Where are you from? Spring,Texas
When did you start barrel racing? I started when I was about 6 years old. My Dad’s friend had a horse that you could run barrels on named Baby and they let me run her. Of course I loped and broke the pattern. But, I was ready to go back and win that ribbon! I rode for a couple of years and stopped. When I turned 15 I started back and stayed riding till I was about 22. Got married, divorced and started back when I was 27 and have been riding ever since. (don’t stop riding for a man!)
Who or What got you started barrel racing? My Dad
On the road things sometimes happen. Do you have an unusual or funny story? There are a lot of them! One that I can say is when I finally turned 16 my Dad let me haul the 4 door dually with our gooseneck sundowner (metal) 3 horse slant load by myself. Well, the barrel race was a STBRA and at Silverdale. I made it there and went to go park. Somehow I got really close to jack knifing the rig. So one of the other dads. I think Rochelle George’s dad George George told me to get out and he helped parked me! After that I never did that again and I learned to back up!!
One more I was going back to Hill one night going up 45 I had a blow out. Well, as I changed the tire some old man stopped and held the flashlight while I changed it. Got back on the road and was ticked. Turned off at Teague and went up the hwy. Well, between Mexia and Hillsboro I had another one!! I started crying! Lucky for me there was a couple that lived in Hillsboro and they loaded my horse in their trailer and hauled her back to the arena for me. I cannot remember who they are but to this day will help them with whatever!!
Oh and one more- Entered a rodeo when I was 16 at Liberty. I went to make a run and went around the 1st barrel, went on to the 2nd well, my little black mare “Buttons” came around the 2nd and wanted to go back to the 1st barrel I almost fell off then in between this my saddle started falling to the side. It had come loose. Before I went in my Dad came up and asked if I was ready. I told him yes and thought he tightened the girt. HUMM- thought wrong. He did not tighten it. So after that I left it up to myself to check.
What was the name of your favorite horse and tell us a little about it. Right now with the different horses I have had. It would be Polly- Promise from Heaven. I bought her from Bobbi Conner. After having some bad luck with my other one she has been a blessing to me.
What are some of the events that you have won (or races that stand out in your mind)? One of them is the last WBR Finals. I was sitting there waiting to run and Booger came up to me grabbed my leg and told me to go make a run. I was nervous and with him coming up making fun of me helped calmed me down. Thanks Ol’ Man!!.
This pasted year I placed 2nd at a CPRA Rodeo in Yoakum on my 4 year old Polly.
One year at Alvarado I rode someone else’s horse. She bucked in-between the barrels and I won a check at that WBR!
Another is when Mr. Free was letting me run Slick and we won a STBRA at Brenham. I was so happy!!
Oh and in 92’ when CPRA was 1st starting going to Winnie. Would have placed but hit a barrel. I was like 17 years old!
What is do you think of an equal pay out 4d? FASTEST HORSE SHOULD WIN MORE THAN THE REST. DO NOT LIKE EQUAL PAY.
Do you think of yourself as a professional barrel racer? No.
If your not a professional barrel racer what do you do for a living? I work for TDCJ as an Accountant. And no I’m not on a unit! LOL
Who is your favorite barrel racer or barrel racers? There are a lot of good ones when I was growing up. Of course Martha Josey , Sheri Cervi, Connie Combs. But I love to watch Stacy Grimes, Donna Thames, and a few others.
Do you have any advice for anyone just starting out in barrel racing? Patience, if you need help find someone that knows! Everyone can tell you what they think you need to do but you need to pick what works best for you!
If you are just starting out, get a horse that is already finished!
And get ready to spend lots of money on feed, vets, horse tack and all the fun stuff you can buy!
Do you think barrel racing should be limited to women only? I feel that barrel races should be open to everyone but rodeos should just be women. I got tickled when I found this on the WPRA website:
I can’t find my birth certificate. Can I send some other form of ID?
No, we need your birth certificate to verify your sex at the time of birth. Only persons born female are eligible to be members of the WPRA. If you were born in a hospital chances are you can obtain a copy of your birth certificate either from the hospital or from the County Registrar’s Office for a nominal fee. If you are not able to obtain a copy of your birth certificate special arrangements can be made by contacting your circuit director. Not sure which circuit you’re in? Have a look at the map below.