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Location: Berthoud, Colo.
Business: Lazy Heart E Tack Shop and Arena – http://www.lazyhearte.com/ or http://www.lazyheartetackshop.com/
Family: Wonderful husband and rooting section Gene; 3 kids; 7 grand-kids; 2 great-grand-kids! YIKES!
I was born and raised in Ft. Collins so I haven't moved very far. I did live briefly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. When Gene and I married we pooled resources we found this place. That was 26 years ago.
How and when did you start barrel racing:
My dad always had horses. He was involved in the race horse industry when I was young and then got out when he had a family to support. However, we always had horses around for us kids to ride—I have two sisters and a brother. After my mother passed away and all of the family was out on their own he got back into the race horse business. I was partners with him in "H and C Quarter Horses". We partnered for about 6 years until Gene and I moved to Berthoud. At that time Gene and I got out of the race horses to concentrate on our place here. My heart has always been in barrel racing but I have also studied Western Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Reining, Roping and a taste of Dressage. I have specialized in barrel horses for about 20 years.
Tell us about your best (the one you enjoyed the most) win:
Some years ago in Reno, Nev., at the American West finals I had several students with me. I managed to win several checks over the four day period and a saddle and every one of my students won checks and several got their pictures taken for winning either go-rounds or average awards. It thrills me to see a student do well. That trip was priceless!
Tell us about your average student and what you are looking for in students:
I work with both beginner/novice barrel racers and advanced so there really is not an "average" student. I do not look for anything in particular but I do appreciate certain traits: I love students with dedication, diligence and good attitudes in a win, lose or draw situation. I admire anyone that strives to get better and will do anything I can to help each person reach their goals.
Do you still actively compete?
Absolutely! I don't know if a person can really instruct effectively if they are not participating themselves. I am pretty sure the day will come when I may have to "hang it up" but I am not planning on that any time soon. Hope God has the same plans! I am hoping to have at least one more good, solid 1D/2D horse before I am too old to get on.
You Tube: Carol Ellis and Oaken Lena "Opie" before he passed away.
You Tube: Carol on her new boy, Taco.
I know that De Chapman was one of your students and she is a 1D racer, but is that always the goal? I mean, there is happiness at the other D's, can you tell me your thoughts on that?
The great advantage of the divisional system is it does give everyone a chance to compete and win some money and since the inception of the divisional system the barrel racing industry has really grown by leaps and bounds. That being said it can also create a certain level of mediocrity. In other words people will "get stuck" in a lower division and be happy there. I am extremely goal oriented and there are students that I know will never, because of several variables, reach the "upper D's". However, I always want them to set goals and be striving to get better. I do have to realize their goals are not my goals though. Even "at my age" my goal is to constantly learn and constantly get better and I try to encourage each person to be willing to put in the time and energy do their absolute best. And I encourage constant education.
Tell me about your clinics, cost, goals, dates, places:
Link to clinic schedule. We start in the early spring and go through October with various offerings. Basically there are two types: the "101 Barrel Racing Clinic" that is suitable for a very broad base from beginner to advanced. It covers everything from "A to "Z so far as training a barrel horse and competing is concerned. The other is "Advanced Barrel Racing" and it is for the competitor. It is geared towards the person that is either actively competing or ready to compete and covers how to get the most out of each team. I try to make them both really fun for everyone and yet a challenge. I am also in a constant state of education and I let them know what I learn each year so I have something new to offer. I do have many repeat participants. They keep me on my toes!
I know your husband (or you?) travels with your tack shop to some shows, which shows do you try to get to?
The tack shop is mostly Gene's endeavor. I am the bookkeeper and rooting section! It is nice because he specializes only in barrel racing equipment. We travel mostly Colorado and Wyoming but depending on the situation will also travel to other surrounding states. We do try and make every Mile Hi Barrel Race and support Carol Crowder. Gene loves the girls—as anyone will tell you! And he always has a sucker for the little ones!
Tells us about your "Running on Faith" columns:
My faith and hope in Jesus as my savior is extremely important to me. As a person that has lived on both sides of the fence I know God's side is the best! It is important for me to encourage people and stress the fact that barrel racing is what we do and not who we are and we need to keep everything in perspective and keep God first and foremost in our lives. I write about my own personal situations and experiences and how God has seen me through and hope people can relate. I think it is important for people to realize they are not the only ones facing a certain trial or situation and God will see us through whatever happens if we just stay the course. I tell everyone the goal in life is "do the right thing and glorify God".
Future goals with your racing and horses?
I only have one horse I am hauling now. My years of hauling a load of horses is over! I used to haul an open horse, a back-up horse, a futurity horse and a young horse for seasoning. Whatever I could fit in the trailer. I am to the point now I enjoy hauling one horse I enjoy. I had a good open horse that died almost two years ago of cancer, Opie, so I have had to start over again and the new boy is coming along nicely. I take forever building a new horse because they have to last forever. Also, my personal horses need to do double duty: 1) go run barrels and 2) stand in the arena for eight hours during a clinic. Taco, the new horse, is doing really well at both. He is by Jet's Easy Roll and out of a granddaughter of First Down Dash. I am considering buying another as a back-up but haven't seen the horse I can't live without yet.
How long does a horse stay with you before you sell them?
If I buy a horse for resale I plan on keeping it between 4 to 6 months. However, the day I buy them I put them right back on the market. The people that come to me for a horse expect a certain type because they are usually repeat buyers or referrals so I usually keep the horse until they are through the program and ready to haul and solid and easy for just about anyone to ride. I ask a lot of questions when I have a new buyer so I can try and make the best match possible. I do have several horses for sale on consignment at all times to choose from. Most are featured on my web site.
Thanks Carol ~!
