A Legend & Legacy in the Making – Q&A with NFR Barrel Racer, Lisa Lockhart

Photo by Dan Hubbell

After 12 NFR qualifications, Lisa Lockhart and her top equine partner, Louie have already earned legendary status in the barrel racing world – and this dynamic duo is still fast as ever! Look for them to light up the Thomas & Mack this year and once again inspire us with their precision, speed and winning consistency!

Tell us about the horses you’ll be riding at the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo?
An Oakie With Cash, ‘Louie’ (Biebers Oakie & Lady Kaweah Cash) and Rosas Cantina CC, ‘Rosa’ (Corona Cartel & Dash Ta Vanilla). Louie is super correct in his turns and is as consistent as one can be. Rosa is extremely fast and tends to be stiffer in her turns.

Do you think the Thomas & Mack environment will complement their running & turning style, or do you anticipate making any specific adjustments?
Louie doesn’t care about the situation, as he gives 100% every time regardless of the setup. Rosa is so talented, and as long as I can do my job, she usually will do hers. I don’t change my riding or do anything different for the NFR.

Do you have any specific goals or intentions for this year’s National Finals Rodeo?
My goal is to be focused on my job as a jockey to help my horses achieve the best runs we can.

Do you have a preferred bloodline, running style, body type, or personality you prefer and look for in your barrel horses?
To me it’s not what is on the outside, but rather what is on the inside that counts!

What has been your biggest challenge or learning opportunity during the 2018 rodeo season?
Every day has its challenges and learning opportunities.  I try to look to find the positive and move on.

What motivates & inspires you to keep going and stay positive through all the ups and downs of rodeo life?
I love training and competing, and I am driven to bring out the best in every horse I ride. I so enjoy developing a relationship and bonding with each horse.

What products and therapies do you depend on most to keep your horses healthy, happy, sound and competitive?
I am proactive with my nutritional products by feeding Platinum Performance. I use Legend and Adequan faithfully, and will sometimes use various alternative therapies if the need arises.

What piece of tack or equipment is one you can’t live without?
Some sort of short gag snaffle.

From a training perspective, what aspect of a horse’s development do you think is most critical to their success as a pro-level athlete?
Keeping consistency a priority so that they may gain and maintain confidence in their job.

What do you think is the key to making the transition from a part-time amateur barrel racer to a full-time professional?
It’s still just a barrel racing competition no matter what level you are at.

If you could give one tip to a barrel racer with a goal to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo, what would it be?
I would say don’t get ahead of yourself… just take one step at a time, competing with yourself and not worrying about things that are out of your control.

Can you share one of the most memorable and/or funny moments or experiences from this year or one that really stands out from your years of rodeoing and barrel racing?
When you are as old as I am it is hard to remember anything! Having success on another horse (Rosa) has been pretty exciting for me.

If there was one theme, or one message that your barrel racing journey stands for or represents that is a positive message to others, what would it be?
Barrel racing is what we do, it’s not who we are!

If you could change anything about professional rodeo, that you feel would help ensure it can grow and be enjoyed for years to come, what would it be?
I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, it’s always hard to know what is best for the industry.

What individuals or aspects of your support team have been absolutely crucial to your success, (that you also recommend others with NFR goals have in place as well, if possible)?
Having a great support team is super helpful. I am so thankful for my family, veterinarian, and my sponsors. Surround yourself with positive people!

Please share your sponsors or any people you’d like to give recognition to:
Platinum Performance
Polaris RANGER
Priefert Ranch and Rodeo
Woody’s Performance Horse Feeds
Cowgirl Tuff
B Bar Heart Performance Horses
Martin Saddlery
DeTye Vet Supply
Classic Equine
Rodeo Rigs
Outback Customs
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Click here to learn more about becoming a member of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.

Also enjoy these additional resources:

• Prior and Proper Preparation with NFR Barrel Racer, Lisa Lockhart
• NFR Insider – Will Adversity (and Bad Ground) Cause You to Break, or Break Records?
• What It Takes to Make NFR Barrel Racing Dreams Come True