Historically, men have dominated rodeo competitions around the world. Now, a group of girls and women from across northern Colorado are aiming to expand their influence in the sport.
Barrel racing is becoming a popular sport for both men and women, but it is most popular among girls and women. Events are currently being held across Northern Colorado that offer people of all ages and experience the opportunity to race for cash.
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“This is a way of life for us, and it takes special people to do it,” said 12-year-old barrel racer Braley Faro.
“Barrel racing is a speed event, and it's as fast as riding a four-legged animal,” said barrel racer Amy Smith. “We do it for the money and the prizes and the bragging rights.”
CBS News Colorado's Dillon Thomas recently attended the TWP Barrel Race in Longmont, where dozens of competitors put their horses out for a chance to win. Although there were a few boys and girls participating in the competition, girls and women dominated the field.
“Everyone always assumes men[when it comes to rodeos]and at most rodeo events, women are considered rodeo guests,” Smith said. “So it's common to exclude us. But in a sense, we're carving our own path.”
Smith, a self-proclaimed barrel racing junkie, said she has loved watching interest in the sport grow over the years.
“A lot of people think this is not a sport. This is 100 percent a sport,” Faro said.
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Barrel racing is an event in which contestants must race around a horse without dropping any of the three barrels. The fastest time wins the night.
“This is the best experience of my life,” Faro said.
Competitions are fun for those on the arena floor and in the crowd, but ultimately those who participate also learn many life lessons.
“We're talking about running 14 seconds, but there's a lot more to it,” says longtime barrel racer and coach Marty Rushton. “For most of us, he spends over 60 hours a week with horses.”
“I get an adrenaline rush every day. I ride horses early in the morning before going to school, and I spend time with them until late at night,” Faro said.
Ms Rushton, who has been riding horses since she was three years old, said the sport was great for women and girls of all ages.
“Everyone, all ages, all levels,” Rushton said. “It's really great to see them grow each day. They gain confidence and learn how to control the horses they ride.”
Now, racers like Smith are also raising their children while competing.
“We support and are happy for young people to grow with us,” Smith said. “I want her to grow up in a strong community with her proper ethics and morals.”
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“It's a fun way to express my love for horses,” said 14-year-old racer Lexi Holder.
Children as young as four years old could be seen riding around the barrels on horseback, under the guidance of adults, of course.
“The sport of rodeo is alive and well,” Smith said. “For all you ladies out there who think it's too late, it's definitely not. Come out here and have a little fun with us.”
