Cream of the Crop – Meet and Learn From the 2014 Top 15 NFR Barrel Racers

They’re not just good, or even great.

The field of 15 barrel racers that will grace the tunnel of the Thomas & Mack with their beauty and horsepower as they run toward $796,875 in prize money this year, are quite simply in a class by themselves.

Also known in french as crème de la crème, or cream of the cream, metaphorically the meaning of this phrase is “the best of the best” – much like the richest part of milk that rises to the very top.

As tough and competitive as barrel racing is, there are plenty of barrel racers that try as they might, don’t rise to this level.

If YOUR dream is to be one of professional rodeo’s elite top 15 at the NFR, take note of the deeper meaning behind each reply below, then research and reflect on how to make connections to your own barrel racing program that will ultimately lift YOU up as well!

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#1 KALEY BASS
Hometown: Kissimmee, FL
NFR qualifications: 3
Joined WPRA: 2011
2014 earnings: $155,280
2014 rodeos attended: 50
Career earnings: $509,365
Horse: Wonders Cowboy Dan “Cowboy,” 14-year old grey gelding

What grain and supplements do you feed? Triple Crown Complete and Fluid Flex

What type of boots do you use? Professional Choice Sports Medicine Boots

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride?
I ride both a Billy Cook and a Jason Senior Saddle.

What are your three favorite bits?
I have two; a tender touch with a twisted mouthpiece and an O-ring with a twisted mouthpiece.

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
I try to long trot Cowboy and get him loose and responsive. If there are poles, I try to take him through the pole pattern as this gets him really listening to me.

Of all the activities you do while out in Las Vegas, what is your favorite?
In the past, I haven’t done too much because we are super busy, but this year I hope to go see a few Vegas shows.

What is your favorite food?
Well I can tell you what I don’t like and that’s Mexican food, but I do enjoy Italian food.

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
Last year I didn’t do anything and got extremely sick. This year I plan on trying to get plenty of sleep and taking Zicam every day to try and stay healthy.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
My favorite brand of clothing is Cruel Girl. I will probably take three hats to the NFR; a black, a charcoal, and a brown. I will take 2 pairs of boots; a black pair and a brown ostrich pair.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
It takes me quite a while to pack for the NFR, because I do a little bit every day. But before I leave, I will go through the trailer one final time to double check and make sure that I have everything I could possibly need.
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#2 FALLON TAYLOR
Hometown: Collinsville, TX
NFR qualifications: 6
Joined WPRA: 1990
2014 earnings: $131,471
2014 rodeos attended: 91
Career earnings: $571,099
Horses: Flos Heiress “Babyflo,” 8-year old mare
Nicks Nefertiti “Neffy,” 9-year old mare
Caliente Cafe “CC,” 5-year old mare

What grain and supplements do you feed? Good old fashioned sweet feed. I feed all TechMix products. I love keeping Baby Flo on the Live Bac, Restart, Stable Complete and Joint Formula.

What type of boots do you use? Professionals Choice, extra tiny for Baby Flo.

What are your three favorite bits?
I prefer Sweet Six, Jim Warner Hackamore, and the Loomis gag.

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
Yes, I keep it simple. I only do a lot of walking unless Baby Flo is feeling extra fresh and spicy and then it requires a little more. On top of that, I give myself a few words of advice, the same every time and get ready for my run.

Of all the activities you do while out in Las Vegas, what is your favorite?
My favorite thing to do outside of the rodeo arena is to eat some of my mom’s home cooking away from the activities and craziness.

What is your favorite food?
I enjoy all foods. Have you seen my thighs? I’m the thickest girl on the road.

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
Because of my answer to the previous question, I have gotten on a really great workout regimen that I will continue through the NFR no matter how tired I am. I have found that it gives me more energy than almost anything else I can do.

