2015 LRA Finals Champion Stacey Ruzicka
In 2015, Lakeland Rodeo Association barrel racer Stacey Ruzicka took home $8676.92 and went into Finals in fourth position. By the Sunday afternoon final performance, she had no idea she was in contention for the Championship title.
The Bentley, Alberta resident started out the season strong by winning High Prairie rodeo, the first co-approved rodeo of the year by three tenths. She also won Mayerthorpe, Lamont, and Smoky Lake, which also helped shoot her to the top of the standings in the Wild Rose Rodeo Association, and kept her well in the running for the L.R.A Finals. Stacey also made the Foothills Rodeo Association Finals, all on her bay mare, Known To Be Wild Cs by Known For Dash (going back to First Down Dash) and out of Running Wild Annie on the bottom ( by Page Oh Bobby). In 2012 she was the Central Alberta Rodeo Association Champion, and from there she kept on climbing.
Stacey grew up in Viking, Alberta being around Percherons and Quarter Horses that her Grandpa and Uncle’s raised. Her Uncle John got her hooked on the need for speed by taking her to roping jackpots and putting her on his many rope horses to run barrels. At 15 years old she made her first LRA Finals and is now proving at 37, that with hard work and determination you can be at the top.
We caught up with Stacey shortly after her run at the Lakeland Rodeo Finals to learn more about her and her great mare Kaye.
What was your favorite rodeo to run at this year and why?
Well Lamont was a huge win and was shocked when I heard my time of 15.441, which put us in the lead by 3 tenths.
How long have you owned Kaye for, who broke her, and who put the pattern on her?
She was bred by Colin Balin from Elk Point and I purchased her from Melissa Anderson as a green broke 3 year old and have done the barrel work myself. I definitely don’t consider myself a trainer but have taken a few Connie Combs clinics and mostly just “trained” what I’ve learned from her. There have been lots of people along the way with advice that I gladly listen to but I’ve learned to listen to your gut and know your horse and their style. What works for one doesn’t work for all. A well-known trainer Joe Butterfield definitely had an influence on her training helping me get her more broke.
Does Kaye have any quirks?
She can get her head up and dance around a bit before our run but that’s her telling me, “I’m ready let’s do this!” She’s a great traveling partner, especially for a mare, she gets along with any horse.
What saddle, bit and pad do you use on her?
Bit wise Kaye uses a Connie Combs stabilizer. I ride her in Tammy Key Fischers treeless with the Saddle-Right Pad and a Back on Track liner underneath. I also bought a Lisa Lockhart saddle this year and use a 5 star pad. I switch back and forth depending on how I feel that day.
What does your warm up consist of with her?
Basically we just long trot and lope a couple circles, I keep it simple.
Did you do anything differently at finals than a regular season rodeo run?
No I keep it all consistent, they’re all rodeo runs and this is just the end of the season .
Do you have any pre-run rituals?
I stay pretty relaxed before, I had done a lot of reading on mental preparation a few years ago and I just stay confident and know what I’ve got. I think we can overthink things and cause more problems, for me anyway. This year, I just go in a pick my spot on my first barrel and have learned to never quit riding aggressive because it’s not always the prettiest run that wins, it’s the fastest. Be confident in you and your horse and go for it.
Tell us about how finals were for you this year. Did you have any specific goals going into finals?
You know what; I just wanted to keep all my barrels up. I had a bad WRA Finals last year and tipped every round and all were MY fault. I never blame my horse, 99% of the time its rider error. Going into the last round, I had no idea I was even in contention to win. I don’t like to hear times or see who’s leading for points. People put too much pressure on themselves and then make mistakes. “Just go win the round” was all I wanted on Sunday. Luckily we did, and we posted the fastest time of the finals! When I rodeo now I never look to see who’s winning or the time, just go do your best and hope that announcer says, “Here’s your new leader!”
How many CPRA rodeos did you enter this year and how did you make out at them?
Well I finally got persuaded by some friends that I needed to get my permit and went to a handful of spring rodeos and unfortunately hit barrels and was right there with the pack.
What is your cocktail of choice?
That’s a loaded question! Everyone knows I don’t have the same thing twice, but fireball, paralyzers (cherry whiskey, banana root beer), and twisted teas were my favorites this summer!
What are your rodeo plans for next year?
I’m not making any plans as of yet, I’m just going with the flow for now, I’m sure when spring comes I’ll hit a few pro rodeos. If I had a sponsor of course I’d go pro, but I have to work full time to keep alive!
Do you have any tattoos?
In fact I just got my first one this spring! It says “Live Love Ride” with a horseshoe and my dear moms birthday underneath (she passed away with a brain aneurysm in 2002). I love my life and live it to the fullest doing what I love;ride.
Who is your favorite person to follow via social media (celebrity or otherwise)
Brook Robertson comes first into mind, she has been a coach, mentor and best friend the past 4 years. I call her often even right after a win when I’m still on my horse heading back to the trailer. My phone doesn’t fall far from me!
Who is your favorite pair to watch in the sport of barrel racing right now?
Lisa Lockhart and Louie, definitely. Always so smooth and effortless.
Rodeo family is the best family you could have, I’m so great-full for all the friends I’ve gotten to know better and the new ones I’ve met over the years. My goal this year was to meet someone new every weekend whether it be a junior or a friend of a friend. People come into our lives for a reason because you just never know when you might need them or they need you. Like my Tattoo says, live, love, ride!
