Tell us about your horse(s) (age, personality, running style, where you got them, etc). Splashy Dry Doc, aka: Splash, 12 old Buckskin paint gelding. Splash has a big personality, who thinks he needs lots of treats. His running style is definitely push-style, with big brakes. I bought Splash from Lance Ediger, Wolf Point, MT.

What horse(s) are you going to be riding at the circuit finals? I will be riding Splash.

Tell us about your rig and traveling partners. My traveling partner is Troy Donohue. He is a good driver, and a great listener. We drive a 377 Peterbilt truck and pull a Sundowner trailer. Also in my rig are three small dogs.

What do you like most about being on the rodeo road? Seeing friends and eating cotton-candy at the fairs.

What do you like least about the rodeo road? Driving, I hate night driving.

What was your favorite 2010 Montana rodeo/committee (what special things did the committee do)? I really enjoyed the Billings Fair Rodeo. I liked the arena setup, the parking, and most important to me, was the polite attitude.

What was your best rodeo moment of 2010? I was really proud of Splash’s win at the Baker Fair Rodeo.

Besides pro rodeos do you compete in other rodeo or barrel racing organizations? I’m a member of OBRA and High Plains.

What are your rodeo plans in 2011? I will go to all my favorite circuit rodeos. I also would like to venture out of my comfort-zone and enter a few rodeos in Canada.

What kind of tack and bits do you use on your horse? I compete in a Bozo hackamore. My headstall is a wonderful award I received at circuit finals, given in memory of Joyce Arms by the Thompson family. I use Softride boots, Back on Track products, and a Saddlerite pad.

What kind of saddle do you ride in? I ride in a Double J, LM wide-tree, with carbon fiber stirrups.

What do you feed your horse? Splash is on pasture and given grass hay. I feed Omalene 400 or 500, with flaxseed, Fasttrack, and Progressive Nutrition products.

What do you do for a warm-up and do you have any superstitions or rituals before a run? I like to do my warm-up early. I long trot, and lope, I then stretch Splashs legs, boot him up, and hand walk. I did have a superstition this past summer: I seemed to have good luck when I wore my “lucky” giraffe boots.

What do you do during the week to keep your horse in shape? I pony Splash 20 minutes, long trotting, 3 times a week. I ride Splash once a week for 35 minutes, walking and loping.

Tell us about your family. VERY supportive of my “hobby.”

What’s your occupation, besides barrel racing? We are farmers, so my “other” job has several titles.