Casey Stucker

Casey Stucker won over $1000 for 5th in the 1D in the open 2nd go out of 790+ at NBHA State Finals 2011, she has done well at NBHA big shows, jackpots, rodeo with FL/GA Youth Rodeo Assoc, has been roping for about a year as a heeler and is now trying out WPRA, I hope you enjoy her interview, she offers some great advice and has a great outlook on barrel racing and life.

Q; Where were you born:

A; I was born in West Palm Beach, and currently reside in Fort White, FL

Q; How long barrel racing or owning horses:

A;  I've been barrel racing since I was 6 years old. My first barrel horse was a little white pony named Scooter. She would trot the whole pattern then run as hard she could all the way home.

Q; Horses you compete on and what they have accomplished:

A;  Right now I am riding a 12 year old bay roan named, Reddy. He is the best horse I have ever sat on and I thank god for him everyday. I have won numerous jackpots, NBHA district shows, and amateur rodeos on him. My biggest accomplishment on him so far was winning 5th in the 1D out of 792 horses in the second go at the 2011 NBHA State Show. Sitting in the holding pen in one of the last drags in the finals with some of the best riders in Florida was the most incredible feeling.

Q; Your mental or competition game plan:

A; My competition game plan is stay focused. I do this by staying away from everyone because I get very easily distracted. I also make sure to do everything that I know my horse needs to do before I go in for my run. We have the same routine before every run. Most importantly before every run I always make sure to pray for a safe ride. I also have some silly things I always do before I go to a barrel race or rodeo. I always have to have a blue Powerade Zero to drink and I have to be wearing one of my few "lucky" pair jeans. Everyone always gets a kick out of it.

Q; Something unique you do in training or competing:

A;  The "mini barrel pattern"..Dodie Ralph taught me and several other people that and I think it's the coolest training technique ever!

Q; Advice you would offer to other barrel racers on life or barrel racing:

A; Never give up on your dreams!

Q; Your future goals or anything else you would like to talk about:

A; My future goals is to get a colt and train it all by myself and hopefully make it out to be just as nice as Reddy. I would love to go out west and work for a big barrel horse trainer so I could learn a lot more. I already bought my WPRA permit so I hope to fill that and further my career in professional rodeo.

Q; People you want to thank for mentoring you or supporting you:

A; My mom for helping me at the barrel races and rodeos, all of my friends for always supporting me, and God for allowing me to do what I love.

By; Tina Spangler