Wendy Horton (Rainey)

Wendy is from Sneads, Florida.  You may of read about her in the Barrel Horse News magazine in the February, 2011 issue.  

Question and Answer:

Q:  How long have you barrel raced?

A:  I have barrel raced my whole life. 

Q:  Tell us about your barrel horses and career in barrel racing?

A:  I own 9 horses. Magic Klu is my number one rodeo horse.Accomplished; In my first year (1996) of pro rodeo (wpra) I filled my card in just 3 months time. In my first year (1997) as a NBHA member I finished 17th in the world in 1d. My first year (2009) with PCA rodeo I finished the year 11th but didn't go to the required 15 rodeos to compete at finals. I only went to 13. I have qualified for NBHA world in the 1d every year. And all of this has been on different horses. I hold many arena records for fastest times. Proud there are many barrel horses with my brand running solid barrel patterns. I was NBHA FL 01 director for 2009 and 2010. 

Q:  What it your training philosophy?

A:   I always make sure the horse knows the basic fundamentals. A Barrel Horse should be Broke, Broke, Broke before starting barrels. I believe a horse should give to the pressure of the bit and break over at the poll. And should be soft in his sides. Many problems that surface later in a horse's training can be traced back to the basics. I believe in bitting up your horse, both young and seasoned horses. valuable training.. There are trainers and there are competitors. I believe I am more a competitor. I truly love competing. I love the rodeos best but don't like to travel. It helps to know when you need help from a trainer. Just because someone is winning does not mean that person is a trainer.  Just because someone is running at the rodeos and jackpots, does not mean they are a trainer.

Q:  What tips can you offer other barrel racers competing?

A:   In competing you got to focus. I make it a 5 part run. The gate is part 1. ( you can lose or win a race at the gate) part 2 is the first barrel. part 3 is second barrel. part 4 is the third barrel. and the run home is part 5. You MUST complete each part before you move on to the next part. And only concentrate on one part at a time. Success comes in small steps.

Q:  What helps you to win or improve?

A:  You never can learn to much. Read and watch all the videos. Pick out something from everything you watch or read about barrel racing. Do the same at barrel races. Every day I read some article about barrel racing or horse training. 

Q:  What do you feed your horses, and how do you condition and care for them?

A:  I feed a high fat feed and free choice grass hay. My riding routine...I all most never work barrels. I do alot of figure eights on the side of a high hill. Most of my tune up work is done on a hillside. Other than that I trail ride and keep them calm and relaxed. No barrel work till the show. If I don't have time to ride that day. I let them stand tied up while I clean barn or cut the grass, etc. You don't have to ride everyday. Just do a little something..Makes a big difference. Now for Klu he gets the Walker 4 times a week. Get your horses teeth floated annually.  And talk to your farrier.  I'm not a farrier, I'm a barrel racer so I let him do his job. 

Q:  Do you have any mentors or people that have helped you succeed?

A:  I would like to thank Susan Morgan. She has help me so much. And thank you Debbie Bass for Magic Klu.  I work a full time job as a correctional officer I don't get to ride everyday. I couldn't do this without the help of my kids; Mindy Wagner, Courtney Hitson, Brandi Mills and my husband David Horton.
  

Thank you for sharing your story with us Wendy!  I loved the tips you offered about training and competing.