Julie Leggett out of Kamloops, BC just won the barrel racing at the 2011 Dawson Creek, BC pro rodeo. Julie ran a time of 17.81 seconds to win the rodeo and bring home a cheque of just over $2,500. We recently had the chance to talk with Julie about her win. Here’s what she had to say:
-What is the name of the horse you ran? My horse’s registered name is FDI Cash to Burn and his barn name is “Ice”
-How old is he? He is a nine year old.
-How long have you been running barrels on him? I’ve been running barrels on him since he was five years old.
-What is the training background on Ice? I started him myself in the round pen and did all of the training myself. He is a smart and pleasing horse.
-What is your training and riding style with him? Ice has a solid foundation and is really broke. I concentrated on developing his footwork in the pattern and keeping him soft and supple in his body. I like to go deep into the pocket of the turn to get snappy turns.
-What is it you like best about Ice? I love everything about Ice. He has a good pedigree and great confirmation. He is strong and fast. He’s smart and eager to please. And above everything else he loves his job!
-How did you feel your run was at Dawson Creek? My run in Dawson was smooth. There were a few mistakes but he made up for it on third barrel which was really tight and fast.
-What sorts of things do you do to prepare for your rodeo runs? I like to get there in plenty of time, let him feel the ground if I get the chance, and make sure Ice is warmed up and focused.
-What kind of saddle do you use? Marlene Eddleman Special Effex saddle
-What kind of pad do you use? A Horse Feathers pad
-What kind of bit(s) do you use? A three piece long shanked gag bit
-How do you keep your horses in shape with all of the traveling? I like to long trot a lot and so some circles. Once in awhile I will also breeze him out to keep his lungs in good shape. The other important thing is maintenance. Good feed, massage or chiropractic, joint health, teeth, shoeing. These are the things that really keep my horse feeling fresh.
-Are there any specific goals you have set for yourself and your horse this rodeo season? My goals this year were to do the best that I could at the Calgary Stampede, which I was invited to for the first time. My other goal was to try to get some points to make it to the Canadian Pro Tour Finals again in Armstrong, BC. I don’t seem to be able to get to a lot of rodeos at this point in my life because of our busy lifestyle so it is important to do as well as I can on the limited number of rodeos that I get to.
-What lead you to be a barrel racer? I was a jockey on the racetrack for a number of years as a teenager and young adult. I put myself through university as a racing jockey. After I retired from racing and graduated I started to go to rodeos on a mare I had at the time (Ice’s dam Burnit Brownie). My father was a roughstock cowboy when he was a young man, and later became a team roper. My sister Tracey was also a talented barrel racer who rodeoed. So it’s in my family.
-If you were to share a training/rodeo tip what would it be? Focus on the big picture. Enjoy what you’re doing and your horse will enjoy his job.
*If anyone wants to get a hold of Julie her e-mail address is juliedleggett@hotmail.com for training inquiries or horses for sale.
Check out Ice’s Pedigree:
|
Here’s a video from the 2010 Wrangler Tour Finals in Armstrong, BC. Julie is the 3rd barrel racer in (she placed 2nd):
{ 0 comments… add one now }
{ 1 trackback }