Stevi Hillman WNFR 2016
Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas ran at 96 rodeos this year and took home $104,642.98. She is heading to her very first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo after an outstanding 2016 season.
Hillman won 1st Go in Pueblo, CO for $3,944.00, Won 1st go and the Average in Casper, WY taking home $3,310.69ea, Red Lodge, MT for $3,216.68, Bell Fourth, SD for $4,055.16, Won the 1st Go at Reno, NV Gold Tour Final & Avg for over $10k, Won over $11k in Pendleton, OR, Logandale, NV, Silver Tour 1st Go $2,915.78, 3rd in Deadwood, SD for $2,450.11. She won over $10k in Salinas CA, Won Pueblo, CO Champions Challenge $3,944.00, 3rd at Walla Walla, WA for $2,577.43, and the list goes on.
Stevi has been on a horse her entire life. “I’ve been riding since before I could walk and grew up going to play days etc. I never got to junior or high school rodeo but I grew up with horses. My Step-Dad trained, so that’s where I learned all of my foundation from. They also team roped, so I can head and heel. Then from there I worked for cutters, a reiner, a polo player, which allowed me to get on so many different horses and develop that feel for a horse. I am blessed to have had those opportunities.”
Her two main mounts this year were Cuatro Fame, a bay gelding who is by Dash Ta Fame and out of a Streakin Six mare named Princess Streaks, and Morning Traffic, a 2011 palomino mare by Frenchmans Guy and out of a First Down Dash mare named Evening Traffic.
Do your horses have any quirks?
Cuatro Fame aka Truck has several quirks lol he’s such a cartoon character. He does the flamingo (holds a front leg up) before we run, or anytime he’s anxious or excited. He’s huge and thinks he’s little, so he is in your space constantly. He is an absolute sweetheart but yet can be a jerk too, if he doesn’t like something, you will know right away. Truck is very confident in himself.
Morning Traffic aka Martini is a princess/diva, she doesn’t like to get wet, hates a bath! She also makes sucking noises with her lips when she’s nervous or excited, it’s pretty funny. And I’d say her other quirk is she’s extremely sensitive, you barely ask for an inch and you get a mile, as to where Cuatro is exact opposite.
How would you describe their style?
Cuatro style is he gives 110% percent, which sometimes works against us. He is really big/ long strides and heavy, you really have to get momentum and drive him hard. He gets low and comes back hard
Martini loves to run, she is firey. So I stay more calm and poised on her but then she’s all business in the arena which allows me to drive her but outside of arena, everything is quiet and calm. She stands up more in her turns and really drives off her hind end
What are your favorite bloodlines for barrel racing?
Of course Dash Ta Fames and then I’ll say Frenchmans Guy. I also really like the Playgun bred horses crossed on run and the Traffic Guys.
With all the miles made, varying ground conditions, and expenses, what kept the NFR dream alive for you?
Only with Gods strength was I able to keep pushing and never give up. There is nothing greater than knowing you are right where He wants you, not always easy… Actually it’s usually harder. So never give up on the passion God has put in your heart.
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 feel it is more mental than anything. My husband has helped me through the years become mentally tough, so that when it gets challenging, or you get exhausted, you know how to handle your emotions. Staying focused and poised is my main thing, I stay focused on the end goal and poised for my horses so that I am the best help to them that I can be.
I watch a lot of fearless motivational videos, they keep your mind in a good state.
What is your go to product or therapy for keeping your horse sound for the season?
#1 I would have to say is my EquiSagger, horse massager, they both absolutely love their massages and it keeps their muscles loose and keeps them feeling good. Also the PHT blankets help create more circulation and blood flow, especially standing in the trailer for hours at a time. Its one of the most important thing, in my opinion, keeping your horses happy and sound on the road. You have to know your horse and what they specifically need.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given regarding barrel racing?
‘Stay in your run’ Laurie Jones said to me one time and it stuck like glue. My motto this past year was, one run at a time. That helps because it’s an endurance race for sure. Also, when I was younger, I was always told, ‘pay attention to your horse’ lol that is imprinted in my brain, and it is super important
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