In Between Runs by Barrel Horse World: Amber Moore

Barrel Horse World
In Between Runs

Amber Moore

By: Katelyn McLeod, writer for Barrel Horse World

The 2016 Reserve World Champion, Amber Moore and CP Dark Moon, set the Thomas & Mack on fire in December of 2016 and is sitting right where she needs to be for making her second trip in 2017. Amber is the jockey of CP Dark Moon, Paige, who showed us all how much she loved the little yellow pen in Vegas. But that isn't her only favorite. The team has placed in many different set ups and her most recent win was Lynden, Washington for a total of $1,376. Right before Amber's short go run at Caldwell, Idaho, she was able to catch up with us and answer a few questions.

Hometown
Keizer, OR

Horses you travel with
CP Dark Moon--Paige, Junos Royal Flush--Jen, and a couple youngsters whose only duty is to babysit Paige

Greatest accomplishment?
Qualifying for the 2016 WNFR, tying the arena record in Thomas & Mack, and breaking the all-time money earning record at the WNFR.

Favorite rodeo and why?
I have to say the Calgary Stampede even though I've only been there once, with this being my first year. The whole experience is simply amazing from the time you get there, to watching the Chuckwagon races, to running in front of that huge crowd. It's just an amazing experience from start to finish. But I also really enjoy small hometown rodeos.

How do you prepare for the different arenas?
I try to get there early enough and I go in on foot and walk the arena and kind of get a feel of how the pattern is set up.

What are your thoughts before you go in the arena?
I try not to overthink the process and go in there and remind myself, "It's just three barrels, let Paige do her job and stay out of the way."

How do you decide which horse to run at different rodeos?
Paige is always my first choice on any type of ground, in any type of setup. Jen did get the call in Livingston, Montana. It was the end of the Fourth of July run and Paige was just tired.

What is the hardest thing about rodeoing?
Being away from home and having to play catch-up on work when I do come home.

Favorite place to eat on the road?
Not too particular, but I do like sit down restaurants and to eat out of my trailer quite a bit.

Least favorite place to eat?
Anything fast food

What buckle do you wear?
I wear the first Buckle I won at the 2016 WNFR, which would be the fifth round buckle.

What helps to motivate you during the tough times of rodeo?
I remind myself that there's always another rodeo and there's always another day. I feel extremely blessed to be able to be out on the road doing what I enjoy with a horse that loves her job.

What was your goal for this year when you hit the road?
When I went out this year and left in January my goal was to go out and get to go and enjoy those rodeos that were always on my bucket list that I had qualified for San Antonio, Houston, Calgary and just enjoy the ride and see what came along with it and hopefully it was a trip back to Vegas in December 2017.

Explain what it was like to win Lynden, WA?
Running at Lynden Rodeo is always special for me. It's not my hometown but all the people there are like my second family that I've grown up with, so going there and winning it was extra special for me and all of them.

Explain what your first NFR was like, and will you change anything for your second NFR?
My first year at the NFR was beyond expectations Paige absolutely loved the Thomas and Mack and went in there and showed me and the world what she was made of. I don't think there's much to change from last year just go in enjoy the ride and see what the 10 days unfold like.

I want to thank my husband, my daughter, my family, and all those who jump in last minute and help me drive. I couldn't do it without all of their help going down the road.

In the WPRA World Standings the top 6 cowgirls all have won over $100,000 for the 2017 year. Amber falls right at #5 with $111,309.03 and competing at 41 rodeos (as of 8/14/17). With the short round at Caldwell, Idaho on the night of August 19th, the money Amber has won this far is bound to increase. We wish you the best the rest of the summer and can't wait to watch how 10 days in Vegas unfold for you.

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