Katie Crossman and her good gelding FHF No Holds Barred, have been placing steadily at the Canadian Cowboys Association rodeos. The last weekend of July, the duo won Elbow and placed at both Austin and Swan River. This was followed by a 4th place finish in Herbert the weekend following to put her unofficially at the top of the CCA standings. We caught up with Katie to answer some questions about her good horse and the year she’s been having.
-What is the registered and barn name of the horse you were riding?
Nick’s registered name is FHF No Holds Barred
He is 10 years old.
-How long have you been running barrels on him?
His first rodeo season was 2010, but I have been riding him since January 2009 when I purchased him.
-What is the training background on this horse?
Jesse Childs had started him on barrels and then was just using him as a pony horse on the race track. I was at the Heritage Sale looking for prospects and Jesse asked if I was looking for a barrel horse. I got his number and went out to look at some colts. I happened to ask about the sorrel gelding in the pen and he said he was his pony horse, but he was a Dr. Nick Bar and I could take him for a ride if I wanted. I rode him and knew he was special and I had to have him. I did a lot of slow work with Nick for the first year and slowly added speed after. Rusty Quam gave me some tips and advice and I started taking him to rodeos in June 2010 when my other horse got hurt. I try to keep things very simple and consistent so my horses have the confidence to know where to go all of the time.
– How would you describe this horses running style?
He is a super honest type of horse. He isn’t particularly ratey or free, but somewhere in between. He is consistent and really likes to please.
That’s a tough question because I just love everything about him! I like that he has a funny personality. He has a lot of expression and likes to try to do mischievous things, such as untie himself. I also really like the way he moves. He is so smooth and naturally collected.
– Which was your favorite run of the weekend and why?
Elbow was my favorite run of the weekend because he worked really well. He was ready to run and ran in there really hard. I am really proud of how confident Nick has gotten over the last couple years. He knows his job and loves it. I had won Elbow in 2009 on my mare Biscuit. She got hurt and it’s hard to find another special horse. So I am really grateful to have Nick and that he also won Elbow was pretty neat! My family was there to cheer us on too!
-How do you prepare for your runs (warm up etc.)? Does this change having to make more than one run in a weekend? Do you change it for different arenas?
I have a routine that I like to follow. I walk quite a bit, long trot and lope in straight lines and circles. I do some bending and counter arcing, as well as some stops and roll backs to make sure he is light and listening. I like to lope large to small circles with one hand making sure I can move him in and out of the circle easily with a slight move of my inside hand. If the run is at a small indoor arena for example, I won’t stop him as much and do more straight lines. If it’s a large outdoor arena with hard ground I will make sure he is slowing down when I sit down in my saddle.
-What kind of saddle do you use?
I love my old Marlene McRae by Circle Y. It fits Nick well.
-What kind of pad do you use?
I have a Back on Track pad that goes under my Wade pad.
-What kind of bit do you use?
I use an Ed Wright pretzel on Nick when I run him because it keeps him more square in his turns and I can get him to finish his turns straight without him getting over-bendy. He is really light in the mouth so I have to be light with my hands. I ride him in a Dave Elliott bit at home.
My goal for 2013 is to make the CCA finals.
-If you were to share a barrel racing tip what would it be?
To try your best to stay positive. Rodeo and barrel racing can be incredibly humbling, so try to think of the positives. I also try to get inside my horses head and pay attention to the little details. I also think about always trying to get better and learn more.
Katie would like to thank the following people:
I would like to thank my family; Mom, Dad, Will, Trent and Shayla for the support and encouragement. I have had some amazing travel partners this year including Shelby Noval, Jodie Griffin and Bailee Switzer. They keep the miles fun! I would also have to thank Dr. Kirby Finkbeiner and Dr. Tracy Pedersen for answering all of my questions!
Here is Katie and Nick winning Moosomin, SK early in July
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