AQHA Magazine November / December 2020 | Page 14

PG . 12
AQHA FEATURE
Victoria isn ’ t a state with many barrel races unfortunately so during the winter competition is reduced to 2-3 Jackpots a month .
In the three years Casey has been competing in the barrel racing world the duo have been fortunate enough to achieve winnings including ;
• AQHA Vic Category 2 Highpoint 3 years in a row ( 2017 , 2018 & 2019 )
• AQHA Vic Sporting Highpoint 3 years in a row ( 2017 , 2018 & 2019 )
• AQHA 2019 Youth Barrel Racer .
Casey also qualified for the NBHA World Championships held in the USA 2 years in a row ( 2018 & 2019 ) but says her most significant achievement would be “ winning the Woodall Rodeo Junior Barrel Racer in 2018 / 19 .” Woodall Rodeo promotions hold events all over Victoria , including Branxholme , Kingston , Bunyip , Dartmoor and Goroke .
After winning titles with Rodeo associations and multiple highpoints with AQHA , Casey didn ’ t set out to chase the title but was definitely aware of the awards and title she was eligible for . “ I was just very fortunate and couldn ’ t believe it when I first heard I won it . This is my first title which makes the Youth Barrel so special , and this just tops the cake !”
Casey Saunder and Zippos Perpetual Luck Q-70508 at Nilma Jackpot 2019
“ My mum was always by my side and gave me the tough love to keep me going , but everywhere you go there ’ s someone that ’ s been doing the sport for much longer than you with the wisest advice you ’ ll ever hear . That ’ s what I love about Rodeo , people are willing to help and give you advice .” Casey lives by the motto “ no pain , no gain and you ’ ll get what you ’ ve earned .”
“ Don ’ t be afraid to ask questions !” Casey advises . “ There ’ s only so much you can get from watching and listening , but asking questions is where you ’ ll find the answers you ’ re after . Follow your dreams ; don ’ t be afraid . Whether it ’ s in horses , careers , relationships , life ’ s too short to be unhappy .”
So many competitors inspire Casey . “ Every competitor has their own special gift and something to give . 2 x World Champion Barrel Racer Hailey Kinsel goes to show where hard work can get you . Fallon Taylor broke her neck in 2009 and
Casey Saunder at Barrel Racing - Photo by : Peyton Hope Photography
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