My Mission
“To help barrel racers WIN in the arena and out with resources for developing educated, confident, high-achieving equine athletes.”
“To help barrel racers WIN in the arena and out with resources for developing educated, confident, high-achieving equine athletes.”
A Legend & Legacy in the Making – Q&A with NFR Barrel Racer, Lisa Lockhart
in NFR Barrel Racing/by Heather SmithAfter 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!
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Fulfilling a Greater Goal with NFR Barrel Racer, Stevi Hillman
in NFR Barrel Racing/by Heather SmithFor professional barrel racer and NFR qualifier, Stevi Hillman, barrel racing may be a huge part of how she achieves her goals, but barrel racing achievements aren’t necessarily THE goal itself. In the Q&A interview below she’s shared numerous insights that will leave you motivated and inspired to go for yours as well!
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Bet on Bettis – Pre-NFR Interview with Barrel Racing Qualifier Taci Bettis
in NFR Barrel Racing/by Heather SmithTell us about the horse(s) you’ll be riding at the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo?
Bogie is a Smash is ten years old. He’s quirky, but means business. He’s my main mount who has qualified me to the WNFR. Traffic Guy Shine is a five year old colt I got in May. She’s a little behind but has loads of talent.
Do you think the Thomas & Mack environment will complement their running & turning style, or do you anticipate making any specific adjustments?
Smash seems to deal well with anything. Obviously we would both rather be in a big outdoor pen. But that’s not what the T&M is so we deal with it. It might takes a few runs to adjust but I’m not changing much. Go in how I know how to ride him and give everything we have.
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Q&A with Wrangler NFR Barrel Racer, Ivy Conrado
in NFR Barrel Racing/by Heather SmithTell us about the horse you’ll be riding at the Wrangler NFR?
My main mount with be KN Fabs Gift of Fame, aka JLo. She is by Frenchmans Fabulous and out of Misty’s Dash Of Fame. She is a sweet mare, pretty high energy. She needs exercised a lot! She is a pretty stiff and square mare so we try to keep her backed off pretty good. JLo is the most honest horse I’ve ever ridden. I truly love being her person!
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Fueled by Family & Faith – Q&A with NFR Barrel, Racer Kylie Weast
in NFR Barrel Racing/by Heather SmithTell us about the horses you’ll be riding at the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo?
Hell on the Red is a six year old sorrel mare by JL Dash ta Heaven and out of Designer Ruby x Designer Red. “Reddy” is four wheel drive as far as turning style. She stays pretty level throughout her turns. She isn’t a pet, nor does she like to be loved on. She’s tough. Period. In all she does, she’s tough. “It’s not always perfect, but she tries perfectly.”
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Priorities and a Winning Perspective with NFR Barrel Racing Qualifier, Jessica Routier
in NFR Barrel Racing/by Heather SmithTell us about the horse you’ll be riding at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo?
Fiery Miss West is a seven year old mare. She’s by Firewater Frenchman and out of Frenchmans Bodashus (Royal Quick Dash). “Missy” is a little palomino mare with a huge heart and a lot of try. She really uses her hind end in her turns but also keeps a lot of forward momentum going.
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Top 15 Barrel Horse Pedigrees Headed to the 2018 NFR
in NFR Barrel Racing/by Heather SmithThe stage has been set and soon rodeo’s leading ladies and their elite equine athletes will make their way to the bright lights of Las Vegas.
This post highlights the lineage of the incredible horse power that ran steady in 2018 for barrel racing veterans and made dreams come true for first-time NFR barrel racing qualifiers.
May this collection of pedigrees prepare you to study the world’s best barrel horses in action and inspire you to bring out the best in your horses and consider your next champion!
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Rodeo’s Leading Ladies – Meet the 2017 Top 15 NFR Barrel Racers
in NFR Barrel Racing/by Heather SmithThe top 15 WPRA barrel racing qualifiers are finalizing their last preparations before heading to Las Vegas, and will soon be blasting down the alley at the Thomas & Mack.
In anticipation of the upcoming barrel racing action, I’m excited to share their reflections on the 2017 season, and some insights into what we can look forward to seeing in this year’s race to the gold buckle.
So before the gates crack open on December 7th, let’s dive in and get to know these these amazing women and their horses (including pedigrees) who will entertain, educate and inspire us – at the 2017 NFR and beyond! Read more