PG . 35
A special memory ‘ In 2012 , Blake and I were the first siblings to each win All-Round Junior
Titles in the same year ’
pushed me to my limits , even when I thought he was being hard on me — but he wanted to see me do my best . So , the only way I can honour my brother ’ s life , is to live mine to its fullest , exactly as he did . I stayed in Australia with my family , putting the USA on hold . I sold Beaver , and began roping off Blake ’ s horse , Texaco .
I ’ m so fortunate , with long-term sponsors in Resistol Hats and Cactus Saddlery . Ricky Bolin and Dustin Noblitt visited Australia , back in 2012 . After visiting my family then , we joined their sponsored team and they ’ ve continued long-term sponsorship of us . After Blake passed away , Resistol named one of their hats after him , called ‘ Blakeo ’. They ’ re very special sponsors and have continued their support of me throughout my USA journey .’
USA DESTINED . . .
In 2018 , Courtney made the decision that it was time to head to the USA . Her long-time friend , Brittany McVicar , connected her with Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi , and Courtney moved to America in October , 2018 ..
‘ I was lucky enough to live with 2 x World Champion , Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi , her husband , Garrett Tonozzi , and their 6yo daughter Tinlee , of Lampasas , Texas . I rode horses with them most days , also team roping with Garrett , and travelled the rodeo circuit with them . I ’ ve roped my whole life and love it . Although not serious about it , I ’ ve also Team roped my whole life — it ’ s my fun event , and I have made it to Junior Finals Breakaway and All-Round titles . Brittany and Garrett welcomed me into their family like their own and helped and guided me in the right direction in the USA , and I ’ m so thankful to them for everything
‘ IF COMPETING IN THE USA IS YOUR DREAM , EXPECT TO START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK YOUR WAY UP . SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE AND BELIEVE THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE .’
they ’ ve taught me . Their work ethic is second to none . Watching them train , compete and win over the years , on horses they ’ ve bred , is inspiring . They also gifted me an embryo , from Brittany ’ s great NFR mare , Babe On The Chase , aka Birdie . The result was a colt , now gelded — A Guy Downunder , aka Dundee . I ’ ll break him and start riding him next year .’
Courtney ’ s travelled USA-wide with Brittany , from Washington State to Calgary , Alberta , competing in Futurities throughout Texas , Oklahoma , Utah , Colorado and Wyoming . She says that going to weekly barrel races and watching the best in the world encourages her every day . Jordon Briggs , an inspirational friend , has also been supportive to Courtney , throughout her USA journey .
COMPETITION . . .
Courtney says that the USA competition is extremely tough ! With local weekly jackpots , riders are up against NFR girls and horses , and in Futurities , greats like Kassie Mowry , Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi , Jordon Briggs and Ashley Schafer compete . However , riding and competing with world champions and top trainers accelerates the drive in Courtney !
‘ 2yo , Yeah Shebe Runnin ’ was my first USA futuritied prospect , bought after I arrived there . With mentorship from Brittany and Garrett , I futuritied her in 2020 , and sold her at the end of the year , to buy Steel Famous , out of Brittany ’ s great NFR horse , Steel Magnolias , in 2022 . My first ever competition on Steel was Barrel Futurities of America World Finals in November 2021 , where we entered the Juvenile for maiden 3yo horses . With 380 + horses entered , Steel placed in the Juvenile Open Average , and won the 2021 Juvenile Amateur World Champion . We placed
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2023 AQHA YEARBOOK ~ MAY / JUNE ISSUE