Bailee Switzer from Aneroid, SK has been making her way up in the standings of the Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA). Currently, as of August 5th, Bailee is sitting 3rd in the Ladies Barrel Racing Standings. In the past two weekends Bailee traveled to six rodeos placing at 5 of them (three 1sts, one 2nd, one 4th and tipped to win the 6th!). Switzer pocketed just over $6,000 from these placings. This past weekend (July 29th-30th) Bailee won Austin, MB and Consul, SK and was 2nd in Herbert, SK. We had the chance to ask Bailee a few questions, here’s what she had to say:
-What is the name of your horse? Buck Birdie “Birdie”
-How old is he? 17 years old
-What is his background regarding training etc? My parents bought Birdie as a 5 year old from a guy that was riding him on a PFRA pasture. I had been to a Sherry and Rusty Quam barrel clinic so I started him on barrels using what I had learned. I went to SBRA jackpots and the following year started going to CCA rodeos in the Junior Barrel Racing. I qualified for my first CCA Finals when Birdie was 6 and I was 12. Throughout the years Brenda Hunter has helped me with any problems I’ve had.
-What is it you like best about him? I have owned Birdie for 12 years now and he has become a part of who I am. There is nothing I don’t love about this horse. Birdie has his own little personality. He likes to pretend he is a crazy uncontrollable horse when I ride him at home. It is hard to just go out and long trot him because that’s not his idea of fun. He gets away with way too much, but he knows his job and does it well so he gets his way a lot. He is also a cookie monster. As far barrel racing goes, he tries his heart out no matter what. He will run and stand up on any ground. There may be horses with more athletic talent and better conformation, but Birdie has a ton of try and he absolutely loves what he does.
-What is your riding/training style with him? I basically just throw the reins and him and ride for all I’m worth!
-How long have you been running barrels on him? 12 years
-Can you describe how he runs his barrel pattern? Birdie is very ratey and wants to turn. He will never run by a barrel, so I just try to keep as much forward motion going as possible.
-How did you feel your runs were these past two weekends? They were great! I am very excited he’s been really making smooth runs and shutting the clock off and I’m sure he’s happy that I have tried to cowgirl up and go for broke!
-What kind of saddle do you run in? Bob Marshall treeless saddle. It has done wonders for my horse and really helped to free him up.
-What kind of pad do you use? Classic Equine ESP
-What kind of bit(s) do you use? It is a 2 piece twisted wire gag made by Dave Elliot.
-How do you keep your horse feeling good and fresh while on the road every weekend? If we are staying overnight somewhere I will build a pen with electric fence so the horses can walk around and lay down if they want to. It is also nice to let them graze and get their heads down. They always have food and water in front of them. Birdie gets fed part of his grain before and after he runs.
-What lead you to be a barrel racer? I always loved horses when I was little and liked going fast! I am a competitive person so barrel racing is the perfect combination.
-What is your favorite part about rodeoing? The competition and the people you meet along the way as well as seeing all your hard work behind the scenes come to fruition.
-Do you have any specific goals you have been shooting for this rodeo season? I started out this season just wanting to make a little money and get a young horse going. Now I have decided to try to make as much money as I can before I head south to University so I have some funds for the semester! Of course qualifying for the finals is always a goal.
-If you were to share a rodeo tip to whoever is following, what would it be? I think if you can always have a positive attitude and focus on the positive aspects of your runs or life in general you are doing great. I also think we should always give our horses the benefit of the doubt. Not everyone is perfect 100% of the time, we all have off days and horses are no different. If something is really wrong we need to search for the answer our horse can’t put into words so they stay healthy, sound, and happy.
Bailee als wanted to thank all the sponsors and rodeo committees for all the hard work they do as well as her parents for their support. She added “nothing would be possible without them and without my horse”.
Congratulations Bailee on all your winnings!
Click for Birdie's pedigree
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