Which horse(s) are you taking to the finals? I am bringing Chicks Keen O PocoPoo, my incredible little Paint horse as well as Dashn Red Frenchman, a 2018 gelding by ASNY out of a mare I use to win on in California many years ago. He is owned by one of my good friends Chelse Wiford, she bred and raised him too. 

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)? Paint is a very unique mare with a very funny annoying personality. She knows how to push my buttons but is very sweet at the same time. I believe one of her strengths is being so little that her turns are faster than a big horse. I’m not super sure on an accurate height but I bet she’s around 14.2 and she sure doesn’t weigh much either. Twitch is your typical immature gelding but he tries 110% every time. He had an awesome futurity year with his trainer Becki Mask and I had the pleasure of taking him his Derby year to the rodeos from July on and he is absolutely loving the rodeo life. He recently won the average at the NRA Finals in Kalispell. I’d have to guess he’s around 15.1 hands and he’s a thick muscular build. 

When did you start competing in barrels? I started competing at a young age but I never got serious about it till College. I had more of an English background growing up. 

How long have you been a WPRA member? It is crazy to believe I have been a WPRA member for 15 years now. 

Do you raise your own horses? Or do you purchase? Are you looking for specific bloodlines? I raise my own as well as buy them. I do look at specific bloodlines, I prefer a cowbred or a run/cow cross. The cowbred seems to fit my style better but I do have several FG and/or DTF bred horses that I absolutely love as well. 

What are your conditioning and workout routines for both you and your horse(s)? My horses are rode 4-5 times a week but they may only see the barrels a handful of times a month if I need to show them something specific. I trail ride and play around on my trail course and work cattle on them while we rope. I have never been to a gym, I get enough of a workout chasing my 30+ horses around my zoo in Texas. 

When you're headed to the rodeo what do you listen to: inspirational podcasts, music, audio books? I am a big country music fan, I also love Christian music and I will listen to inspirational podcasts. 

What or who are you thankful for? I am extremely thankful for my husband, my family, my friends and all the people who continue to push me to do better year after year. It takes a village to do what I do and I’m very grateful for the team of people I have. 

Do you have favorite spots to stop at while on the road? Anywhere in Idaho & Montana during "Huckleberry Season". One of my favorite rodeos is Big Fork so we can spend the day at the lake. I absolutely love stopping at the travel center in St, Regis, their “huckleberry” cheeseburger is to die for!

Who do you travel with (including pets or companion horses) and in what kind of rig? This year I mainly traveled with my daughter and my friend Dusty. I always say I’m like a traveling circus, no matter what I usually have 4-5 horses  and I always have my dogs as well. I drive a 2023 Ford F-350 and a 2010 Bloomer. 

What are your favorite memories/highlights and obstacles you faced getting to the 2023 circuit finals? I always have so many great memories from the Montana Rodeos every single year which is why I always love claiming this circuit. This year was no different, Paint ended up tearing a muscle at Houston in March and I had to baby her along all year, I turned a lot of rodeos out if I thought it was just too much on her. Every year I set a goal to win a rodeo I haven’t won before and this year I was able to win two. Helena and Bozeman. It was even cooler because she won them both by two tenths and at 16 years old that is pretty awesome.

What are your hobbies or other sports you compete in?  I buy and sell alot of horses throughout the year so I don't really have time to do anything else but horses. I enjoy riding English and jumping whenever I get the chance.

The Run Down
Saddle: Robbie Phillips 
Pad: Best Ever Kush Pad
Leg Gear: Pro Orthopedic Equine
Bits: Any O ring and my favorite Randy Reid Bits
Feed and Supplements (in addition to what, how much you feed daily): My horses get Purina or Triple Crown. For supplements, I’m a big believer in Vetline Equine, most importantly their Race Today and Equilytes. 
Additional Care: I own an Acuscope and Myopulse. 
Sponsors: Rockstar Reins, Vetline Equine, Best Ever Pads, Zesterra, Delicious Horse Treats, Uncle Buck Western Wear, Robbie Phillips Saddlery