In Between Runs by Barrel Horse World: Emily Miller

Barrel Horse World
In Between Runs

Emily Miller

By: Katelyn McLeod, writer for Barrel Horse World

I was able to catch up with Emily Miller right after her win in Lubbock, Texas and before her departure to Florida for her second trip to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo. Emily has been very successful in her barrel racing career, even named multiple times in college rodeo as an All-Around Cowgirl. She has qualified for the College National Finals in Casper, Wyoming four years in a row. In 2011 she was named the CNFR Rookie of the Year and qualified in the barrels, in 2012 she qualified in barrels, goat tying, and breakaway roping, 2013 in the barrel racing and in her last year of the College Finals (2014) she qualified in both the barrels and the goat tying. Here are a few questions to get to know the very talented Emily Miller.

Hometown: Ingalls, KS.

What horses do you travel with?
Pipewrench(namgis d 35), Foxy (namgis d 56), Jet (qui jet), Benny (money is n firewater), and West Coast (westcoastturnaround )

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Winning the 2016 Prairie Circuit Year End Championship. Mary made me work for that one all the way to the end!

Favorite rodeo and why?
I don't think I can pick one.. any committee that goes the extra mile for contestants and for our barrel horses is a favorite in my book.

How do you prepare for the different arenas?
I research the size, ground type, and gate entrance to start with. From there, I decide which horse I think is best suited for that set up and go with it!

What are you thoughts before you go in the arena?
Smooth is fast. Another good quote my dad always told me is, "to finish first, first you must finish." Often times, if I have one difficult spot in a pattern and I got by it, I'd forget to keep riding and make a mistake on the next barrel. So that reminds me to finish my run before celebrating!

What is the hardest thing about rodeoing?
The wear and tear you, your horse, and your rig go through. Most people don't understand that the norm of the road includes: sleepless nights, blown tires, broken down vehicles, sore horses, a ton of extra expenses and emotional stress.

Favorite place to eat on the road?
Since I work during the week, I'm not usually gone for an extended period, therefore I will meal prep! Eggs and oatmeal for breakfast, chicken and baked sweet potato for a bigger meal, then I snack on quest bars or guacamole. If I'm up north, I can't hardly drive by a Taco Johns though!!

Least favorite place to eat on the road?
Runza. Never again.

What buckle do you wear?
FSCC 2012 barrel racing champion. I won it on my young gelding Okey Dokey Doyle, and we lost him very unexpectedly a few months after that championship. He taught me so much about believing in myself and my horse, as a team.

Who would you like to thank?
My parents. They didn't grow up around horses but they've influenced me more than anyone. They've taught me to enjoy life, but also to be realistic and take care of business. Without them, I wouldn't be able to do what I love.

The registered dental hygienist is currently sitting in the top 60 in the WPRA World Standings with $7,226.86 and has competed at only 9 rodeos (as of March 29th). We wish you the best of luck in Kissimmee this week!

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