When did you start barrel racing? I grew up on a working ranch in Colorado – I didn’t get to barrel race or rodeo much until my early teens. But I was raised on a horse, which I think helped to develop a strong foundation.
Are you involved in any other equine events? I take on a few problem horses and start a few – but event wise, not really.
Who or What got you started barrel racing? As a kid growing up in Colorado I looked up to Pauline Haller – Jimmy Gibbs Monroe rode most of her horses – Pauline worked at the local auction where my dad bought and sold a lot of cattle.
What was the name of your favorite horse and tell us a little about it. Without a doubt Chunky Valentine AKA “LP” – she was 14’2″ hands and was all heart and try. She was a box soured steer wrestling horse when I got her, she loved to run and we just clicked. She was 15 when I got her and I often wonder what and where she could have taken me if I could have gotten a hold of her when she was younger. Can I have a 2nd one too? When LP got injured I had the opportunity to get on another great little mare – Missy May Return AKA “Missy” – I feel honored to have had TWO great horses in my life. Both were mares – both were small – like 14’2″ hands and both came to me at an older age.
What are some of the events that you have won (or races that stand out in your mind)? I won the WPRA Rookie of the Year in 1995 and was top 20 in the World that year – also top 20 in the World in 1996. And the year I was the fast time of the performance at Houston and got interviewed on Pay Per View TV was pretty cool! Also, the year that I got dubbed Whiplash at the Cow Palace. I have lots of great memories!
Over the years have you noticed any changes in barrel racing what are the good or bad you’ve seen? qual money for the barrel racers at the NFR. The 4Ds have opened lots of doors for lots of people. I have seen growth in leaps and bounds. I’m excited about the new changes that the PRCA – WPRA is implementing this year too.
What is do you think of an equal pay out 4d? I don’t like equal pay out – I think that percentages are the way to go. You need some incentive to be in the 1D – it doesn’t make sense to me to get out run by 2 seconds and get paid just like the 1D horse.
Do you think of yourself as a professional barrel racer? Yes, a professional barrel racer – but I don’t haul up and down the road like I did a few years back.
If your not a professional barrel racer what do you do for a living? I ride some outside horses – sell equine herbs and operate www.webbarrelracer.com and I’m a Mom to 2 great kids! No pay for the kids – but great rewards!
Who is your favorite barrel racer or barrel racers? I have a few – I respect the ones that ride more than one horse to the pay window regularly. I will always remember Kristi Peterson and Sue Miller for being so nice to me when I was a Rookie. When I would make it to the short go at a big rodeo – and got the jitters from being there with all the “big girls” they always seemed to notice and put me at ease. 🙂
Do you have any advice for anyone just starting out in barrel racing? Every obstacle is only a weakness in your mind – surround yourself with good people and good things will happen. And you never stop learning!
Do you think barrel racing should be limited to women only? I think WPRA should be women only – plenty of other places of the guys – like the futurities and the 4Ds.