Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? Dashin Sparks aka Anna.
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)? Anna very much has the “red mare” personality. She knows that she is in charge and keeps everyone in line. My girls ride her all the time and I’m positive she prefers them and my husband over me, but she tolerates me and barrel racing. She is one of the most consistent horses that I’ve had the pleasure of riding, and she takes most any set-up and ground condition in stride. She is 15.2 and somewhere between 1,250 and 1,300 lbs.
What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2025 circuit finals? Being able to rodeo and share experiences with my daughters is the most memorable. Getting to circuit rodeo in Canada and experience the new venues, welcoming committees and competition was a big highlight for me. Also, winning Drummond after tipping a barrel in 2024 to win it.
How long have you been a WPRA member and how many circuit finals have you qualified for? I became a member in 2012, and this is my 5th circuit finals qualification.
When did you start competing in barrels? On my own, when I was three.
Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines? We purchase for the time being. Any bloodlines with both run and good confirmation. We look more for unique individuals than we do for trend-setting bloodlines. Phil and Peggy Johnson raised Anna, and I have ridden several nice colts that they have raised.
What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)? In the winter I try to
work out at least 3-4 days a week, and in the summer I’m usually active enough that I don’t worry about
it as much. My horse is on a little more stringent exercise routine, exercising a minimum of 5 days a
week with 6-7 being the preference, even if two days only consist of a 20-minute walk. I usually exercise
Anna in our alfalfa field and don’t do a lot of barrel work or drills on her. I do ask her to use herself in
ways that make sure her muscles and lungs are prepared and fit for running barrels.
When you're headed to a rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books? All the above. Podcasts and audio books keep me awake, and my girls love picking songs while we are driving.
What or who are you thankful for? My husband and my girls, our good health, my entire family and support system, a horse that always gives 100%, and the place where I call home.
Do you have favorite spots to stop at or favorite snacks while on the road? Coffee shops, and my girls would narrow that down to Starbucks, or as they say, “Starbies.”
Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig? My two daughters, Mesa (10) and Ava (7) and two dogs, Annie (13-year-old Border Collie) and Tim (2-year-old German Shepard/Red Heeler) are my Steady Eddie’s. My husband will chauffeur when he’s not working and taking care of business at home. I usually bring one extra horse for seasoning and occasionally a kid’s horse. We drive a Chevy and pull a Platinum trailer.
What are your hobbies or other sports do you compete in? Watching my daughters compete in all the
school sports has become my new hobby. Also, I love doing anything outdoors with my family.
The Run Down
Saddle: Pozzi Pro by Double J Saddlery
Pad: 5 Star
Leg Gear: Classic Equine
Shoeing: Whatever my shoer (husband) recommends. Usually, Anna wears PLR’s on the front and plates on the hinds.
Bits: I use a Dave Elliott Spur Up – 02 with a three-piece mouthpiece with a roller for competition and a Flaharty Betty with a smooth Mullen mouthpiece for exercising.
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): Alfalfa, Bluebonnet Omega Force and Platinum Performance supplements.
Additional Care: Spectra LASERwrap, MagnaWave, Equiscope, PHT, Back on Track, cold-water therapy, and icing.