Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? I will be taking my 6-year-old mare, DE Best Firewater (Shiloh).
What is unique about their personality and what are their strengths? How tall are they and what is their weight (thought it would be fun to compare)? She is small, probably 14.1hh and 1,000#. She has a very dominant personality. If I were to list all of her quirks, it would take hours. She is very demanding and set in her ways. I have just learned that her quirks are something that I have to live with and I gave up on trying to “change” her. Her biggest strength is her heart and her grittiness. She will run on any kind of ground and give you her whole heart every time.
When did you start competing in barrels? I grew up on my parents ranch in Buffalo, SD so my brother and I were horseback before we could walk. We started out competing at local youth play days and I was 4 when I won my first buckle on my pony “Candy Bar”.
How long have you been a WPRA member? Since 2010
Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines? I have done both. I’ve rode a wide variety of bloodlines from cutters to race bred and as long as they have the talent and some grit to them, I don’t have a preference as far as what’s on their papers. Right now, I have four horses that are all Fire Water Flit grand-get crossed on some type of Dash For Cash and that seems to be a good cross for my taste.
What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)? For myself, I go to CrossFit in Miles City 5 days a week. Shiloh is an easy keeper so she gets ponied or rode at least every other day to keep her in shape. I don’t usually work her on the barrels, if I do, it’s only at a walk.
When you're headed to the rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books? Everything. My music choices can go from Conway Twitty to Eminem. My podcast library is the same way, everything from RumpChat to Biblical theologians.
What or who are you thankful for? A lot of things but mainly my family & the privilege of living in America.
Do you have favorite spots to stop at while on the road? Parker isn’t much for stopping on the road, unless it’s to unload horses and stretch their legs. If we can drive all night to get home, we will.
Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig? I travel with my husband, Parker, our 5-year-old daughter, Willow, and Jason Handy. Shiloh requires a buddy horse with her so I hauled my 5-yr-old mare along this summer. We drive a 2022 Chevy Duramax dually and our trailer is a 2017 Elite 4 Horse.
What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2023 circuit finals? Winning Forsyth was exciting but I think the most memorable run that she made was in White Sulphur. She had never run in mud before. I was going to turn out because I didn’t think there was any chance of placing but she came thru and placed 2nd in the slop.
What are your hobbies or other sports you compete in? Parker and I like to watch college football. I read a wide variety of books. My favorite author is CJ Box. Right now I’m reading a lot of books about Navy seals.
The Run Down
Saddle: Burns
Pad: Best Ever
Leg Gear: Classic Equine
Bits: An old Martha Josey combo bit that I got from Erin Williams. It’s probably the most valuable piece of tack I own!
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): Hay: free choice grass hay with a little alfalfa
Grain: CHS fortified peewee cake
Supplements: Culbac & Silver Lining Herbs.
Additional Care: Legend. Kahn Forge concave shoes on front, St Croix Xtras on back. Jana Leininger did Accuscope & Myopulse treatments on her when she was getting a lot of runs in August.