02/08/2026
Coaching and mentorship are such intimate parts of any sport, but especially in barrel racing.
I don’t recall ever advertising that I give lessons, yet somehow God has placed me in a position where I have students most nights of the week, for the last several years. This year makes 6 years I’ve assisted youth riders! Time has flown by.
What are my credentials? Outside of the talents and abilities God has given me to teach and pass on information, I’m not sure what else qualifies me. The imposter syndrome runs deep through these veins, but what I do know is that this is my purpose, and it fulfills me in a way few things ever have.
The foundation of my coaching and mentoring is giving young riders the confidence, knowledge, and tools they need to succeed in a sport where, at the end of the day, it’s just them and their horse against the clock. I know when to step in and help at a race, and I know when to step back and allow a student to trust what they’ve learned and compete independently. My ultimate goal is for my students to get to a race and not have to have their hands held. This takes time and I’ll hold their hands until they’re ready.
My coaching style isn’t one where I try to take over a parent’s role. If a student and their parents want me to be very hands-on at a race, I absolutely will be. I’m there for them 100%, no matter what. But I also understand how short these years are, and I know parents want to be just as involved as I do. If we get to a race or youth rodeo and a parent wants to help their child in the warm-up pen or in the alleyway, I fully support that. I’ll gladly be in the stands or on my own horses cheering them on. And if the parents would rather watch from the stands, I’ll be there to help the student every step of the way before and during their run.
The only thing more exciting than winning myself is watching my students win. Watching a fist pump, tears of joy, a full-toothed smile, or seeing them pat their horse’s neck after a great run gets me emotional every single time. I love watching them transform from a horse girl into a fierce competitor the moment they head down the alleyway. That look in their eyes gives me chills every time.
But what I love most about coaching is watching them have that “ah-ha” moment—when they finally feel what we’ve been working on. When everything clicks. It’s my absolute favorite part of coaching.
I had several coaches from middle school through college. I took little pieces from each of them and blended those lessons into a style that fit me. That’s exactly what I hope to pass on to my students.
I’m still being coached and mentored myself. If your coach isn’t continuing to learn, grow, and seek mentorship, that can become a problem. None of us know everything, and I believe one of the greatest qualities a horseman can have is the humility to never stop learning.
I’ll leave y’all with this: You don’t have to leave Louisiana to find great horsemanship. Some of the best mentors and horsemen/women I’ve met are right here at home.
I’m proud to be part of this community and grateful for every horse and rider, every parent or grandparent who trusts me along the way. Whether it’s developing a young horse, helping improve performance for their jockey, or working to keep horses comfortable and competing at their best, I’m always striving to learn, improve, and give every horse my best and to bring my students along with me.
Love y’all!
