2015 Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finalist Heather Knerr

Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? I will be taking Dashing French Charm aka Hershey and Sparkin Jetolena aka Sparky.

What are your horse(s) lifetime earnings? I’m not sure what their lifetime earnings are, approximately $20,000 for Sparky and $10,000 for Hershey.

List a few of your horse(s)' major accomplishments. Last year at the circuit finals, Sparky was reserve champion. This year I placed 11th at Cody. He was 6th at the Roper Rally Futurity in Gillette as a five year old. Hershey won the WPRA divisional circuit finals last fall. She placed 3rd in the Barrel of Gold Futurity as a five year old. I was second in the breakaway roping at the Vernon college rodeo on her in 2014. Between the two of them, I was able to secure the barrel racing championship at the Dillon college rodeo last fall. There are many other accomplishments that I can credit to my horses, but these are a few of the highlights. I am so thankful for the horses I ride.

List a few of your major accomplishments. All my accomplishments are the same as my horses because they are the ones I’ve mostly won everything on. However, I have also qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in the breakaway roping and the goat tying as a freshman in 2012.

What is your favorite part of barrel racing and the rodeo lifestyle? My favorite part of barrel racing is the challenge and then the reward when I am able to overcome the obstacles and be successful. I love that the rodeo lifestyle allows for families to do it together and that many of the competitors look out for each other and help each other out. I think it’s great the more money that is getting added in order to make it possible to have a profitable career. It allows us to hopefully be able to do what we love, and still pay the bills. I also like travelling to new places and the adventure that every trip brings. Nearly every aspect of rodeo is enjoyable to me, and I am so blessed to be a part of it.

What is your favorite inspirational quote or saying that you use to keep you going during the year? “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough” – Og Mandino “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” I’ve had a lot of opportunity this year to grow through difficult circumstances and I’ve learned that you can’t allow them to get you down. You have to use them to prove the person that you are.

What is your favorite thing to do with your horses other than barrels? My favorite thing to do on my horses is rope, however, I also enjoy just riding out in the hills. Occasionally, I help my cousin move cows, and I enjoy that too.

What special qualities does your horse have and what makes him/her unique? Hershey has a quirky attitude. She is very down to business and she likes to win. She would rather you didn’t love on her. She is super gritty and has a ton of heart. Sparky is the opposite almost. He very much likes to be loved on and pampered.

What one piece of horsemanship or barrel racing advice would you give someone trying to run barrels on a professional level? My advice is to not overlook getting your horse broke and soft before running barrels on them

If you horse was a celebrity who would he/she be? My brother says Hershey would be Jennifer Lawrence. I'm not real sure, but somebody very tough, gritty and down to business.

The Run Down:
Saddle: Cecil Phillips
Pad: Impact Gel
Leg Gear: Classic Equine
Bit: Dave Elliot gag with a three-piece mouthpiece and copper beads on Hershey.
A longer shank Dave Elliot with a snaffle mouthpiece on Sparky.
Head Gear: I use a German Martingale on Sparky.
Feed: Ultium and Oats
Hay: Grass/Alfalfa mix
Supplements: I use 707 supplements. I feed Daily and Joint to everything I'm running and then I feed Gastro to Sparky. Just depends on how my horses are acting if I add or change what they're getting.
Additional Care: I have an Equistim Legsaver that uses electric acupuncture to help increase and promote healing.
Sponsors: My parents, Kim and Nicki Knerr.