Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? Queens Roarrr (Cia) and Flingin My Socks (Rizza, 2018 Bay Roan Mare by BHR Frenchies Socks x Streakin Houston by A Streak Of Fling, Ohio bred)

What is unique about their personality and what are their strengths? How tall are they and what is their weight (thought it would be fun to compare)? "Rizza" has a big personality in a petite frame. She’s sweet, expressive, and wears every emotion on her sleeve—very vocal about how she feels. She’s about 14.1–14.2 hands and around 900 lbs. Quick-footed, confident, and full of energy, she’s a horse that stays sharp and tends to handle a wide variety of ground well. "Cia" is quiet, reserved, and sweet, with just enough red-mare sass to keep things interesting. Things tend to be easy for her, and she makes it seem effortless. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to rate very quickly and keeps her turns very tight. We rarely run by one, it’s more keeping them up that has been our challenge. She stays under herself well and is consistent across different types of ground. She can be a little insecure in new places but her curiosity helps her settle in quickly. She’s about 14.2 and around 1000 lbs.

What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2025 circuit finals? This was only their second year competing, so navigating the challenges of the rodeo trail with younger horses was probably the biggest challenge. But having the success we did was very memorable and a huge highlight to the year. Each won their first rodeo this year so those were very special moments.

How long have you been a WPRA member and how many circuit finals have you qualified for? I joined the WPRA in 2015. This is my fourth Circuit Finals qualification—my first three were with Cia’s dam.

When did you start competing in barrels? I grew up competing in O-Mok-See and transitioned into barrel racing in 2011 when I bought my first barrel horse.

Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines? Both. I purchased Rizza during her futurity year, and Cia is one I bred and raised. I’m not tied to specific bloodlines—there are so many great ones out there. Rizza simply had something special that drew me to her. And with Cia, her dam is all cow-bred, so I intentionally crossed her with more of a race-bred stallion.

What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)? I don’t follow one rigid program; instead, I use a variety of approaches to keep them fit, sharp, and mentally happy. I do dry work and incorporate HIIT-style conditioning when they need it. I build drills around what each horse needs in that moment. I’m lucky to have lots of wooded trails at home, so I take them out often to mix it up—long trotting, loping, hill work, and relaxing rides all play a role. When I am not working, I am riding. I have several other younger horses that I spend my free time with as well, so I don’t find myself in a gym too often but do find time to take care of my body.

When you’re headed to a rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books? All of the above. There are a lot of hours on the road, so I listen to a wide variety of things.

What or who are you thankful for? Jesus, my husband, my family, my friends, my horses, great vets and horse therapists that keep the
horses feeling their best -- I wouldn't be able to chase rodeos or have the success I’ve had without them. And I’m grateful for the good people who stop when you’re stranded/in need of help – it happened a few times this year.

Do you have favorite spots to stop at or favorite snacks while on the road? Not really—nothing I have to stop for. I tend to be pretty health-conscious, so I pack most of my food. We would rather get where we are going so the horses have time to settle in and relax.

Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig? I travel with my husband, Zach, and our yellow lab, Zeke.

What are your hobbies or other sports do you compete in? Horses are pretty much the whole hobby list, but we live in the land of many lakes, a ski resort, and a national park—so we try to sneak in lake days, river time, and some hiking in the summer. And when winter hits, a little snowboarding/skiing and cross-country skiing.

The Run Down
Saddle: Burns or Robbie Phillips
Pad: SaddleRight, 5 Star, Best Ever
Leg Gear: SMBs all around + bells; CE Flexion, CE Classic Fit, or PC Elites & PC Strike (Cia fronts)
Shoeing: Shod all around—rims and/or eventers
Bits: I tend to do well with Elliott, Flaharty, and Schoneberg bits. My horses are young, so I switch as
needed throughout the season. Currently, Rizza likes a Schoneberg smooth hotdog, and Cia in a Flaharty
twisted Billy Allen.
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): Alfalfa (80/20 mix), Triple Crown
Perform or Balancer with TC Oil, a vitamin/mineral/amino acid blend, MSM, and Bluebonnet Gastro pHix
as a base—plus anything extra they may need throughout the season. Pre- and post-race, they also get
CEP Gut Check and OE pastes.
Additional Care: PEMF, chiropractic, accuscope, acupuncture, Adequan, Legend, and vet care as needed.