Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? Friday (Friday Nite Headline) and Wiki (Firewater B Dashin, 2015 Sorrel Mare by Shootin Firewater x E Z Dash by Holland Ease, Montana 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)? Friday loves attention and LOVES treats! He will get them out of your pocket for you. He is full of himself and loves to run. He takes his job very serious and appreciates being told how amazing he is.. lol  He's 15.3. Wiki is a full send on any ground horse and you just keep hustling forward through the entire run.. She's an all business girl. She likes to know she’s needed. She is full of grit and try! She’s 15, maybe 15’1. They are full siblings.

What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2025 circuit finals?  This summer was full of amazing runs and wins. Friday won the first Canadian pro rodeo I entered, Rimbey. His first run back after his surgery!  He won a total of 8 rodeos this year (including NRA). Wiki won Mackay, Id, and set an arena record. She won 3 rodeos this year (including NRA).  it was a fun summer! I also struggled with a few obstacles. lol My axle on my lq left me stranded and I missed a rodeo. I had to borrow my MIL’s trailer (non lq) for 6 weeks while I waited for the axle to come in. In Helena I had a rough start in the alleyway and pinched a nerve in my back, I struggled with driving and all things.. thankful TJ chauffeured me around when James was at work!

How long have you been a WPRA member and how many circuit finals have you qualified for? I filled my permit in 2003 and didn’t buy my card until 2009. There were a few years since that I didn’t hold a WPRA card. So I’m honestly not sure.  This will be my second qualification.

When did you start competing in barrels? I got my first pony when I was 3, Ladybug. I fell in love with horses instantly!  I did a few open rodeos when I was younger but I really didn’t get “hooked” until I started riding, Superstitious Lady, a beautiful buckskin mare my mom raised. She was shown by my brother in horsemanship classes and then started as a cutting horse. I started her on the barrels and she was one the coolest horses I’ve even ridden. I’ve been blessed with some really cool horses over the years! Friday is most definitely the coolest, just ask him.

Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines? My entire team was bred and raised by Buckshot Nelson along with Dan and Judy Simonson! They are all sired by their stud, Shootin Firewater. I am so blessed to own 4 superstars from their program. My favorite lines are Firewater Flit and Rare Form, I look for those lines when buying prospects.

What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)? I do a lot of long trotting and loping circles. I’ll do some slow work during the week to keep them sharp and sprint once/twice a week. I have been trying to add a little strength training in a few times a week to be better for my horses.

When you're headed to a rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books? I mostly listen to the radio. I visit on the phone or with my traveling partners.  I’ll call Deena Moeykins when I need a talk! Rick, Deena and Tayla have been a great support system over the last few years. I so appreciate them!

What or who are you thankful for? I am thankful for the amazing horses I’ve been blessed to train and own. I am so very thankful for the love and support of James. He’s a driving force behind what I do. I’m thankful for good friends and traveling partners! TJ Barnett-Little was there for me anytime I needed and drove me around when I couldn’t drive! Candy Score (James’s mom) graciously borrowed me her trailer for most of the summer. So thankful for my family and all of their support..
 
Do you have favorite spots to stop at or favorite snacks while on the road? In Canada, Tim Horton’s, love their donuts! Maverick truck stops, they have the best breakfast burritos and usually have my favorite drink, purple Monsters!

Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig? I spent a lot of the year traveling with TJ Barnett-Little. I always have my mini heeler, Mazi, with me! I usually haul Friday and Wiki. I will haul PwrStroke when I’m in my own rig. When James is home, he is always happy to be the chauffeur and support. He loves rodeo and the people we are blessed to know in this sport.

What are your hobbies or other sports do you compete in?  Horses are a very consuming part of my life with traveling and training outside horses for clients. I try to follow my two sons around and support their passions. TJ and Chance Hedden are my favorite people and I'm so very proud to their Mom.

The Run Down
Saddle: Robbie Phillips
Pad: 3S Pads
Leg Gear: Classic Equine
Shoeing: I run in rims on all mine.  My brother, Shane Bessette, shoes for me. I also use Travis Nichols. They keep my horses sound and running strong!
Bits:  I use Elliot bits on all my horses, they’re my favorite! Friday runs in a SU02/30 original with a smooth 3 piece mouthpiece with a cricket (30) and Wiki runs in a SU02/07 or a SU03/07.  The 07 is a copper twist, 3 piece with a cricket.
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): I feed an alfalfa/grass mix hay and try to keep it in front of them at all times. I feed as clean as I can with Wiki’s allergies so they get oats with hempseed oil and hulls.  I also add EquiBoss chelated minerals and magnesium.
Additional Care: I have Sid Erickson (dvm chiropractor) work on my horses weekly through rodeo season and at least once a month on off season.  I also have red light therapy, PEMF blanket and loops and Back on track blankets and boots.
Sponsors:   Hemptana is a huge blessing to my horses and I! I use their bedding and the Hempseed oil, hulls and probites. My horses are Hemptana powered!