Tell us about your NFR Wardrobe?
My favorite brand of clothing is RANCH DRESS’N. I will take 10 pairs of boots but I’ll only run in one pair that I’ve had for five years that are really beat up and raggedy looking. I tend to get dressed with some pretty boots but I always run in these cheap low cut boots with crepe sole. They are a must have for me. As for hats, this is where the ridiculousness sets in. I will bring probably over 25.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
Only a day. As ridiculous as my wardrobe is, it doesn’t take long to make it all happen I have an amazing team that helps me. #teamworkmakesthedreamwork
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#3 LISA LOCKHART
Hometown: Oelrichs, SD
NFR qualifications: 8
Joined WPRA: 2000
2014 earnings: $121,617
2014 rodeos attended: 51
Career earnings: $1,370,487
Horses: An Oakie With Cash “Louie, ”
11-year old gelding
Fast An Gold “Chism,” 16-year old gelding

What grain and supplements do you feed? Woody’s Sales Prep and Platinum Performance

What type of boots do you use? Classic Equine

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride? Circle Y – Lisa Lockhart

What are your three favorite bits?
Twisted wire snaffle, three-piece snaffle, side pull hackamore

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
Walking and lots of long trotting. I put my horse’s boots on after I get done warming up.

Of all the activities you do while out in Las Vegas, what is your favorite?
I most enjoy coming home in the evenings and spending time with my family. We have such a hectic schedule that having some downtime is something to look forward to.

What is your favorite food? Mexican

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do to keep yourself feeling good?
Try to stay on a schedule, eat healthy and get some rest.

Tell us about your NFR Wardrobe?
My favorite brand of clothing is Cowgirl Tuff and I wear Ariat boots. I plan to bring one competition pair and one clean pair to sign autographs in. I will probably just take one hat.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
The older I get, the less time it takes. My whole life is in my trailer.
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#4 NANCY HUNTER
Hometown: Neola, UT
NFR qualifications: 1
Joined WPRA: 1975
2014 earnings: $104,289
2014 rodeos attended: 26
Career earnings: $304,727
Horses: Flit N Fizz “Fuzz,” 14-year old gelding
Guys Cash Perks “Rockstar,” 9-year old gelding
owned by Harry and Vivian Blackwell of Naylor, MO

What grain and supplements do you feed? I use a sweet feed purchased from a local retail store and Exceed 6-Way from MVP.

What type of boots do you use? Polo wraps on all four legs.

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride? My saddle situation is in the indecisive mode right now, I hope to resolve soon!

What are your three favorite bits?
We have a line of Josey-Hunter Bits, Fred designed all our bits. I run in the Fuzz bit, warm up in the Show to Win bit, and do riding at home in the All Around to Win bit.

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
My goal is a short warm up to take the edge off of Fuzz and stretch his muscles. The rodeo environment dictates how this works, if it is a small warm up area I start early and try to avoid the congestion. At times the warm up area is rocky, hard or even non available. Good planning is the key to a good warm up.

As an NFR rookie, what are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to the competition. I love to compete and I enjoy the level of competition when running against such amazing horses and their riders.

What is your favorite food? Forget the food, just give me a cold Dr. Pepper.

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
This is my first year at the NFR so I’m not sure of the schedule, but I do like to get plenty of sleep, as it makes me a happy camper!

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
When it comes to my favorite clothing, having raised four boys, I am more of a budget shopper vs. brand. I have two hats – I will run in my old hat, it feels comfortable and hopefully lucky and will take a backup one. I’ll take two pairs of boots, a pair of Justin Boots and a pair of Ariat boots.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
My OCD kicked in and I am pretty organized now for the NFR. Putting the final items together won’t take me long.
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#5 Britany Diaz
Hometown: Solen, ND
NFR qualifications: 2
Joined WPRA: 2008
2014 earnings: $102,947
2014 rodeos attended: 64
Career earnings: $323,526
Horse: Dasher Dude “Rootie,” 14-year old mare

What grain and supplements do you feed? I feed Purina Omolene 200. My horse is very picky and it is the only grain she will always eat. I feed Platinum CJ and Mega-Sel.

