Nancy Csabay and her horse Little Miss Wicked aka Wicked are the 2011 Year End High Point CBF (Canadian Barrel Futurity) Derby champs. Nancy and Wicked placed in the top three at three of the big derbies this year. Nancy won the South Country Derby as well as the Melville Derby. Csabay also ended up third overall at the Nothern Lights Derby in Brandon, MB. We recently had the chance to talk with Nancy, here is what she had to say:
-What is the name of your horse?
Wicked's Pedigree - click to enlarge
Little Miss Wicked aka Wicked
-How old is Wicked?
7 year old mare
-How long have you been running barrels on her?
I started training her on barrels as a late 3 year old.
-What is the training background on this horse?
Sent her to Jim Anderson in the beginning of her 3 year old year for a month. Then brought her home and continued in her training.
-What is your training and riding style with Wicked?
As with all of our horses, I try to keep everything simple, don’t overtrain, keep them soft, and most important, keep them liking their job. My riding style is to stay out of their way and let them do their job, but still be in control.
-What is it you like best about her?
There are many things I like about Wicked. She’s fast, loves to turn, hauls great, eats well on the road, but most of all, she is so calm going up the alley. I sometimes wonder if she is ready to barrel race!
-How did you feel your runs were throughout the year?
The 2 runs I was a little disappointed with was at Stettler and at Brooks. We had a great 1st and 2nd at Stettler, but she drifted on her 3rd, like she wasn’t paying attention, and we won the 1st go at Brooks, but we hit a barrel in the 2nd go. Other than that, I think Wicked had an outstanding year.
-How do you prepare for your runs (warm up, etc)?
I do the same thing at home that I do at any barrel race. Walk, trot, lope, make them move off my leg, make sure they are responding to my cues. Keep them relaxed.
-What kind of saddle do you use?
Coats, drop-down rigging
-What kind of pad do you use?
Coats, I just got it at the Brandon Futurity silent auction – I love it!
-What kind of bit do you use?
Elliot Short-shanked 3 piece gag
-How do you keep your horse in shape?
Walk, trot, lope, back to a walk. I pony Wicked every other day.
-Are there any specific goals you have set for yourself and your horse this season?
After Cardston and Brooks Derby, Wicked had collected some points, so we thought we would try for the saddle this year. Especially since I have never won a saddle before, that’s why it is so much more special to win it this year. Thanks to Wicked, my husband Tony, and daughter Kate, this year has been unforgettable. I am so grateful.
-What lead you to be a barrel racer?
My dad, Arnold Haraga, was Canadian All-Around Champ and my mom was Miss Rodeo Canada, so I was born to barrel race.
-If you were to share a training tip what would it be?
Don’t overtrain. The majority of my horse’s training is done outside of the arena. Also be clear on what you want your horse to learn. If you are unsure, so will your horse be.
Here is Nancy and Wicked’s run at the CBHI Derby where they ended up 2nd in the Finals:
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