Hello! My name Is Mica Rucker *aka* Starstruckranchbarrelgirl

Where are you from?
I was born in Fort Worth, Tx, Lived in Mansfield, Tx until I was 3, then moved to Round Rock and have been here for almost 12 years!

When did you start barrel racing?
My mother rode the same day she had me! I have been riding ever since I was in her stomach. I guess I was destined to be a barrel racer.

Are you involved in any other equine events?
I ride around my ranch a lot, and enjoy setting up little jumps around the trails. It’s a lot of fun!

Who or What got you started barrel racing?
My mom. She grew up in New Jersey in a big city where she couldn’t have a horse. She had a stick horse that she pretended to race. Her cousin’s family owned a stable and told her if she would clean their bathrooms she could ride their horses. So she did! She was very determined. Her family then moved to San Antonio and her parents let her get a horse and keep it at Babbits Stables. She has been horse crazy ever since and won AQHA Ameture Pole Champion.

On the road things sometimes happen. Do you have an unusual or funny
Nothing too remarkable that I can think of when we were driving, but I can think of when we stayed at a hotel while at a horse show in Houston.. We stayed at very unsafe hotel just out of Houston in a very small town.. We decided to go out to the pool after a long day at the show barn. There were three very over weight men who decided that flashing us as they got out of the pool would be hysterical! Needless to say we almost puked. They then continuously flashed us through their second story window.. No more staying in that hotel!

What was the name of your favorite horse and tell us a little about it.
Well they are all my favorites! I would have to say Herman though. He is a 16 year old Chestnut Gelding and is a pleasure to be around. He has been taken very good care of and still runs 2D times in both barrels and poles. Acts as if he were still very young. He is my favorite because within about a year we won both a Champion Saddle and $1200 at WBR.

What are some of the events that you have won (or races that stand out in your mind)?
Like I said, WBR we placed in the 3D, and we won a saddle at a local jackpot I believe the year before! Something that I have won that does not have to do with barrel racing is Americas Funniest Home Videos. I stuck frogs down my underwear when I was three and won $110,000! You can look it up under “How Many Frogs?”

Over the years have you noticed any changes in barrel racing what are the good or bad you've seen?
More $$! That is exciting! There really isn’t anything I have seen bad about barrel racing, other than really high processing fee’s.

What is do you think of an equal pay out 4d?
Well, Herman runs 3D 4D (2D at jackpots) at big races like WBR, Pac West, and Elite.. I like to be payed the same amount as the other people, but I know it is unfair for them. We do pay the same fee’s, gas, etc though. I also like the equal payout because on a younger horse you get more of a chance to win some big bucks!

Do you think of yourself as a professional barrel racer?
In my dreams! (: I would like to be one day. That is actually my goal. I have a young horse who I think is VERY capable of taking me to that level in the next couple years, and a 7 yr old who if I can get consistant would help!

If your not a professional barrel racer what do you do for a living?
I play volleyball, barrel race, train barrelracing horses, give barrel racing lessons to a 6 year old, and go to school at Cedar Ridge High School. I’m not and old lady so I don’t work ;) Just kidding. I do baby-sit a two year old permanently every summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Who is your favorite barrel racer or barrel racers?
Connie Combs, Brittany Pozzi, and Lisa Nicholas (she is just getting her pro card filled), and my mom!

Do you have any advice for anyone just starting out in barrel racing?
Its not all about winning when you first start. You need to bond with the horse and see what way of running helps you be the best you can be.

Do you think barrel racing should be limited to women only?
Of course not! What fun would it be without “How Hard Can It Be” Races?!