What type of boots do you use on your horse? I use Classic Equine Legacy boots when competing. When she is standing for a period of time, I use the Back on Track boots and always wrap her legs before I put her in the trailer.

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride?
Double J Pozzi Pro. They fit me and my horses great.

What are your three favorite bits?
Cervi three-piece twisted dog bone is my go-to, the Sue Smith Spur Up No. 6, and the Pozzi lifter bit three-piece smooth snaffle.

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
Rootie is very hyper, so I generally do not get on as early as some others tend to. I like to long trot and get her moving out. I also will walk a few circles, picking her up and making her move off both my hands and feet. She’s a funny horse and loves her belly rubbed, so usually I get off of her and rub her belly to keep her calm until it gets close to our turn.

Of all the activities you do while out in Las Vegas, what is your favorite?
While in Vegas, there is not much down time. When we do have a few minutes, I love to visit, sleep or play the penny slots.

What is your favorite food?
I love Chinese food. It’s usually always my pick, so people quit asking me where I wanted to eat when going out. Apparently my family doesn’t like it as much as me.

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
At the NFR, I try to get as much sleep as possible. The schedules are very hectic. My husband, Isaac (PRCA saddle bronc rider) and I also take Airborne to fight off getting sick. Better to try to stay ahead of it. Last year, while Isaac was competing, we used the hotel fitness room every day as well.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
I love all of my Rock & Roll Cowgirl/Panhandle Slim clothes. They fit great and have a ton of cute styles. I currently have a pair of Ariat boots and a pair of Justin boots that I like. Anything that I can be comfortable in all day. I will take only one pair of boots to compete in. I hate changing things up and will wear my favorite, most comfortable pair. I plan to take two hats to the NFR. I have a brown and a black felt hat by American Hat Company.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
As far as packing for me, it doesn’t take too long. I already have most of my clothes in the trailer. I also am a last minute packer, so I generally just throw a bunch of stuff into a bag in a hurry and hope I have what I need. I will also have all of my clothes planned for the performances, so I don’t have to stress about what I am going to wear each night. Packing for Rootie will take me days leading up to the day we leave. I know I will double check everything about 15 times to make sure I have everything I need for her. I always like to make sure I have extra stuff with me for her just in case. I always play scenarios out and make sure I have what I need with me in case something were to happen. I also double check all of my tack to make sure it is in good condition. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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#6 MICHELE MCLEOD
Hometown: Whitesboro, TX
NFR qualifications: 2
Joined WPRA: 2004
2014 earnings: $100,645
2014 rodeos attended: 90
Career earnings: $269,658
Horses: Slick by Design “Slick,” 7-year old stallion
Kellies Chick “Skye,” 7-year old mare

What grain and supplements do you feed? I feed Purina Ultium and Purina SUPERSPORT and Oxygen products (Oxy-Max and Bleeder Stop). I also feed Cetyl M and SmartPaks.

What type of boots do you use? I use Professional Choice boots, front only on Kellies Chick and all four on Slick and Disco.

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride? Shiloh Saddles

What are your three favorite bits?
L&W combo bit with a chain mouth, a Dale Tingle custom made square mouth piece for Skye, a Paul Humphrey gag bit on a rope head stall.

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
I usually am warming up before everyone else. I do a lot of slow trotting and circles to get my horses mind warmed up. I warm up in my regular clothes then I go back to the trailer to get dressed and usually lead my horses in the trailer and this allows them to go to the bathroom.

Of all the activities you do while out in Las Vegas, what is your favorite?
This is my second time to go and last year I didn’t do any extracurricular activities but go to autograph signings. Hopefully this year, I will be able to check out some other things.

What is your favorite food? My favorite food is Mexican.

