UPDATE: I quit my job last March to stay home with my son and be able to Rodeo more. Although I love producing Barrel Races and promoting www.barrelblast.com what’s really in my heart is competing – I am now focusing on seasoning my good Buckskin horse, Smokey (brother to Kelly Kaminski’s Rocky), so we can qualify for Houston and the Texas Circuit Finals….I’m shooting for 2005. As for Barrel Blast Productions ? Of course I will still promote shows and after the huge success of Barrel Blast 2003 with over 500 entries, I am definitely looking forward to another.
When did you start barrel racing? I started taking general riding lessons in 1992 and began barrel racing in 1993.Are you involved in any other equine events?I love Pole Bending and would some day like to take up Reining.
Who or What got you started barrel racing? Charmayne James influenced me to want to barrel race in 1984 so I worked on arranging my lifestyle, on my own, so that I could. I grew up in the city with no means or facility to have horses.
What was the name of your favorite horse and tell us a little about it. Magnolia Night (aka Baby) without a doubt has been my favorite horse but I never actually owned her. Baby, now 19, was purchased at an auction by the Biermans in 1986 – they out bid a Houston Oiler for her…a whopping $400. By the time Baby was 4 yrs old she knew 10 events and was winning in all of them – she carried Billy Bierman to numerous saddle, buckles, and title wins.
I met Billy in 1992 and we married in 1993 and Baby was teaching me how to compete. In 1995 Baby and I became the AQHA Texas Rookie of the Year and 3rd in the US and we placed 9th at the AQHA World Show. We came back in 1996 to place 6th in the World and joined the WPRA and began hauling to somewhat local Pro Rodeos. The winnings continued for a couple years after that until Ovary problems forced us to semi-retire the mare. After a few years off, she and I both having babies and a couple re-locations…Baby won a couple Year-End Open Pole Bending titles and just last year placed 4th in Houston AQHA Am. Poles for Billy. At 19, almost 20 her Heart is still as big as Texas and she goes nuts when she is left behind so I plan to let her do what she loves – run Poles every now and then and lead line my son Brandon on her (next generation). This grand-daughter of Magnolia Bar is truly amazing and her son “Jagger” (out of On The Money Red) is displaying her same qualities. Everyone should get to ride at least one GREAT horse in their lifetime – I can say that I have !
What are some of the events that you have won (or races that stand out in your mind)? All of my wins have been special to me, especially the ones where my family was present such as when my Paw Paw came to see me in Nacogdoches, barely able to walk to the stands, but I heard him yell for me as I rounded the 2nd barrel – he made me win that day ! My World placings are very special because I was not as experienced as those I was up against.
Over the years have you noticed any changes in barrel racing what are the good or bad you’ve seen?Obviously the 3D’s and now 4D’s are dominating and you don’t see any Novice or straight Open classes anymore. I think there is a place for everyone today – every level, and I suppose that is good. The WPRA has better pay-out now, especially at the NFR which was due. I see more money being offered with more super shows and although some feel it is purely luck outside of 1D/2D, at least it is out there today and it wasn’t 10 years ago. Shows are better organized and more thought out than they used to be.
What is do you think of an equal pay out 4d? Personally, I do not agree with equal payout. Some feel it is discriminating against the 1D/2D horses.
Do you think of yourself as a professional barrel racer? No. Just being a member of WPRA and running at the Pro Rodeos does not make someone a professional barrel racer. Although one could make a great living with as much money being paid in Rodeo today.If your not a professional barrel racer what do you do for a living?I am an Administrative/Accountant for Universal Compression in Houston, Texas.
Who is your favorite barrel racer or barrel racers? Charmayne James, Deb Mohon, Gail Hillman, and Sherry Cervi.
Do you have any advice for anyone just starting out in barrel racing? Learn from the Best ! Anyone can give you advice but not everyone is qualified to ! As Sharon Camarillo once told me “Don’t let anyone intimidate you, believe in yourself !”
Do you think barrel racing should be limited to women only? I feel there is a place for everyone and I feel Futurities and 4D’s should be open to men. I just hope to never see the day when Men run barrels at Rodeos, that would be too much.