Barrel Racing

By Tracy Williams

In the more isolated areas of New Mexico, a state that has clung to its Old West heritage, to be in the horse industry is to barrel race. Nonetheless, I regarded the new discipline with caution since my latest equine acquisition was an abuse case and prone to panic. A casual observer at this backyard barrel race, I hung by the fence debating the possibility of bringing my sensitive gelding into the fray. In the still August heat, horses’ hooves stirred clouds of dust that hung suspended before clinging to the foaming lather collecting on nervous withers. Children, legs barely straddling their prancing mounts, clung to the saddle horns as they careened around the barrel pattern, galloping for the finish in a way that spawned fear they would crash headlong into the fence. Unconcerned parents anxiously watched the time clock, ticking the chaotic seconds down to a winner. I quickly disregarded this sport that seemed likely to snap my horse’s thin grip on sanity, but I little realized the depth of horsemanship demonstrated by the sport’s true enthusiasts.

Because of a thriving backyard circuit, barrel racing has earned an ill-deserved reputation for being an out-of-control experience requiring little more than a quick horse and a good saddle horn to hang on to. However, in Lake City, Florida, miles from my western playground, a young school teacher with an excellent work ethic, a halter-bred gelding and a firm reliance on the basics of good horsemanship has risen through the ranks to excel in the upper crust of barrel racing.

As a 3 year old, Charlie was described as “the bronciest horse the trainer had ever seen in his life and the worst 3 year old he had ever ridden,” Lisa says. Fortunately for Charlie, he was born to Sandy Woods, a strong, determined woman who battled Charlie’s temper with the same tenacity as she fought her own cancer struggle. Despite the trainer’s opinion and chemotherapy treatments, Sandy rode Charlie off and on until he was about 5 years old, when the reins fell into Lisa’s hands. Lisa purchased Charlie from Sandy and found a completely different animal: “He had come a full circle; he was easy to work with and athletic,” she remembers.

With the foundation laid and speed gradually increasing, Lisa decided to add a little finesse to her barrel runs. For this it was Dodie Ralph who helped Lisa take Charlie to the next level. “Dodie taught me how to keep his feet moving, to stay balanced but keep momentum going – picky horsemanship, the little things that take the seconds off,” she says.  And since they have fine-tuned their technique, Charlie and Lisa keep fresh by training in different ways; long trotting, trail riding and even roping with Lisa’s husband of five years, Kurt. “Charlie is a good heading horse as well, and he is one of those horses that loves cows,” Lisa says. This approach keeps Charlie versatile mentally – able to do more than simply sprint around barrels. 

These three women who created Charlie’s barrel racing persona, have established a horse far from the speed junkies I witnessed in the New Mexico backwoods. He epitomizes the best of the sport. Until he enters the arena, Charlie is calm and collected; he performs his task with a burst of speed and energy, then leaves the arena with the same gravity as when he entered. “After our first 1D division win, we put my friend Loretta’s granddaughter on his back as soon as we left the arena,” Lisa says. “He started walking really slowly, and we thought ‘Oh he’s hurt!’ So, we took her off his back, and he started walking just fine again.

How many barrel horses are that sensitively calm after a run?” His demeanor and work ethic contribute to his consistency. Each time Lisa slides into the saddle, she can expect the same type of performance from this horse who knows his job. “Charlie has always been honest from day one, and that just makes it so much fun to ride,” she says.

“The best reward of teaching is when you see a child’s eyes sparkle when they finally understand,” Lisa says. “Or when a parent grabs you at the end of the year and says ‘Thank you. You made such a difference in my child’s life.’”

With children as her passion, if she ever strays from third grade, Lisa has considered becoming a riding teacher to change the semi-tarnished reputation barrel racing has garnered thanks to a small group of undisciplined riders. “I want to introduce children to the sport of barrel racing the right way by teaching horsemanship. The best riders draw on dressage, draw on good riding principles – all this comes into play. They are people who know horsemanship and have taken time, dedication and patience to rise to the top.” With a humility that makes her passion for this sport sincere, Lisa has become one of barrel racing’s finest advocates.