PG . 56
AQHA FEATURE
Ladies Barrel aggregate winner & fastest time ABCRA NFR - Brianna Learmonth & ‘ Smokin ’. Photo by : Jodie Adams Photography
Brianna has had some achievements over the years : -
• Qualifying for her first Junior ABCRA NFR at age 9 , qualifying nine times overall and winning the 2006 U11 Australian title and 2 Average titles .
• Qualifying for her first senior ABCRA NFR in 2012 at 17 and has since qualified 5 times .
• ABCRA Rookie Barrel Racing title on Cowboy Roc in 2014 .
• Moonbi Magic end of year high point champion in both 2012 / 13 Cowboy Roc
• Moonbi Magic 1D Finals champion in 2012 & 2014 Cowboy Roc 2018 & 2019 Smokin
• At his first NFR in 2019 , Smokin won the NFR Average title and the fastest time .
• 2018 and 2021 Quarter Horse Nationals Champion and 2016 Reserve Champion .
• Competed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2013 & 2015 Cowboy Roc , 2016 Smokin
But the true highlight for Brianna is the horses that she has both owned and competed on . “ They are a huge part of what makes all this so special and what makes me passionate about the sport ,” Brianna says .
Another instrumental part of her current success is the now 12-year-old Palomino Gelding Peptos Smokin Morn ( Flashy Pepto x Morns Impression ), purchased from Mathea Usher - Santa Rio Quarter Horse Stud in October 2009 as a weanling . Trained by Brianna , who admits she didn ’ t have a lot of experience in training before Smokin , so they spent a lot of time figuring things out together . The gelding has such a laid back personality and is quick to pick something up . Smokin broke open at Mendooran Rodeo on 14 / 10 / 17 .
“ There are so many great Barrel Racers all over the world that have achieved tremendous things , but the one I grew up admiring the most would be Lisa Lockhart . The consistency she would have with Louie year after year at the NFR both inspires me and shows she is the best .”
“ I think your mental state has a huge influence over how you compete , and it ’ s something I try to focus on and perfect constantly ,” says Brianna of her success .
‘ Every race is an opportunity to try to do the best that we can ’ – Kimi Raikkonen . J
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