AQHA November / December 2019 Magazine AQHA NOV-DEC 2019 PRINT (2) | Page 41

PG.39 FULL THROTTLE TA FAME PR-207 BRITTANY MCVICAR “I’m still in shock”, says Brittany McVicar of her winning the Patsie Holder Memorial Classic Championship tile with Epic. “I’ve never won anything like that before. There was such a great field of horses entered, so I feel very privileged to have won with Epic.” When asked, what was your impression of Epic during your go rounds? Brittany replied, “She always gives it her everything and she certainly did at the ABHA, she has a lot of grit.” Brittany commented on her impression of Epic during the run in the final. “I messed up my timing on the first barrel and it wasn’t pretty, but she’s so quick, she was able to make up for it and still clock Okay.” When asked, what was it like waiting to hear your time and then waiting to see how everyone else went in the final? Brittany answered, “It was definitely a nervous wait, there were a lot of really nice horses left to run.” “Straight lines and one turn at a time, was a great reminder I received from a friend leading into each round,” Brittany recalled the advice that she received going into the final. Brittany recalls her preparation with Epic leading up to the ABHA Classic. “I spend a lot of time away with work so I’m very fortunate that my parents take great care of my horses and keep them legged up while I’m gone. I cannot thank them enough.” When asked, do you get nervous leading in to such a prestigious event? Brittany answered, “I definitely got nervous, but some nerves are good. I just try to remember that Epic doesn’t know the difference whether it’s a jackpot or an event such as the Patsie Holder Classic. I just have to do my job, because I know she’ll do hers.” “Epic’s mother is owned by Stephanie and Neveile McCarthy who I borrowed to use a service fee to Seconds ta Fame, kindly donated by the Matthews family at a roping event,” says Brittany. “We bred Epic so that has made the journey so much sweeter. She’s not very tall and as a young filly I thought she would be too small to make a barrel horse,” says Brittany. “We almost sold her for that reason, thankfully the sale fell through.” “Epic had a fantastic foundation put on her at Scott and Lindee McNaughtons,” says Brittany. “She was then rode by my parents (Helen and Vern McVicar) until she was four as I was overseas and they have put a great start on her. I started her on the pattern about a year and a half ago and she had a cool feel to her from the get go.” I knew we needed to give her a chance.” NOVEMBER/DECEMBER ISSUE 2019