Raenee, Darcy and Ryley Mapston. Lora Davies photo.

Tell us an interesting fact about your horse that we may not know. Hero is very touchy, very athletic and can long trot super fast. Ryan ranched on him for about two years, but he doesn't have to go on hard jobs anymore.

What is the one item in your tack room or barn that you would never want to be without? I have a gag bit and a pair of split reins I love, also am loving my saddle.

Give us the run down on your horse:
Bit: Hero does take much bit, right now I run him in a wonder bit with no chin strap.
Saddle: Cactus Charmayne James
Saddle pad: Classic Sensorflex
Protective boots: Iconoclast
Feed: Grass/alfalfa hay and Woodys Summer Heat and Dominator supplement from Woodys also.
Training/conditioning routine during the week: Hero doesn't need any fast work so I just ride, or pony him. If I take him to my barrel patch I will trot and lope big circles around barrels .
Warm-up before race: I stretch him the best I can then walk, trot, long trot, lope if there is a place and walk.

What is your horse’s greatest strength? Biggest weakness? I thing his greatest strength is he stands up when he turns. I think he placed in most of the rodeos with bad ground. Weakness I guess is he hasn't been in a lot of perfs and needs to fire hard in small pens.

What horse(s) are you going to be riding at the Circuit finals? Hero

If one weekend you could travel with anyone in history (living or dead) who would it be and why? I would love to get to go one more weekend with my Dad. He use to go with me a lot, especially after Ryley was born.

If you could make a run on any other horse in the Montana Circuit what horse would you choose and why? I would pick Lindsay Karp’s horse Hess (Hesa Rare Runner). I have loved him since my sister Raelene rode him when Donna Johnson owned him.

Who or what event has been the biggest influence in your rodeo career? My Mom and Dad supported a lot and now Ryan is a great coach. I have the greatest sisters who help me in every part of rodeo. They help take care of my kids, travel and make it more fun!