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Success Leaves Clues – Lessons from a Day with Mary Walker and Latte

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Success Leaves Clues – Lessons from a Day with Mary Walker and Latte

Listen to this article in audio form! It’s #141 on the Barrel Racing Tips podcast.
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Mary Walker is a world-class lady who has “been there and done that.”

And not just because she’s 55 years old, OR a World Champion.

Of course I have a great deal of respect for her as barrel racer, but even more because of the trials she’s overcome.

If you watch the top 15 walk across the stage to receive their back numbers, and look close – you’ll see what I saw in Mary.

A sense of contentedness in her own skin – sheer presence, joy, humble confidence and sincerity. Read more

Barrel Talk with NFR Barrel Racing World Champion, Mary Walker

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Mary Walker Accepting her 7th Go-Round Buckle
Mary Walker accepting her buckle after winning the 7th round.

At 53 years young, Mary Walker’s dream came true in 2012 when she qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

She wowed the crowds as she and her gelding, “Latte” won four rounds, set a new WNFR earnings record, won the WPRA best dressed award, the Top Gun award for a new Ram truck, and utimately the 2012 Barrel Racing World Champtionship.

Mary has overcome adversity and inspired thousands on her road to the WNFR. In April of 2011, Mary and her husband, Byron lost their 21 year old son Reagon in an auto accident. Only two months later Latte fell on her at a rodeo – shattering her pelvis, fracturing her back and requiring numerous plates, screws and months of rehab.

If you’re a barrel racer with dreams of making the NFR, Mary’s story is one that will inspire you to ask “What’s my excuse!?” Triumph really can come from tragedy and Mary is testimony to that.
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Five Pre-Run Rituals of the Top 15 WNFR Barrel Racers

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NFR Opening Ceremonies
NFR Opening Ceremonies

The introduction to this week’s Q&A will be short and sweet.

But should your pre-run ritual be?

How long does it take YOU to prepare for a run?

If you’re like most barrel racers, you follow at least somewhat of a routine, but how you prepare (and how long you prepare) can make or break your run.

Learning about the pre-run rituals of the top 15 WNFR barrel racers can definitely deliver insight into potential changes that may catapult your own barrel racing success to a new level, and that’s exactly the goal of this week’s Q&A video.

When we asked the top 15 what their pre-run rituals where, and many of their answers were similar. We’ve summarized their replies and discussed them further in the video below which was filmed LIVE from Las Vegas at the 2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!
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