Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that we may not know (a special talent, hobby, interest, etc.): I am an avid fly fisherman, and a master Scuba Diver.

What is your occupation (how do you fund your barrel racing/horsey habit)? I train barrel horses, sell horses, give riding lessons and work part time for a wholesale animal products dealer.

What is the one item in your tack room or barn that you would never want to be without? A German Martingale

Give us the rundown on your horse
Bit: A Carol Goosetree lifter
Headgear: None
Saddle: Larry Coates
Saddle pad: Larry Coates
Protective boots: “Chem Tac” brand designed and endorosed by me.
Feed (hay, grain, supplements): Grass alfalfa mix, Total Equine and Oxy-Gen supplements
Alternative Therapies (massage, chiropractic, etc.): All of the above.
Training/conditioning routine during the week: I try to ride all but one day a week. I exercise by doing lots of long trotting and a little loping. I only work barrels one day a week.
Warmup routine before a run: Lots of long trotting and stretching.

What is your horse’s greatest strength? She tries her guts out everytime. She has a huge heart.
Biggest weakness? Her feet. She missed an entire year because of her feet. I pulled her shoes, and let her feet just grow for a full year. She now has great feet, but I am always watching them to make sure. My horseshoer, Joe Plymal, has been amazing!

What horse(s) are you going to be riding at the Circuit Finals? Firewater Spirit (Spirit).

If you could make a run on any other horse in the Montana Circuit what horse would you choose and why? Theresa Walters Licorice (Fames Licorice Kiss) of course! What a fun looking ride! I have a Dash Ta Fame too that reminds me a lot of Licorice the way she uses herself around a barrel, and believe me, every time I run her it brings a HUGE smile to my face . . . so much fun!

Who or what event has been the biggest influence in your rodeo career? I wouldn’t even be doing this today if it wasn’t for my “adopted” parents Bill and Kay Ballenger. Six years ago my life crashed, but Kay wouldn’t let me quit. She owns half of all my horses, and she is the driving force behind what we like to call “Team Fullen.”