Kimmie Wall WNFR 2017
This year Kimmie Wall of Roosevelt, UT had to miss July and August, the busiest times in rodeo as her mare TKW Bully’s Famous Fox aka Foxy wasn’t well. The pair came back in September and won Pendleton to secure a spot at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, with $76,294.14 after 64 rodeos.
What was your favourite rodeo this year and why?
Pendleton because it is so unique. And of course Foxy loves it!!
What has been the best advice you’ve been given regarding barrel racing or rodeo?
Rodeo Smarter not Harder
If you were just starting out now, who would you train under, what clinics would you be taking? Who do your morals line up with?
I love the way Neil and Barbara Merrill train. They have put out multiple winners. I could only dream of being half the trainers they are.
Other than running down the alley, what do you most look forward to in Vegas during the NFR?
It is always so much fun to get to meet up with fans. A lot of the time during the year we don’t have time for that. So it is very refreshing.
With all the miles made, what kept the WNFR dream alive for you?
I think the faith my friends and family have in me and my horses.
We all know that being competitive takes mental strength. What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? Do you do anything before a run to keep your nerves in check?
I don’t allow negativity- at all. I don’t let those thoughts come into my head because eventually negativity will take over.
I just remind myself it is the same 3 barrels in my practice pen as at that rodeo. I just stay calm.
Under your program, what do you do when a horse feels off to you? Who/what therapies do you include in your program?
My rule of thumb is a horse has to do something wrong 3 times before I start looking into it. Even they can have bad days. A horse just doesn’t stop running barrels or quit doing its job. So I usually start with my vet.
Calgary Stampede
When shopping, what areas of conformation turn you off? What points of conformation do your prospects absolutely must have?
I think my horses have to have good legs and feet. You don’t have legs and feet you don’t have a horse.
What would you like to see be done in the industry to better rodeo as a sport?
I would just like to see there be more communication and more education when it comes to ground and what we as barrel racers need. Most committees try really hard some are just don’t know what we need versus what the bull rider or roper may need.
Kimmie would like to thank her sponsors for their support. Cactus Saddlery, Cactus Gear , Dynamic Edge, Purina, Ranchdress’n , Platinum Performance, Charlie One Horse , Benefit, Arenas, and Dr. Ben Espy.
