive 38-head finish across four rounds to win $9,828 in 218.02 seconds.
Unlike traditional classes, the #12 event flips the script. With a #3 cap on the gate rider—Cronemiller—Freiheit did all the sorting, which puts teamwork to the test in a whole new way.
“This class is different because, now, the lower riders get to feel what it’s like being the one working the cattle, and how much pressure that can be,” Freiheit explained. “It goes both ways.”
For Cronemiller, the experience was eye-opening and a huge confidence booster.
“I love the gate,” she said with a smile. “But not everyone sorts like Mr. Steve. He was so clean. It made my job easier. Not everyone does that!”
Cronemiller and Freiheit might have looked like longtime teammates in the pen, but their partnership came together just days before the show.
“He asked me to ride just a couple days ago,” Cronemiller said. “We didn’t plan this before the Finals. It just worked out.”
With barely any time to strategize, the duo clicked instantly and rode their way to the top of the leaderboard, securing the #12 World Championship title and a share of nearly $10,000 in prize money. Not bad for a team-up that almost didn’t happen.
Cronemiller faced an added challenge in the pen, competing on a horse that wasn’t her own—a Quarter Horse mare named Gotta Tip (Third Cutting x Haley Bop Hickory), owned by Norman and Cynthia Johnson.
Freiheit partnered with his trusted mount, Levis Commander Gus to help secure the win.
The road to 38 head was anything but easy—and holding onto the lead proved even harder. In a deep, competitive class and pressure mounting with each round, Freiheit and Cronemiller knew their work wasn’t done once the sorting stopped. A sharp, 5-rated team with a hefty handicap was still chasing them down, and the draw wasn’t doing them any favors.
“They had a real chance to get us,” Freiheit said. “The cattle were getting soft, and they were rated just right to sneak in if they had a clean run.”
But the clock ran out, the leaderboard stood firm, and the Minnesota pair’s score held. Relief and excitement kicked in fast, just like their teamwork.
When asked what she plans to do with her winnings, Cronemiller didn’t hesitate.
“I’m going to save up for another horse.”
It’s a fitting answer from a young competitor with her eyes already on the next goal. And with a Cinch RSNC #12 World Finals buckle now in her collection, she’s just getting started.
This article appears in the Summer 2025 issue of The Ranch Sorter, featuring World Champion stories, event recaps, regional results, and more.
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