Here is an interview with the recent 2011 Manitoba Barrel Racing (MBRA) Open 1D Champ, Justine Cornelson. The MBRA Finals were held August 26-28 in Hamiota, MB. With just over 200 contestants in the Open division Justine and her mare Cee came out on top. Justine placed 4th in the first go and 2nd in the second go. She went into the Short Go round on Sunday in first place in the average and kept that first place hold when the short go was all over (she placed 4th in the short go). Justine took home a trophy saddle and money among other things for her great weekend. For a complete look at all of the results from the 2011 MBRA Finals you can go to the website here (if you go to the “Home” page you can see a picture of Justine and Cee).
-What is the name of the horse you ran?
LL Baron Bell (Cee)
Click for LL Baron Bell's Pedigree
-How old is your horse?
9 years old
-How long have you been running barrels on her?
For 4 years
-What is the training background on this horse?
She was started as a 2 year by my father and we put many miles on her. Then as a 5 year old I started riding her and started her on barrels.
-What is your training and riding style with this particular horse?
With Cee I do lots of slow work, working on keeping her hind end engaged, lots of bending/flexing, and circles.
-What is it you like best about this horse?
I love her try and heart. She would do anything for me. I can take her into the rodeo arena and barrel race and goat tie off her then saddle her up and show her English.
-How did you feel all your runs were at finals?
I felt really good about all my runs, Cee ran hard and gave it her all. She turned some tight barrels for a big horse. On our short go run she slipped and stalled out at first barrel but she managed to regain her momentum and put together a nice run.
-Did you do anything different to prep for your runs at MBRA finals as opposed to what you do before a rodeo run?
No I kept to my normal routine first by walking and long trotting her in a snaffle and running martingal. Then I like to do some work in the arena making sure she is listening to leg and is warmed up. After that I switch to her racing headstall and continue to walk/trot her out.
-What kind of saddle do you use?
Courts saddle, it’s an older saddle that I had bought from Karalyn Bridgeman because it fit Cee’s high wither and didn’t leave pressure points on her back.
-What kind of pad do you use?
The CorrecTor Pad by Len Brown
-What kind of bit do you use on your horse?
Greg Dutton Tear Drop dog bone
-Are there any specific goals you have set for yourself and your horse this season?
To put together consistent runs while tightening up barrels, mainly first.
-What lead you to be a barrel racer?
I have ridden all my life. At the age of 8 I bought my first barrel horse (Old Smokey) from Laurie Maynard and have enjoyed barrel racing ever since. Started off as a member of MBRA and MGRA.
-If you were to share a training/rodeo tip what would it be?
Make sure to have a strong foundation on your horse before progressing to barrels. Having all the basics intact leads to a stronger partnership in the end, where anything can be possible.
Justine also competed in the Heartland Rodeo Association where she ended up the Season Leader in Barrel Racing, Reserve Season Leader in the Goat Tying and she was also crowned the All Around Cowgirl for the season!
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