PG . 42
AQHA FEATURE
Maddie and Jackson - Purple Fairy Imagery
Leanne ’ s main barrel racing mount is 11yo Chestnut gelding ‘ Morns Akka Dakka Roc ’ Q-69772 , a ‘ Flashy Pepto ’ Q-53998 x ‘ Traditional Elly ’ Q-51402 .
Not limited to one , Leanne has two other horses she competes on : 14yo Palomino gelding ‘ Peppys Royal Rogue Q-64342 by ‘ Flashy Pepto ’ Q-53998 x ‘ Royal Traditions ’ Q-26426 and the 4th division Open Winner 5yo Bay gelding ‘ Mornin Mohawk ’ Q- 82903 by IMP ‘ SLR Mojos Workin ’ Q-67448 x ‘ Maggie Morn ’ Q-54922 .
Canadian Barrel Racing Clinician Judy Myllymaki had some advice that has stuck with Leanne over the years , and that was ‘ never listen to the crows on the fence .’ “ I apply this to life , as well . I stay in my lane and run my own race , and that really helps me stay focused on the task at hand and doing the best I can for my family , myself and my horse . There are so many great barrel racers both here and overseas that I admire , along with horsemen and horsewomen in many other disciplines . Basically , I admire the competitors that put horsemanship first and are really there for the horse and bringing out their best .”
Leanne advises fellow competitors to “ Just do you ! Set goals , stay focused and chip away at them to achieve your dreams .”
“ There are so many great Barrel Racing competitors . Early in my career Bridget Brandenburg was a big influence , and hers was one of the first clinics I ever attended . She is someone I look up to as a friend and mentor and is always there if I need her . She is still one of the best jockeys around to help bring out the best in any horse . I also always admired the Schiller girls for their talent and horsemanship when I first got into the sport , and their longevity is a testament to the greats that they still are . Along the way , I have seen the likes of Adele Edwards continuously train and ride some of the best horses this country has seen , and my sister-in-law Wendy Caban has made a huge impact on our sport as well . I could go on and on with more Australian Champions I have enjoyed watching and competing against , but then there would be a list a mile long of American superstars but I would be showing my age if I rattled off too many ,” Leanne says with a smile .
“ Besides a lot of hard work , I would have to credit my husband Dale with being the driving force behind my success . He works tirelessly at a full-time mining job to , in his words , ‘ keep me in the lifestyle I am accustomed to !’. He does all our shoeing and trimming , which is a task in itself with 15 odd horses to attend to , and he always ensures we have an adequate supply of quality hay . He certainly plays a vital part in enabling me to focus on developing myself as a competitor and a clinician .”
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW . AQHA . COM . AU