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
At the NFR, I try to eat very healthy and drink a lot of water to keep myself feeling good. Last year I tried to lay down for a few hours in the trailer every afternoon. We had to get to the arena around 3:30, so I would turn on the generator and watch TV until it was time for the grand entry.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
My favorite brand is Cruel Girl. I love my Shorty’s Caboy Hattery hats and wear Ariat Fat Babies, I’ll take two pair.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
It should not take too long to pack for the NFR because I basically live out of the trailer. It has everything in it and I just try to make sure I have enough warm clothes as it can get cold in Las Vegas!
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#7 MARY WALKER
Hometown: Ennis, TX
NFR qualifications: 3
Joined WPRA: 1983
2014 earnings: $99,712
2014 rodeos attended: 77
Career earnings: $742,875
Horse: Perculatin “Latte,” 10-year old gelding

What grain and supplements do you feed? Omolene 200 and Platinum Performance

What type of boots do you use? Relentless

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride? Jeff Smith and Mary Walker

What are your three favorite bits?
My favorite bit is a Draw Gag.

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
I like to warm up slowly and get my horses attention.

Of all the activities you do while out in Las Vegas, what is your favorite?
My favorite event is the Welcome Reception/Back Number Party. It is fun to get dressed up and then to be handed your back number, makes it all more real.

What is your favorite food? Pizza

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
Plenty of rest, which is easier said than done.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
My favorite brand of clothing is Rock & Roll Cowgirl. I wear Justin boots and will take at least three pair and three hats.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
A week if I am lucky and if I have everything organized.
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#8 CHRISTINE LAUGHLIN
Hometown: Pueblo, CO
NFR qualifications: 1
Joined WPRA: 2008
2014 earnings: $93,135
2014 rodeos attended: 75
Career earnings: $154,360
Horse: Guys Six Pack To Go “Six Pack,”
9-year old grey gelding, owned by
Kathleen Collier of Hereford, TX

What grain and supplements do you feed? My favorite grain is ADM-Power Glo and I use Platinum CJ, Red Cell, and Equi-bone

What type of boots do you use?
Professionals Choice

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride?
I ride Cactus and Merrill saddles

What are your three favorite bits?
Ed Wright, Fred Hunter, and a simple “D” ring

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
I just try to keep my horse and myself loose and limber

As an NFR rookie, what are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to ten runs in a row

What is your favorite food?
Mexican food with a margarita of course!

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
I plan to take daily vitamins and drink plenty of water

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
My favorite brand of clothing is Cowgirl Tuff. I wear Corral, Ariat and Justin boots. I plan to take two pairs and three hats.

How long do you think it will take you to pack for the NFR?
A month!
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#9 SHERRY CERVI
Hometown: Marana, AZ
NFR qualifications: 17
Joined WPRA: 1986
2014 earnings: $93,048
2014 rodeos attended: 56
Career earnings: $2,795,330
Horse: MP Meter My Hay “Stingray,”
12-year old mare

What grain and supplements do you feed? Renew Gold, Silver Lining Herbs, Oxy-Gen products, Bio Vigor and F1 Noni

What type of boots do you use?
Classic Legacy Boots

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride?
Crown C by Martin Saddlery

What are your three favorite bits?
A Classic three-piece long shank dog bone, Paul Petska horseshoe chain mouthpiece bit, and a Carolina two-piece snaffle lifter bit.

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
I warm Stingray up in a different bit than what I will run in. We walk a lot and I try to really get her limber. About 15 minutes before we run, I put her boots on and change her bit and get ready.

Of all the activities you do while out in Las Vegas, what is your favorite?
The last few years, we have started going to a show before the rodeo starts and I like that. It has been a lot of fun. Last year we saw O at the Bellagio. This year we are going to go see Terry Fator, the ventriloquist.

What is your favorite food?
I love a lot of different types of food. I’m getting to where I enter a rodeo because I love a restaurant in that town. I don’t really have a favorite food. I really love just about anything.

