Sue Brown – Passed away 11/13/03
I was born in Prague, Ok and have lived in Oklahoma all my life.I was born in Prague, Ok and have lived in Oklahoma all my life.
When did you start barrel racing? After I got out of college in 1963 when I could afford to buy my own horse (1965)
Are you involved in any other equine events? Yes, I have a race horse.
Who or What got you started barrel racing? I always had a love for horses. My brother was into rodeo for a while, then I met others rodeoing, so it seemed like the natural thing to do.
On the road sometimes things happen do you have an usual or funny story? Lynda Gordon and I went to an IPRA rodeo at Poteau, Ok; during the trip something happened to the fuel pump on the pickup. It took 75 gallons of gas to get home and it was only a 150 mile trip. That averaged out to 2 miles per gallon.
What was the name of your favorite horse and tell us a little about it. 1. Dunny – won 3 Trailers, several saddles, and many buckles. He was not registered and I paid $600 for him but he put me on the map. I won the IRA in 1970 (now IPRA), IFR in 1971 and the Oklahoma Barrel Racing Assoc 3 times on him. Back then there was many all Girl Rodeos. I ran barrels, roped, goat tied and steer undecorated on him.
2. Mr Go Band – AKA Big John and Super Bar. Won Oklahoma Barrel Racers Assoc 2x’s, 2 Trailers, CSRA Barrel Champion, and the IRA Finals several times. He was 16.2 hands tall and won Ft Worth QHS, with a 17 second run, then next week won the IRA rodeo in 11 seconds. He was very good in almost any situation.
3. Pauls Talent – He knew the pattern when I bought him but it didn’t take long for him to become a winner. He was the toughest horse I’ve ever seen in the mud. He was Runner up in the Oklahoma Barrel Racers Assoc.
4. Royal Twist Pac – known as Diablo. I won many rodeos and a lot of money on him. He was good, but what I loved about him was what a big heart he had and how hard he tried ever trip. My daughter won the National Indian Championship on him.What are some of the events that you have won (or races that stand out in your mind)? Oklahoma Barrel Racers 5 times, IRA (now IPRA), several Loretta Lynn rodeos (now Longhorn Rodeos) and the IFA.
Over the years have you noticed any changes in barrel racing what are the good or bad you’ve seen? More money involved. The 4D concept which I think has increased the value of the horses. Whether that is good or bad depends if you are buying or selling..What is do you think of an equal pay out 4d?DO NOT like equal payout in 4D. Not fair to the good, outstanding horses
.Do you think of yourself as a professional barrel racer? Yes, I’m a member of Professional organizations. I’ve trained nice horses and I’ve taken several spoiled barrel horses and made winners out of them.
If your not a professional barrel racer what do you do for a living? I consider myself a professional, but I’ve held a full time job while having won several titles. I worked 30 years, and am now retired from Tinker Air Force Base.
Who is your favorite barrel racer or barrel racers? Do not have a favorite. I love barrel racers and barrel racing.
Do you have any advice for anyone just starting out in barrel racing?Pick one person for advice and start out on an old, solid, gentle barrel horse.
Do you think barrel racing should be limited to women only?In rodeos, yes; jackpots, Horse shows, etc, no