2021 Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finalist Tammy Jo Carpenter

Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? What are their lifetime earnings?
I will be taking Scorch (Lion On Fire) and Obie (PC Sun Streaks by A Streak Of Fling x PC Sun Dew by Sun Frost, South Dakota Bred, PESI)

What is your horse(s)' style when running barrels and what's unique about their personality?
Scorch is very ratey and turns hard.  He likes his job and is all business.

When did you start competing in barrel racing?
I’ve been barrel racing since I was very young.

Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines?
I bought him from Tim & Kelly Bagnell as a weanling.  I was looking for a horse with run on the top and a good mind on the bottom.

What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)?
I just exercise in the pasture when competing on them.  On occasion, I’ll work some drills but don’t work him on the barrels much.

When you're headed to the rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books?
I listen to Sirius XM, with a variety of music.

Do you have a rodeo idol and reasons why?
Many people of different disciplines that have found success through better horsemanship.

Do you have favorite spots to stop at while on the road?
I enjoy staying with friends when possible.
 
Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig?
I travel with my husband Rich in our 4-horse living quarter trailer.  We also had our dog Monkey (who most people know) for most of the summer.

What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2021 circuit finals?
Scorch and I won Bozeman this year.  It was exhilarating because I am a MSU graduate, and the crowd was so loud. My biggest challenge was managing my rodeo schedule with my full-time job.

How do you juggle family life while on the road?
I travel with my husband so that makes it a lot easier.  Our son Andrew is now 19 so he really isn’t interested in being with his parents right now and didn’t make any trips with us this year.

What are your hobbies or other sports you compete in?
There really isn’t any time left over for other hobbies or sport.

The Run Down
Saddle: Martin Stingray
Pad: Classic Equine
Leg Gear: Iconoclast
Bit: 50/50 Chain
Feed and Supplements: The best alfalfa hay, Omolene 200 and whole oats
Sponsors: My family!