Nancy Hunter – 2014 WNFR
This year the average number of rodeos attended by the top 15 ladies was 71. Nancy Hunter didn’t even go to half of that! Coming in fourth place, Nancy’s rodeo count for the 2014 season was just 26! Her big win in Houston definitely helped make the NFR possible this year, winning her $55,000. Nancy won $53,000 at Houston in 2013 as well, but it was not a sanctioned event just yet. In her 2014 season, she took home $104,289.49!
Nancy travels with her husband Fred Hunter, who is a well known horse trainer. Together they make a fantastic team, and I am really looking forward to watching Nancy run down the alley for the first time at the Thomas & Mack this December.
What was your favourite 2014 rodeo, or moment in the season.
RodeoHouston has been good to Fuzz and I the last two years, it is an intense rodeo with all those competing having proven themselves to be tough competitors. The format calls for the possibility of seven runs in a short time frame, with a hard setup. Fred has trained all my horses including Fuzz, Houston calls for consistency, thank goodness that is part of Fred’s training program. The winning of RodeoHouston is both financially lovely and exciting, the arena is huge, the crowd is electric and the RodeoHouston volunteers and committee are the best.
What are your must have products on the road, horse & personal?
Utah hay, Fuzz hates feed changes and Utah hay is rich in protein, providing plenty of energy on the road. Ice boots, boa boots and Fred’s shoeing tools. Fuzz has a cribbing bar he loves along with a back scratcher, which he likes Fred to use. Personally I just need Fred he is my trainer, driver, emotional support person, handsome husband and best friend! We enjoy our adventures together so much. .
What kept you motivated this season?
Fuzz has had an amazing career, this was his eighth rodeo season, every year he has made us financially better and provided great memories. 2014 was a surreal year, starting with Rodeo Houston continuing on thru the summer. Fuzz has broke or tied four arena records, three in large patterns running two 16.9 runs. The fourth in the smallest pen running a 13 second pattern. Motivation for me is the consistency at the 22 rodeos Fuzz ran in this year, along with the checks which helped my bank account. Fred and I are very proud of this sorrel horse, Mr Fuzz, we work hard to make him happy and are selective where we haul him, giving him all the chances we can to succeed.
Describe your main mount Fuzz’s style
Fuzz, due to his conformation is not a natural stopper, Fred works constantly on reinforcing this skill, at times Fuzz will hit his front end hard resulting in a tough ride for me. He is a strong horse with some funny traits, he stays true to his training and tries hard each run to please us, we consider him part of our family.
How does it feel to know you are headed to the Thomas & Mack to be running for the Gold Buckle and title of NFR Barrel Racing Champion?
Running down the alleyway at the WNFR will be a dream come true for me. Having raised four boys, pursing a career as a Registered Nurse and helping Fred with his training business did not allow hauling hard for the NFR in the past. We knew it may never happen, yet when Fuzz stepped up the possibility wiggled in our minds, Fred told me if this works it has to be on our terms, so we made a game plan tried to remove emotion and be business or horse smart. Winning Rodeo Houston certainly made this easier, it allowed us to haul very little and keep Fuzz fresh, sound and happy. Every girl and her horse at the WNFR is a strong competitor and earned this opportunity, I am excited to be in this mix. Fuzz and I have run against them all numerous times and these gals will have their game face on, I love this level of competition it makes my blood boil, it’s why I compete. Though I never pay attention to particular times or who’s running what, I do know that Fuzz and I need to make our run to the best of our ability and work as a team. I am honored to be at the National Finals Rodeo for 2014, I so appreciate the support of my husband, family, friends and sponsors. Mostly I am blessed to have the opportunity to ride such an amazing horse ‘Mr. Fuzz’.
I wish Nancy all the best during her first NFR run! Run Fuzz Run!!! If you want to learn more about Nancy and Fred, check out their website, www.fredhunteronline.com
