Kellie Collier CFR 2017
Kellie Collier will be running at both the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, Alberta, after bringing in $20,458.53 and an 8th place season finish, and at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada in 13th position after a solid $83,342.23 96 won.
In Edmonton Collier will be running Muffin, who she purchased from Millarville resident and past CFR qualifier, Toni Dixon. In Vegas she will run LoLo.
What kind of quirks do they have?
Muffin (Jig French Truckle, by RNJ Heckofafrenchman out of a Whose Dat Bunny mare, Dat Fur Bunny) is pretty laid back for the most part. She knows her job and she absolutely loves it. She is a little cinchy when you saddle her! Toni and I like to says it’s because she knows she a race horse! She also hates walking on concrete. She is very careful.
LoLo (Streakin Easy April, by Streak of Fling out of a Doc O Dynamite mare, Easy April Lena) is quite a quirky horse! She doesn’t hardly trust anyone (except me of course). She does not like to be tied, she will pull back! She doesn’t ever run away once she is loose, she just stands there.
With all the miles made, varying ground conditions, and expenses, what kept the CFR and NFR dream alive for you?I, along with many other girls, have always dreamt of making the CFR and NFR! My horses heart and try kept me going throughout the year. I honestly believe that they wanted it just as bad as I did. My moms support and wise words throughout the year were also a huge help!! We cried many tears together (good and bad).
What was your favourite CPRA and PRCA rodeo this year and why?My favorite CPRA rodeo would have to be Hand Hills! It was just a fun experience, because I’ve never had to go down several gravel roads to get to a pro rodeo!
My favorite PRCA rodeo of the year is Denver! They have a great committee that takes very good care of the contestants; I won it, so that’s a plus!
Who is your barrel racing idol?Lisa Lockhart
How do you stay healthy on the road? Do you exercise or just eat as healthy as you can?
My Mom actually eats a lot healthier than I do on the road! I don’t eat very well, that’s because I forget to eat sometimes. I am very bad about getting busy and putting food last on the priority list. But I believe that all that we do with our horses out there on the road keeps me in very good shape!
Riding a seasoned barrel horse, what exercises do you do for tune-ups on the pattern?I don’t normally show either of my horses the pattern hardly at all. I try to just keep them in the best shape I can by long trotting and loping. Occasionally I will go in an arena before I run and get a feel for the situation, but that is more for me than my horses.
We all know that being competitive takes serious mental strength.What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo?
I always say that the rodeo road takes 90% mental toughness. That is something I learned very quickly! You will not get anywhere even in life with mental weakness. I try to stay as positive as possible and ALWAYS look at the good things like your horses are healthy and your getting to do what you love every single day. My mom is also a huge help in keeping my mental game strong and not letting me get down on myself. Always, always pray about it, and what is supposed to happen will happen.
What is your go to product for keeping your horse feeling her best for the season?I love my feed program, and I believe that keeping them healthy from the inside is so so important. I also always wrap my horses legs with Mud after they run to keep their ligaments tight.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given regarding barrel racing?
“You have to learn to lose before you win” -Carley Richardson
What is one thing you can’t live without on the road?
White Monster Energy drink!
