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Becky Sickel
Where
are you from?
I am a native Texan and have lived in Killeen for 36 years.
When did you start barrel racing?
I remember loving horses when I
was very young and was introduced to them at Girl Scout Camp at the age of 10.
My family did not have a “horse background” so I was very excited when my
parents purchased 10 acres of land in the country and I got my first horse in
1972 - I was 12 years old at the time. I rode my horse mostly on the weekends,
as we lived in the city. I recall trying to teach myself how to ride and would
have the book Saddle Up with me in the pasture. I would read about how
to get your horse to change leads, then practice it with my horse. A short time
later, I took a basic horsemanship class taught by
Lavinia Trull.
Who or
What got you started barrel racing? I may never of had the
opportunity to barrel race if it weren’t for a very special person – the late
Floyd Davis. He was my “adopted” grandfather, although he treated me like a
daughter. He took me under his wing and gave me the opportunity to learn and
compete in the great sport of barrel racing. When I was 14 years old, he sent
me to Martha Josey’s weeklong summer clinic. I really learned a lot at the
school and quickly got hooked on the sport. My grandfather was hauling me all
over the state to compete in Jr. rodeos! Back in those days, you competed for a
1st place buckle – not money.
What was the name of your favorite horse and tell us a
little about it. Over the past 30 years, I have only competed on 5
different horses! They were all special, as I was at a different level of
competition with each one. But there was only one that had the ability to
compete at the Open or 1D level – Hang on Partner. He was off the track with a
97 speed index. He had about 90 days of training, by Peggy Fenton, when I
bought him as a 4 year old in 1994 .This horse was the biggest, most powerful
horse I have ever ridden. He had to be put down in March 2001, after being hit
by a truck.
What are some of the events that you have won (or races that stand out in
your mind)? The first time I knew “Partner” had potential was late in
the CTBRA season of 1994 – we were competing in Stephenville and was entered in
a novice class. Partner made an awesome run and had the fastest time of the
day, beating the time of the Open Class winner. My next big win came in
February 1995 at the Jurassic Classic. We were in the $350 Novice class with
about 60 entries. We won the first go, placed in the 2nd go, and
then won the short go! Partner went on to win the Open Class at a Tri-Star
barrel race in 1996, and qualified for the NBHA World Show in the 1D in 2000.
This past October,
I
placed 3rd in the 2nd go of AHNA on my 4D horse, Gotta Go
Ryon.
Over the years have you noticed any changes in barrel
racing that are
the good or bad you've seen? The industry has grown tremendously the past 20
years. Many competitors have more money invested in their truck and trailer
than the average person does in their home! And that’s before you factor in
your horse! The 3 and 4 D competition format is a primary reason for the
growth, in my opinion. I also like the way technology has enhanced the sport -
from electric timers to the ability to enter events on-line! Some of us still
remember when times were calculated with a flag-man and stop watch and the only
way to see your run was with a black & white photo!!
What is do you think of an equal pay out 4d?
God did not create barrel racers or horses with equal abilities. Some barrel
racers are blessed with the financial resources to purchase the better horses
and hire the best trainers, while others have to really pinch pennies to come up
with a $75.00 entry fee. I truly believe that most of the 4D horses are
competing at the best of their ability, just as the 1D horses. Having equal
payout is just one way to “level the playing field”. The 3 and 4D entries allow
the 1 and 2D entries to have the opportunity to win the bigger pots. Do you
ever recall any non-WPRA “Open” barrel classes to have more than 100 entries?
Now the larger 4D formats are attracting close to 1000 entries!
Do you think of yourself as a professional barrel racer?
I never considered myself a professional, although I did buy my WPRA permit
in 1998 and 1999. My goal was to compete in my hometown PRCA rodeo and the
Mesquite PRCA rodeo. In Mesquite, I had the honor of competing against Martha
Josey and Kay Blandford in a Saturday night performance.
If your not a professional barrel racer what do you do for a living?
I have been a banker for twenty years. Currently I am a Vice President /
Branch Manager for Eisenhower National Bank.
Who is your favorite barrel racer or barrel racers?
I have always admired Martha Josey, as she inspired me at an early age.
Charmayne James is also one of my favorites. She is a true sport. It was my
hometown (1999) PRCA rodeo, and the arena was standing in water. Charmayne
had just finished her run and I was next. As she left the alley way, she told
the rest of us “to go for it – the arena was not slippery”. I also think Tanya
Steinhoff and the famous “Hot Shot” will heighten the awareness of the sport the
same way that Tiger Woods influenced the world of golf.
Do you have any advice for
anyone just starting out in barrel racing?
My advise to parents is not to put excessive pressure on your children by
buying them “more horse” than their current ability, and to praise them often
and criticize less. My advice to all others is to watch, listen, and learn all
you can. Attend clinics or watch videos to learn good habits from the
beginning. Don’t get discouraged. Run each race “for yourself”, learn from your
mistakes and be humble with your wins.
Do you think barrel racing should be limited to women
only?
I think the WPRA should remain women only. Futurities and other events, like
the NBHA, should continue to welcome men, women, and children. Men have
certainly contributed a lot to the sport. |
