Where are you from? I was born in Yuma, Arizona and lived there thru high school then relocated to Pinetop, Arizona. My dad wanted to move us to “gods” country.. Well it was pretty there but, apparently “god” didn’t own horses.. or maybe he had someone to feed for him in 4 foot of snow..
When did you start barrel racing? I started barrel racing or lets just say flight school at about the age of 7. I tried to train and ride a 5 yr old (unbroken) appaloosa mare named “Surprise”. When we bought her we should have paid more attention to the name.. We didn’t own a trailer and my mother and father knew nothing about horses, other than I had to have one. My dad had me ride this mare home, along the ditch bank- 7 miles. This is when my flight training started lets just say I walked more than half way.. She never did run barrels as well as she bucked. I moved on to a crazy paint horse at about 11 yrs old.. It wasn’t much better..
Who or What got you started barrel racing? Larry and Randy of Laveen, Arizona. They sold me my first real barrel horse. “Quincy” he was the best.. I learned to back thru gates on him.. The three of them taught me a lot..Unusual or funny experience.. My rodeo travels. My hauling partner and I spent sooo much time on the road. We had so much fun and were always cracking each other up.. But, one time that comes to mind is when my good horse “Whisper” pierced her nose. She had stuck the snap from then window screen thru her nose completely and I was laughing and crying at the same time trying to get Ramona to do something about it.. It is funny now but, at the time is was horrible. We couldn’t back her out of the trailer because her nose was hung in the snap and the snap was hooked to the window screen. Ramona had to stand on my shoulders and save her life..(without laughing) Thanks again Ramona.. We always said that we had the worst luck..
Favorite experiences on the road.. My hauling partner and I had so many rituals. The funniest was that money was always tight and we always said that we would not eat out unless we won a check.. Lets just say we got skinny and I learned you can starve out there.(lol) Just remember keep your head up and have fun, that is what it is all about. We are so very lucky to be doing the things that we love to do..
What are some of the events that you have won (or races that stand out in your mind)? The GCPRA finals in 1999 and 2000 were some of my best times. But, the one that stands out the most is the CPRA membership drive rodeo in 2001. I had just come down to check out my new trailer and decided to enter the rodeo. I had been warned from the Az girls that you don’t play in Texas because that is where the wolves live. But, I did enter and partly because I was trying to impress a guy. I ended up placing 4th right behind Gail Hillman and I felt like I had just won a round at the NFR, and I got the man..
What is do you think of an equal pay out 4d? Yes I think they should be equal.. We all believe it or not go to a 4-d to win, to be the fastest. But, it doesn’t always work that way.. But, the 3 and 4 d places they pay the same entry fee and they work just as hard so I think all places should be equal.. The 1 and 2 d places can run other places and pull checks (rodeos, etc…) but, those 3 and 4 d horses are limited.
Do you think of yourself as a professional barrel racer? I ride and train horses for a profession.. I also try to sell 4-star trailers. But, mainly I try to be professional to everyone in anything that I do.
Do you have any advice for anyone just starting out in barrel racing? Stay focused and sta