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
I drink a lot of Emergen-C. My main goal is to not get sick. I drink quite a lot of Starbucks as well.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
I love shopping so I have lots of favorites. I wear Justin boots and will take one pair to compete in but then I will take a lot of other choices for autograph signings and dressing up. I will just take one hat.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
I usually wait until about two days before I am going to leave and then I really over pack. I like choices.
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#10 KASSIDEY DENNISON
Hometown: Tohatchi, NM
NFR qualifications: 1
Joined WPRA: 2011
2014 earnings: $92,051
2014 rodeos attended: 67
Career earnings: $160,501
Horse: Sierra Hall of Fame “Eagle,”
9-year old gelding

What grain and supplements do you feed? I mix my own grain. I feed Exceed 6-way and Gastro-Plex (MVP products).

What type of boots do you use?
Classic Equine Polo wraps

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride?
Martin Saddlery

What are your three favorite bits?
I don’t have a favorite. I use whatever helps my horses be their best.

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
Yes I do. I am on early and I walk a lot.

As an NFR rookie, what are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to meeting all the fans and competing against the best barrels racers of 2014.

What is your favorite food?
My favorite foods are steak and Italian food.

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
Surround myself with great people. I will also try to eat healthy and get as much rest as I can.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
My favorite brand of clothing is Wrangler. I wear Macie Bean boots and will bring every color I can get and take as many hats as I can.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
I am already packed. I’ve been packed all year. I am excited to get there. I cannot wait!
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#11 CHRISTY LOFLIN
Hometown: Franktown, CO
NFR qualifications: 3
Joined WPRA: 2001
2014 earnings: $91,736
2014 rodeos attended: 73
Career earnings: $398,346
Horses: Sheza Blazin Move “Movin,”
9-year old mare
Miss Judge N Me “Trudee,” 9-year old mare owned by daughter Randi Timmons

What grain and supplements do you feed? I feed Equidae Alfalfa plus and Formula 707 supplements

What type of boots do you use?
Professional Choice

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride?
Dusty Barrett

What are your three favorite bits?
Ed Wright long shank with a medium twist

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
I do lots of long trotting to warm up. I like to make sure Movin is light and responsive.

Of all the activities you do while out in Las Vegas, what is your favorite?
My favorite thing to do in Vegas is to take in one of the Cirque Du Soleil shows.

What is your favorite food? Mexican

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
I was sick last year the whole ten days, so this year I got a flu shot! I’m going to try to eat better and rest as much as I can. I also use Zeal supplements.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
My favorite brand of clothing is Rock N Roll Cowgirl. I wear Tony Lama boots and will take ten pair with me. I will take five American Hats.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
I’ve already started packing.

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#12 CARLEE PIERCE
Hometown: Stephenville, TX
NFR qualifications: 3
Joined WPRA: 2008
2014 earnings: $90,431
2014 rodeos attended: 68
Career earnings: $484,402
Horses: Streakin Perks Fool “Tiny,” 6-year old Mare
Streakin Easy April “Lolo,” 6-year old mare

What grain and supplements do you feed? I feed Bluebonnet feed, Formula 707, 5N1, GloNGo and Restore

What type of boots do you use? Iconoclast

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride?
I like several types of saddles

What are your three favorite bits?
I love hackamore and snaffle bits

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
I lope circles and stretch all my horses before we run.

Of all the activities you do while out in Las Vegas, what is your favorite?
My favorite activity in Las Vegas would be meeting all the wonderful fans.

What is your favorite food? McDonalds french fries

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
I try to get plenty of sleep and just enjoy myself.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
I love clothes of all kinds. I wear Lucchese boots and will take one pair and a couple of JW Brooks hats.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
I pack for about a week prior to leaving.

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#13 TRULA CHURCHILL
Hometown: Valentine, NE
NFR qualifications: 3
Joined WPRA: 1996
2014 earnings: $75,874
2014 rodeos attended: 76
Career earnings: $329,416
Horse: A Streak of Rita “Worm,”
9-year old gelding

What grain and supplements do you feed? Woody’s Summer Heat and Platinum CJ

What type of boots do you use?
Cactus Equine Gear

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride?
Circle Y

What are your three favorite bits?
Twisted wire sliding gag and twisted wire ring snaffle, both custom made by Gordy Alderson.

