Ann Bierman
Barbara Jenkins
Becky Sickel
Bobbie Mohon
Britney Pozzi
Brittany Van Winkle
Cammie Jo Rogers
Caroline Dodwell
Caye Caves
Cindy Cinch Halderman
Courtney McCowen
Dan Stiles Rodeo Announcer
Dean Edgmon
Debbie Guy
Delyssa Trotter
Diane Guinn
Dino Dugosh
Jan VanOrnum
Janet Stover
Joy Purdy
Karie Lynn Carpenter
Kebo Almond
Kelly Tovar
Kelly Kaminski
Kimberland Simon
Kimbra Dorset
Laura Maxwell
Lavinia Trull
Lori Pate
Lynn McKenzie
Manchie Light
Marcheta Garrett
Marlene McRae
Martha and RE Josey
Merrill O'Neal
Michele Raulston
Mike Horn
Nancy Butler
Pam Cantwell
Pamela Johnson
Pat Classen
Paul Humphrey
Robert Rodriguez
Robin Hofman
Sallie Burleson
Shannon Bray
Sue Brown
Suzie Dickard
Tae Markgraf
Tara Michelle Sanders
Tamet Gould
Tammie L McKnight
Taylor Christianson
Terri Alexander
Tom Leibert
Tracy Weeks
Whitney Froehlich |
Suzie Dickard
Where are you from?
Shreveport, Louisiana;
however I reside in Grand Cane, La., the ole home place of Terry Bradshaw!
My family was not a rodeo family. After a
modeling job I landed for a national magazine I bought my first horse and
have never looked back. He was off the track and I was clueless; but to me,
he was EVERYTHING!
Be sure and check out our Barrel Racing Organization -
CanrunrsRus
When did you start barrel racing?
I started running barrels about the 6th grade. A friend had an extra horse
and she got me interested. Back then I was just happy to be anywhere near a
horse.
Are you involved in any other equine events? NO...
Who or What got you started barrel racing?
It was my heart that got me started... I had a passion for horses as a young
girl. My family thought it was a "faze" I was going
through. Well, many, many years later, I am still in the same "faze"
On the road sometimes things happen do you have an usual or funny
story? Gina Young was my hauling partner and we ventured out to some
pro rodeo's years ago. I was soooooo scared and would get nervous and
was green. But she would make me laugh in the alley before a run when my
face was as white as a sheet. WE were in Baton Rouge one year the ground
was terrible and everyone was falling, Deb Mohon had led Brown out of the
arena and I turned to her with that "pale white" no blood flowing throw my
face and she did this clown impression of her brother-in-law and I lost
it.... She and I really had some great times. After she won Augusta in '96
she sold her horse, Cooper; but I am hoping to see her name on the draw
list, soon... She was too good to walk away and she is still here for me
when I get scared; but thank God I have now got the "pale, deer in the
headlight" look behind me...
What was the name of your favorite horse and tell us a little
about it. Strapper... some people call him Scamper, I guess because he
is lil and bay...I take that as a compliment... I got him in Dodge City in
'96. My friend Pam had seen him at Cheyenne and I had just had to destroy
my other horse.... She thought he would be perfect for me. Srapper taught
me how to ride. He came from Brandi Wilson who had won
the Clovis Derby on him in '95. Strapper will be with me forever.
He is tattooed on my right ankle!
What are some of the events that you have won (or races that stand out in
your mind)?
I had just bought Strapper the summer of "96 and we competed at the state
NBHA finals. I had no fear and we won the first round - - that was a great
victory for me... That was a great moment for me...
Over the years have you noticed any changes in barrel racing what
are the good or bad you've seen? The only thing that I have experienced
in the sport of barrel racing that is "bad" are some of the elements
within.... But that is within any sport...
What is do you think of an equal pay out 4d? I am supportive
of equal payout because all the competitor drive the same miles, pay the
same fee and invest in their livestock as any other - - It has opened the
doors and welcomed new competitors - - that is great for the sport we love
so much!!! Besides that, you know prior to the race if
it is equal payout and if you don’t care for it; don’t go, simple as that!
Do you think of yourself as a professional barrel racer? I
think of myself as a focused student that is in the making of becoming a
professional.... There is so much for me to learn and so much I have yet to
experience. Our barrel racing family is all ready saturated with the
so-called "professional" barrel racers and/or trainers. I am just happy to
be here and the day they call my name at the NFR - - I will still be the
same professional in the making...
If your not a professional barrel racer what do you do for a
living?
I am a mother in desperate need of a RAISE! I work here
on the farm, JB Painthorses helping Mr. Bobby Gay who is the greatest
horseman I know. He is the uncle to Terry Bradshaw and
ran his farm all my life. He is like my DAD…
Who is your favorite barrel racer or barrel racers? I would
have given up a long time ago if it had not been for Pam Pilkenton. I knew
I was over my head at Mesquite years back; but it was that passion again...
She told me, "You are as big of a fish, as the pond you swim in" So
basically, if I wanted to be a small fish in a small pond keep swimming --
but if I wanted to challenge myself to be better, then I needed to head to
bigger waters... To this day I am privileged to call her "friend" - - she
and her family, Donnie and Melinda - - they are great people!!!!
Do you have any advice for anyone just starting out in barrel
racing? Watch who you deal with very carefully.... If you are in the
market for a horse and/or trainer - - go to someone that you have heard
their name mentioned frequently. Our field offers many qualified, competent
trainers that will fit you with a horse and one you can afford... If you
can work with someone with a good reputation that has all ready made a name
for themselves in our world - that would be my suggestion. Whatever happens
-- keep the faith within your heart... If you want to be a barrel racer,
then work hard to become one.... You can do it!!!
Do you think barrel racing should be limited to women only?
We have some great talent among our fellow male competitors. We have gone
to these men in search of our next winner, to assist us with the one we have
or work on the rider and not the horse... So, I think our world would be
different if it had not been for some great influences from our guys...
There are plenty of barrel races and in the end; we are all apart of the
same family... |
