We recently had the chance to interview Colby Gilbert who just won the 2011 Jr. Girls Barrels at the rodeo in Beechy, SK this past weekend. Beechy’s rodeo has a long go as well as a short go. The top six fastest times from the long go qualify to the short go. Places are paid in the long and short go as well as an average. Colby unofficially ended up 2nd in the long go, won the short go and won the average. Here is what she had to tell us:
-What is the name of the horse you ran?
Merits Awards Chex, I call him Chex
-How old is he?
Chex is 8 this year
-How long have you been running barrels on him?
Three years
-What is the training background on this horse?
My mom started him on barrels, it came very natural for him.
-What is your training and riding style with this particular horse?
Not a whole lot of training, he is a bit of a fire ball and I just keep him rode down and correct when it comes to the barrels.
-What is it you like best about Chex?
I like how when running him smooth seems to be fast. I love his personality and I’ve never been on such a talented and athletic horse.
-How did you feel your two runs were in Beechy?
The first run he felt a little lazy and my third barrel wasn’t the best, but the second day he felt like he was on his game and ran outstanding.
-Did you do anything different to prepare for your short-go run as opposed to the long-go one?
No, I try to keep everything the same everytime, just make sure he’s moving off my foot and he’s awake when going in.
-What kind of saddle do you use?
I use a Coats
-What kind of pad do you use?
A won pad
-What kind of bit do you use on your horse?
I use Dave Elliott bit, the Dee Butterfield design
-Are there any specific goals you have set for yourself and your horse this season?
I just wanted to make finals in my last year juniors and be ready to be competitive when moving up to the ladies. My horse has been really
consistent all year on inside patterns and out, so he’s met all my expectations and more.
-What lead you to be a barrel racer?
My mom was a barrel racer and started me on the sport, helping me along the way, making sure I always had a competitive horse to go down the road on. It just kind of stuck as we went along.
-If you were to share a training/rodeo tip what would it be?
Having a horse soft and you quiet during a run has seemed to help me the most. Letting a horse work on their own and letting them gain a lot of confidence by doing this.
Here is Colby and Chex’s winning short-go run at Beechy:
4332 Total Views 3 Views Today
{ 0 comments… add one now }