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
My routine is mostly the same every time but some days Worm needs a little more trotting or loping. I do lots of walking and make sure he is responsive to me.

Of all the activities you do while out there, what is your favorite?
I don’t partake in many activities away from the arena while I’m out there.

What is your favorite food? Cheeseburgers

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
I try to be in decent physical shape before I get there. While I’m there, I eat real, somewhat healthy meals instead of grabbing something quick and rest whenever there is an opportunity.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
My favorite brand of clothing is Cruel Girl. I wear Anderson Bean boots. I’ll have two or three pairs in the trailer. I will plan to take two hats.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
I’ll start about a week before I leave.
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# 14 SAMANTHA LYNE
Hometown: Cotulla, TX
NFR qualifications: 1
Joined WPRA: 2001
2014 earnings: $70,577
2014 rodeos attended: 100
Career earnings: $76,497
Horses: LK Watch Me Rock “Pistoletta,”
6-year old mare
Java Buzz “Java,” 8-year old

What grain and supplements do you feed?
I feed Ultium and Oxy-Gen.

What type of boots do you use?
I only use Iconoclast.

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride? I prefer to ride the Jason Senior Custom Saddlery saddle.

What are your three favorite bits?
My favorite bit is the Tom Balding O-Ring.

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
I use the “Michele McLeod” Warm up method

As an NFR rookie, what are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to running down the ally of the Thomas and Mack for the first time.

What is your favorite food? Mexican

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
Being with my family and friends, going shopping when I can and getting my hair blown out.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
My favorite brands of clothing are Joie, 7 for all Mankind, David Kahn, Citizen for Humanity, Paige Denim, DL 1961, Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin, Frye, Stuart Weitzman and YSL. I wear snake skin boots and will have four pair with me at the NFR. I plan to take five hats.

How long do you think it will take you to pack for the NFR?
It has been an ongoing process all year and glad I am getting the opportunity.
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#15 JANA BEAN
Hometown: Fort Hancock, TX
NFR qualifications: 1
Joined WPRA: 1999
2014 earnings: $70,416
2014 rodeos attended: 100
Career earnings: $149,731
Horses: Heza Bug Leo “Bugs,” 9-year old gelding,
owned by Trip and Callie duPerier
UR One Famous Rebel, 5-year old gelding

What grain and supplements do you feed? I feed Omolene 500 and Oxygen Oxy-Max to my horses.

What type of boots do you use? Classic Equine

What brand or brands of saddles do you ride? Double J Pro

What are your three favorite bits? Simplicity three-piece, L&W three-piece lifter with port, Ed Wright three-piece lifter

Do you have a specific warm up before a run?
I like to walk for about five minutes and then trot and lope them both ways until I feel like they are ready and listening. I also like to turn them back over themselves and make them set their hips a few times.

As a rookie to the NFR, what are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to running down the alley of the Thomas and Mack for the first time!

With the rigorous schedule at the NFR, how do you keep yourself feeling good?
I plan on taking vitamins and trying to rest as much as possible.

Tell us about your NFR wardrobe?
My favorite brand of clothing is Cowgirl Tuff. I wear Tony Lama boots and will probably take two pairs and five hats.

How long does it take you to pack for the NFR?
I don’t know because I’ve never been to the finals but I bet a couple days.
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The 2014 NFR action starts on Thursday, December 4th and will be televised on CBS Sports. Click here for a TV schedule.

So are YOU ready to “Go Pro?”

The standards are high and the competition is tough, but starting out as a permit holder is one of your first stops on the rise to the TOP!

Click here to learn more about becoming a member of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, and also enjoy these additional resources:

• What it Takes to Make NFR Barrel Racing Dreams Come True
• Six Steps to Seek and Secure Sponsorship for Barrel Racing
• WPRA Membership Application, Information and Getting Started FAQ
• Train Like an Athlete – WIN Like a Champion! Fitness Tips from the Top 15