Kristy Joy Maxwell
Question & Answer:
Q: Where where you born and reside currently?
A: I was born in Gainesville, Fl and I'm currently living in Murray, Ky, where I go to college at Murray State University.
Q: How long have you been barrel racing or owning horses?
A: I got my 1st barrel horse for Christmas when I was 11 yrs old (Bill)
and my mom bought me 2 more that 1st year (Party Girl and Jazz). We
still have Bill who is 28 yrs old and Jazz who is 24 yrs. old. We just
lost Party Girl this year when she gave birth.
Q: Horses you compete on and what they have accomplished?
A: Matt Kings Wrangler (Rudy) 15 yr. old gelding- He is a 2x IBRA Ky
State Champion, he has won the John Deere Select Barrels at Congress, he has won numerous jackpots and rodeos. He won the Lonestar Rodeo in Murray, Ky this year as well as the Murray State Jackpot and Saddle Series. I just recently finished 6th in the Ozark Region for the National College Finals. She Might BA Redneck (Rosie) 5 yr old mare-I got her last year and I don't get a whole lot of time with her, because we travel so much on the weekends to the college rodeos. I am working with her and will be able to devote more time this summer. Last year she was a NBHA Florida State Finalist, she was 9th in the 1D futurity at Tour of Champions in Ocala and the 2D Novice Horse winner there as well. This year she won her 1st jackpot and is coming along well. She is currently my backup horse in training.
Q: What are your training theories or ideas?
A: I have never been big on running the pattern at home, of course all horses are
different or sometimes you just need to get with a new horse. I'm a big fan of
keeping their minds as calm as can be, they are already stressed from being on
the road all weekend. I like to give a day off after the weekend, slow work
about once a week, and just sit and watch on my horse in the arena while people
are roping. I think this keeps there mind off of just running barrels.
Q: What is your mental or competition game plan?
A: I always like to have a game plan before I go in. I make sure to look where the barrels are set up
according to the alley way and take notice of where the timers are. Rudy is a lefty so this really makes a difference, since most of the time its set up better to go right first.
Q: Something you have learned that readers would find valuable training or competing on barrel horses?
A: If something is not working more than likely something is wrong! First go to the vet or chiropractor and if your horse is healthy then try changing bits or saddles.
Q: Something unique you do in training or competing?
A: I always try to stay calm and focused! I'm also a big believer in luck, if it
worked the first time I often repeat it again, whether it be the same shirt or
bell boots haha, I think it's more of a mental game than anything!
Q: Advice you would offer to other barrel racers on life or barrel racing?
A: It's not always about winning, the more you think about it and stress your self
out the end result turns out to be not what you had in mind. I have learned alot
from being on the road recently, treat it as just another run, because the road
goes on forever and your not going to run out of rodeos to go to. So just learn
something from every run whether it's good or bad!
Q: What is your feed, care and weekly riding routine?
A: I feed a 12% pellet and orchard and alfalfa hay. I use Dac vitamins and Minerals daily for Rudy and Rosie to keep my horses at their best. Specifically the Orange, Oil, Herbal Respond, Optimum Flex Plus and their Digestive Aide. Rudy also gets the Hy Victory. I try to ride at least 3 days a week, but sometimes it is hard up here with the weather in the winter. I like to walk a lot before I start my exercise, then long trot, then lope circles making them flex and bend at the poll, and end with walking again.
Q: What are your future goals or anything else you would like to talk about?
A: I am currently studying Animal Nutrition and was just accepted to the National Honor Society for my undergraduate studies. My biggest goal as of right now is to make it to the college finals before I graduate.
Q: People you want to thank for mentoring you or supporting you?
A: I really want to thank my mom, with out her support I would of never had made it this
far. I thank God for all of the blessings I have in my life. Also, Marne Loosenort for helping me tune on my horses occasionally and to Michelle Haidy for helping me when I am at home. A huge thank you to Angel Rae Edwards as she taught me so much about barrel racing when I was starting out. All my friends for their support and most importantly my horses!
Thank you for your interview Kristy. It always pleases me to write about a young girl that is able to be independent, confident, and hard working. To go to college and rodeo at the same time and do both well is a great accomplishment! Congratulations Kristy for all of your success inside the arena and out! Keep up the great work cowgirl!