First off, would you like to tell us a little about yourself? Yes! For starters, my name is Hailey *Halo* Jones.
Where are you from? Im originally from Porter, Texas. Residing in Cut-N-Shoot, Texas now.
When did you start Barrel Racing? I started barrel racing about 7 years ago. I’ve been riding since I was a little kid but the older I got the faster I just wanted to go. I completely turned into an adrenaline junkie!
Are you involved in any other equine events? I train barrel horses and compete competitively.
Who or What got you started barrel racing? Well my mom of course got me started. But it all started when my mom worked with a professional barrel racer who was good friends and hauling partners with Kristie Peterson. I met her, and it was on from there. I was hooked. Then my mother got me started in it with the most amazing trainer I could of ever had. Paul Lackey from New Caney, Texas. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without his help.
What do you do throughout the week to prepare yourself and your horse for a barrel race? On my rodeo horse theres really nothing in particular that I do. I was always told that barrel horses are just like athletics. You can’t just throw them out to pasture let them eat a ton for 4 months and expect to go out there and win the rodeo. I totally disagree with that! I can lay off her for 2 months hop on her and go win the rodeo or barrel race with tough competition. I’ve been blessed with her! Shes definitely 1 in a million.
What was the name of your favorite horse and tell us a little about it. My favorite horse is my pro rodeo mare. Her registered name is Dandees Bay Apache. I call her Kahlua. Shes 15 years old. Daughter and sister to NFR qualifiers.She qualified me for the NLBRA National Finals in Pueblo, Co. Shes got to be one of the coolest i’ve ever ran! This mare will run any size pen, out door, in door, bad ground, great ground the exact same and she will still win you a check. I could go on for days saying nothing but optimistic things about her. I’ve been blessed with a great horse!
Do you have any major goals for this upcoming show season? Of course; Don’t we all?? I will be purchasing my IPRA card, SEBRA card, and WPRA Permit in December. My goals for the upcoming year will be to qualify for the IFR, the SEBRA Finals, And fill my WPRA permit.
Over the years have you noticed any changes in barrel racing what are the good or bad you’ve seen? I’ve noticed some changes. However I don’t tend to pay any attention. Im there to win with the fastest time. Don’t matter what the changes are if I run the fastest time im guaranteed a check.
What is do you think of an equal pay out 4d? I think its great for beginers or new horses that are getting seasoned that way everyone that doesn’t have the fastest time still has a chance to win. However in rodeo there is no “D”. So when I do run I still run for the fastest time just like a rodeo. Barrel races to me are for getting the young/new horses or riders ready for rodeo competion.
If your not a professional barrel racer what do you do for a living? When im not rodeoing I make polo wraps. I’ve started my own wild collection that is totally a crowd pleaser called the “HALO COLLECTION”
Who is your favorite barrel racer or barrel racers? Kristie Peterson since she was the green light to barrel racing for me.
Do you have any advice for anyone just starting out in barrel racing? Well I’ve got my saying “DO WORK, BE THANKFUL, DREAM BIG, AND NEVER GIVE UP” Not everyone has a pretty pattern or fast time everytime. Do work to better that. Be thankful about everything and especially your horse. If it wasn’t for him/her there would be no way you’ll get anywhere. Dream big because we all have dreams a little too big that way we have time to grow into them. And never give up! Giving up wont get you anywhere!
Do you think barrel racing should be limited to women only? Absolutley NOT! Like I said my trainer was a man. And he was absolutley amazing at it!