2021 Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finalist Maggie Poloncic

Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? What are their lifetime earnings?
I'll be running Aint Seen Me Yet "Puff". She is a 2012 mare with lifetime earnings of $413,000 as of December 2021.

What is your horse(s)' style when running barrels and what's unique about their personality?
Puff is very intense and very serious about her job. Her exceleration is extraordinary and she's known for being very "turny".

When did you start competing in barrel racing?
I started competing when I was about 10, but nothing really serious until after I graduated college in 2014.

Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines?
We generally buy them when they are weanlings or yearlings. I like to have a blank slate to work with and time to get to know the animal. I tend to stick with Dash Ta Fame bloodlines just because that's what I've had success with in the past, but I won't turn down anything that catches my eye and has "that look".

What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)?
Fitness is a big passion of mine when it comes to myself and my horses. For the horses, I break their weeks into three sections: Skill, Strength & Speed. We alternate between these during the week, frequency will depend on the individual horse. For myself, I workout 6-7 days per week. I personally focus on coordination, agility, and stabilization.

When you're headed to the rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books?
I love podcasts! Of all sorts: motivational, science based, entertainment.

Sometimes music. Audio books are hard for me because I like to hold a physical book when reading.

Do you have a rodeo idol and reasons why?
I really look up to and value Fallon Taylor. She's really expanded her brand outside of the rodeo world and that's admirable.

Do you have favorite spots to stop at while on the road?
I have developed a knack for finding the best gas stations, haha!  When we are traveling we like to support local places.

Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig?
Normally by myself or with my dog Chloe. Longer trips my dad will drive, which is so nice! Puff always needs a friend, her favorite companion is a gelding I am currently hauling for a friend, Chuck.

I haul a 3-horse trailer without living quarters. I'm a "stay off site rent a hotel room" kind of girl!

What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2021 circuit finals?
I went to some circuit rodeos this year that I hadn't in the past and met some of the great committee members. It was a fun year!

How do you juggle family life while on the road?
Communication! 100% vital!  Having someone back home that you can share the wins and losses with is big. They always have a fresh perspective.

What are your hobbies or other sports you compete in?
I love to read and learn new things.  Becoming a better learner has made me a better person and athlete.
It sounds boring, but it's changed my life.

The Run Down
Saddle: Master Lightweight
Pad: 5 Star
Leg Gear: OrthoEquine polo wraps and bell boots
Bits: Myllymaki Long Shank with a roller made by Dave Elliot
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): Free choice grass/alfalfa hay, Renew Gold, soaked beet pulp shreds, custom herb blend from Pure Equine Herbs, EO3 oil from Kentucky Equine Research, GastroPlex paste pre race.
Additional Care: I have a little microcurrent machine I use and SWEAR by! It's similar to an acuscope machine, it just doesn't have the capability to give you feedback.  I also use XLR8 velocity sheets and just plain old standing wraps with either mud poultice or linament underneath. I recently started using the EquiLume light masks and have seen a HUGE difference in my horses! I also have a PEMF machine I used on the road when needed. The biggest thing for me is letting my horses be horses; they are turned out as much as possible and when we are on the road we find places that cater to that for them to stay.
Sponsors: Master Saddles, OrthoEquine, EquiLume, Pure Equine Herbs, Yellowstone Equine Hospital, Kingsville Brand shirts, MVP, and Premier PEMF.