41
The competition brings together some of Australia ' s best horses and toughest competitors, with everyone given a fair opportunity on the ground. At this level, there is very little room for hesitation. To win, competitors must be prepared to go out there and give everything they have.
While speed and natural ability are essential, Katina believes a champion barrel horse needs considerably more than that. They must be tough, gritty and willing to keep showing up when it counts.
" They need to have the heart and mental toughness of a true warhorse. When the pressure is on and every second matters, they have to be willing to dig deep, trust their job and get it done."
It is this combination of ability, courage and determination that separates the very best, and Gangster has certainly demonstrated that he possesses all three.
THE HEART BEHIND THE CHAMPION Ask Katina what makes Gangster so special, and her answer goes well beyond his impressive competition record.
He is an incredibly kind and friendly horse with an outstanding work ethic, the biggest heart and a genuine love for what he does. Katina believes that combination has played a significant role in making him the horse he is today.
Throughout his career, Gangster has achieved some remarkable milestones, from breaking records to showcasing his bridleless abilities at Night of the Horse with Rooftop Express. However, some of the achievements Katina is most proud of are not necessarily those recorded on a results sheet, but the challenges he has overcome along the way.
Gangster has battled back from two bouts of pneumonia, one of which resulted in an abscess developing in his lung. At the time, there were genuine concerns about whether the resulting scarring would have a lasting impact on his ability to compete.
FILTHY RICH N FAMOUS Q-94050
AQHA 2026 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER ISSUE