Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? Covergirl Fame & Playful Ichi (2014 sorrel gelding by Cat Ichi x Playful Ricochet by Smart Lil Richochet, Georgia Bred)
What is unique about their personality and what are their strengths? Covergirl lives up to her name daily, she expects all the perks I have to offer. Dennis is very happy go lucky and eager to please.
How tall are they and what is their weight (thought it would be fun to compare)? Covergirl 15.1 1200, Dennis 15.0 1125
What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2025 circuit finals? Spending time with my family, especially the last weekend of the year. Getting Covergirl back to herself after several setbacks due to injury.
How long have you been a WPRA member and how many circuit finals have you qualified for? I think 18 years? And 2
When did you start competing in the barrels? When I was about 7. I have always had a deep love of horses
Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines? We raised Covergirl, she is actually the first colt from my great mare Nikes Special who I competed on at the 2013 Montana Circuit Finals
What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)? Mostly just exercising her, trotting, sprinting and foot placement
When you’re headed to a rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books? We listened to a lot of podcasts and music
What or who are you thankful for? My family, especially my husband. He always takes the second seat to help me reach all of my goals and dreams.
Do you have favorite spots to stop at or favorite snacks while on the road? Cooley loves to go swimming at the hot springs around Montana if they can fit into our travel schedule
Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig? We always have our 2 dogs Ava & CC, and we have a 5-horse trailer I always have full. Usually has Covergirl, Clayton’s calf horse Dennis (who doubles as a back up barrel horse and Cooley’s main barrel horse). Cooley takes a horse of her choice and the rest of the trailer is full of colts. We rotate them through on all our trips to try and get them seasoned.
What are your hobbies or other sports do you compete in? Pretty much everything in our lives involves horses.
The Run Down
Saddle: Three Forks Sue Smith
Pad: Classic Equine Zone
Leg Gear: Classic Equine splint Boots
Shoeing: Steel rims
Bits: I warm her up in a Peska and run her in a Dave Elliot
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): Full alfalfa feed, oats, equipride and fast track
Additional Care: PEMF respond blanket, Flexineb