Kelly Kaminski
Where are you from?
I grew up in Katy, Tx. My step dad was a professional baseball scout for the St.
Louis Cardinals and Texas was part of his territory. We moved here from Mo.
when I was about 9.
When did you start barrel racing?
I got my first horse when I was in Jr. High school. She was only six months
old, but when she was old enough I broke and trained her and started messing
around with it. I never had any formal lessons and had to train her from the
ground up, by trial and error. It's a wonder I'm alive to tell about it today.
Not coming from a "horse" family, my Mom didn't know anything about youth or
highschool rodeos and such. I never got to go anywhere. I just fantasized
about one day getting to haul my horse somewhere and getting to actually
compete. I didn't start competing until I was in my 20's, after finishing going
to SHSU.
I went through some other horses when I was in highschool. When I was 16, there
was a girl keeping a horse at the same place I boarded who was neglecting her
horse. It was what you would see the SPCA pick up. I told her I was going to
call the authorities on her, or she could sell me the horse for $80. She took
the deal and I fattened the little mare up and traded her for a saddle. I
didn't have one back then and had to ride everywhere bareback.
Are you involved in any other equine events?
I used to do pole bending. I made it to the AQHA World Show twice and made
the top 10 on my horse Mr Dry Glo Lena.
Who or What got you started barrel racing?
The first time I saw barrel racing in the Houston Astrodome as a kid, I knew
that's what I wanted to do. I've been real blessed that I've met wonderful
people who've helped me along the way. Ronnye Sewalt was the first horseman
that took me seriously. When I moved to Bellville after college, I met Marcheta
Garrett. She and I used to ride almost everyday together. I learned a lot from
her. She's also the one credited with putting me in touch with the people that
sold me The Brown Filly, (Athena) Rocky's dam.
On the road sometimes things happen do you have an usual or funny story?
What was the name of your favorite horse and tell us a little about it.
Rockem Sockem Go! Rocky is my favorite. He has his own personality and comes
off like he's so bad. He'll bare his teeth and pick his hind leg like he'll
kick, (and he will) but he's a gentle giant with my daughter, Kenna. I can
warm him up and he's quiet. Right before he runs he starts getting excited.
When we finish, he quiets right back down and I can put Kenna on him and walk
him out. That's special to me. There is so much about him that I can't even
begin to explain. He's just really loved by the whole family.
What are some of the events that you have won (or races that stand out in your
mind)?
My first big win was back in 1995 at the ANHA finals in Austin on my horse
Rusty, Mr Dry Glo Lena. We won the novice horse/novice rider all around. They
used to give a trip to Las Vegas to the NFR and present the winner of the ANHA
an award at the WPRA luncheon. I remember thinking how much I'd love to be part
of the NFR girls. That really spurred me on to making my dream come true!
In 1999, I won the Mesquite Dodge Finals and was NBHA State Reserve 1D Champion,
riding Rocky.
In 2000, we won the NBHA State 1D Championship and the D&G year end 1D
championship.
In 2001, we won reserve at the D&G.
In 2002, we traveled all over this great country and won some go rounds at big
rodeos and won Albequerque, NM. I was the first big rodeo I've won. Making the
Summer Tour Finale in Dallas was a great thrill. It's a fun rodeo because of
it's fast pace. I loved meeting the kids after the rodeo and signing
autographs. My next move is the NFR. I still can't believe I'm really getting
to go with Rocky.
Over the years have you noticed any changes in barrel racing what are the good
or bad you've seen?
Of course the divisional format has really changed the sport. It's good in
some ways because everyone has a chance to win no matter what the level of the
horse and rider. The negative part of the format is that it has bred
complacency. I feel it's a race and the horse and rider should want to get
better. Get better equitation, positioning of the horse, faster, etc. It's a
race. I miss the novice classes and straight opens. We had a good balance of
both the divisional format and the novice and straight barrel races for a
while, but now all the associations have gone divisional.
Do you think of yourself as a professional barrel racer?
Yes.
Who is your favorite barrel racer or barrel racers?
I've met some wonderful girls out there on the road. As far as talent, there
are so many in different aspects. Tammy Key's aggression, Janet Stover's
ability to ride quietly, Kay Blandford for getting them running so hard, Lucy
Schnebele for giving me inspiration on age, Charmayne for her staying power
and being able to be such a road warrior, Gail Hillman for giving me
inspiration when she made the NFR, Sharon Smith for seriously telling me I
could make it, there are so many more!
Do you have any advice for anyone just starting out in barrel racing?
Keep your faith and be true to yourself. Find someone you can trust and work
with them. Don't worry about what the others think when you are running. The
only thing that's important is what YOU think. We've all fallen off and we've all
been beginners. Remember that there are worse things in life than hitting a
barrel or falling off.
