SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY
Cowley and Smeenk are the first to tell you that the most important factor that goes into barrel racing is their bond with their horses. But a close second, is the connection to the public via social media to share their expertise and connect to rodeo fans. Both women possess a strong digital presence that has established relationships that have helped them in their barrel racing pursuits.
She trains Taz herself and other horses as an established trainer with emphasis on the Bureau of Land Management Mustang Adoption Programs, as well as colt starting and barrel racing. She is also a former Miss Rodeo title holder, business owner and entrepreneur focusing on her tack company, “Knotty Halters.” She offers online coaching program and eCourses, and even dabbles in real estate investing and property management.
While you wouldn’t think Smeenk had much time for anything else in her life, she finds the time to do public speaking, and is even writing a book that she plans to launch early next year with a tour coupled with speaking engagements, clinics, and – you guessed it - rodeos.
“I try to document where I am on my journey so that others may learn and relate, and hopefully turn decades into days from the lessons I've learned,” Smeenk said.
Though Smeenk is more experienced in the barrel racing world, being a third-year competitor, she is honored to compete in the quick turning, high speed, edge-of-your-seat excitement with Cowley. But unlike Cowley, Smeenk says she’s all country girl from growing up on a 10,000-acre buffalo ranch in a small town in South Dakota.
“My entire family grew up ranching and, of course, have a love for the western way of life and rodeo,” Smeenk said, who bought her horse Taz (Fultastic) she races off of a racetrack.
24 THEBEAUTYBATTALION.COM