AQHA Magazine November / December 2020 | Page 15

Casey Saunder Barrel Racing at Nilma Jackpot 2019
PG . 13
Casey Saunder at Barrel Racing - Photo by : Steve Reed Photography

Casey believes hard work is the key to her success was given a 2 % chance to live and went on to win the world championship in 2014 .”

Casey believes hard work is the key to her success , and ‘ not listening to people when they doubt you .’ “ Everyone had their different opinions on me going from Dressage to Barrel Racing , but dressage set all foundations to get me to where I am today ,” says Casey . Also her now ten-year-old gelding ‘ Toby ’ whom Casey has an incredible relationship with , has been instrumental in her success .
“ He ’ s definitely living proof just because a horse is bred to do something doesn ’ t mean they can ’ t do anything else , he ’ s really God sent .”
Casey would like to thank her mum , Carolyn , for sticking by her side throughout her journey ,
‘ especially when she wasn ’ t all that keen on Rodeo at first .’ “ Sally Bedggood for helping me when I first started out , I wouldn ’ t be where I am today without her . And also everyone that helped me and listened to my silly questions along the way !”
Future goals for this talented young horsewoman are to spend time in America competing and to qualify for the Australian Pro Rodeo Finals ( APRA ). We wish her well as she continually strives towards that goal .
“ Barrel racing is 15 seconds on average in an arena , so all I can say is try your hardest and give it your all so you don ’ t ask yourself afterwards , What would have happened if I tried harder ?” F
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER ISSUE 2020