Debi Keyes
Question and Answer:
Q: Where were you born?
A: Born in Pierson/Deland, Florida now reside in Osteen, Florida.
Q: How long barrel racing or owning horses?
A: I have been barrel racing for 35 years seems like forever!
Q: Horses you compete on and what they have accomplished?
A: Right now I compete on newbies...at least I feel they are new. The 1st is a paint gelding called Tips Kickin Country "Indy"...he has been alittle slow in coming around but is starting to show promise. I have a mare that is a half sister to my good horse I sold, her name is Makin New Memories "Sis" she is a half sister to my good horse Blazin Boy. And have a new boy that is just starting training Another Runner Val otherwise known as "Anvil". My love was Blazin Boy and Roadhouse Band. Blazin Boy is now owned and is run by Kayde Jo Davenport of Washington, and Roadhouse Band "Chipper" is owned by Teresa Wilson of Florida and won the Senior Division with Florida NBHA of 2010.
Q: Your training philosophy, please share it with us?
A: I like to take my time in training, I'm not out to impress anyone nor am I in a hurry to rush a horse in training. I kinda feel a horse out, if they seem to start to catch on then I will step them up and put alittle more pressure on them, otherwise I try to let them figure the barrels out and let them have their own style...I don't try to push my style on them I believe natural is better.
Q: Your mental or competition game plan?
A: My mental game plan has changed the older I get...I would like to think I am just a competitive as I use to be, but, now my game plan is just to ride smooth, be happy with what my horses give me and just be happy that I can still ride and have them to enjoy.
Q: Something you have learned that readers would find valuable training or competing on barrel horses?
A: One thing I have learned is that you are only as good as your last barrel race, love your horses for being horses not what they can do for you...you will get further with them, it seems to take the pressure off at least for me it does.
Q: Something unique you do in training or competing?
A: I spend alot of time on the ground with my horses spend alot of time with ground training & respect, I feel the respect carries thru to my riding.
Q: Advice you would offer to other barrel racers on life or barrel racing?
A: Don't beat yourself up about not having what others have...always keep the POSITIVE ATTITUDE it goes a long way in life.
Q: Your feed, care and weekly riding routine?
A: I work my horses on the barrels approx. 3 times a week, try to work outside of the barrels at least a couple times a week, they are stall quite of bit and get feed twice a day with Alfa/coastal hay, my feed is a combo of 3 types of feed...sweet/pellets & oats. (All Nutrena)
Q: Your future goals or anything else you would like to talk about?
A: My goal is hoping one of these horses end up putting me back into the 1D, but if they don't I am just happy to still be able to barrel race.
Q: People you want to thank for mentoring you or supporting you?
A: One of best friends is Tonya Griffin, she has always given me the push and the shoulder to cry on when I have needed it, and Joan Hemby she has always been there to help in anyway that she can. Between the both we go back at least 30 of my 35 years of barrel racing. And I cherish their friendship and knowledge. Love you guys!
Thank you Debi, that was a very positive, common sense approach to remembering why we do this and to put the horse before the competition! Thank you for sharing your story with us. I have enjoyed watching you barrel race over the last 10 years, best wishes to you and yours!
Thank you & God Bless,
By - Tina Spangler