Event in which you compete: Barrel Racing
Hometown: Ledbetter, TX, USA
Number of years riding: I have been riding since I was two.
Career accomplishments to date: Five-time NFR qualifier, NFR arena record-holder for five years, won five rounds at 2002 NFR, two AQHA world barrel racing titles, BFA futurity horse-of-the-year, Calgary $100k winner 2009
How you got started in your event: I started running barrels when I was just two. My mom and dad trained racehorses, and both had rodeoed a little, so there were always horses around and I loved them
Length of time you’ve been sponsored by Ariat: Four years. I have been with Ariat since 2006.
Favorite Ariat product (by name): I am a fan of a lot of Ariat boots, but my favorite is the Ariat Legend style.
Proudest career moment: Proudest career moment was at my first NFR in 2002 when I won the first go-round.
Tell us about your first horse: My first horse was a big sorrel named Cowboy. I won my first trophy when I was two. It said Hard Luck Cowgirl because I fell off between the first and second barrel, but my dad put me back on and I finished the pattern.
You ride because: I ride because I love it. I love the partnership I share with my horse, and the sense of accomplishment I feel when we win.
If you weren’t a professional rider, you would be a: If I weren’t a professional barrel racer I would be a lawyer.
Favorite mentor or idol growing up: I think every barrel racers’ idol is Charmayne James. I admire her staying ability, her ability to do it on more than one horse, but most of all I admire her for not letting the fame go to her head.
Favorite place to travel: My favorite place to travel is Montana. The mountains and scenery are beautiful.
Name one fun fact that people don’t know about you: One fact people don’t know about me is that I love to do yard work and mow grass. It’s a great way to unwind.
Favorite way to unwind outside of the barn: I am addicted to a few TV programs. Grey’s Anatomy, Dancing with the Stars, The Good Wife. They are weekly one-hour no-brainers for me.
Good luck charm: My good luck charm – it changes, depending on the horse I ride – a certain saddle, a cross, a shirt, or a belt and hat.
