Longview resident Lauren Yoder is not your average 18-year-old student. While other girls her age are shopping for new shoes, chatting on the phone for hours or just hanging out at a local coffee shop, Lauren's taking the reigns of her life and enjoying a true passion: barrel racing.
Stefanie Yoder |
Lauren Yoder and her horse, Scoops, leave the third barrel at lightening speed at 2007's Martha Josey Junior World Barrel Racing Championship.
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When Lauren was 13, her uncle invited her to his home for an afternoon of riding horses. Since then, Lauren has been climbing the ladder from junior rodeos to senior events, proving to herself and others that she is a force to be reckoned with in barrel racing.
Q: How did you get your first horse?
A: "I had been babysitting all summer, and I saved up every dime that I made. My uncle had bought the horse for himself but said if I wanted to start riding and the horse and I were a good fit, he'd sell him to me. We were a great fit! I named him Buddy. I rode him almost every day for a long time. He's still a part of the family, but he's more of a pasture ornament."
Q: How did barrel racing enter your life?
A: "I really didn't have any friends into horses except one I went to school with. She invited me to a play day. It's a day where horse riders of all ages in the community meet up and have small competitions ... barrel races, straight away barrels, keyhole races ... a bunch of different competitions. It's like a mini rodeo. Anyway, I took to barrel racing pretty quick."
Q: What makes a good barrel racer?
A: "A big thing is having a horse that you fit with, because being compatible is a huge part of the sport. There have been instances with horses that can really, really run and ride through barrels, but the rider doesn't compliment the horse. It's important to have a good balance."
Q: Of all the horses you've had, which one's been your favorite?
A: "It's hard to pick a favorite, but Strawberry, my first horse, was very special to me. When she got hurt and wasn't able to race, we decided to breed her. She died shortly after from postpartum colic. She was a great horse and had a lot of heart ... she was definitely part of our family."
Q: Who have you admired most during your barrel racing career?
A: "Definitely Martha Josey! She's accomplished more than a lot of girls could ever dream of doing, and she's been doing it for so long. She even hosts clinics where she helps other people be able to get to where she's been in the barrel racing world. I've watched her big-time runs on videos, and I'm always amazed at how well she rides."
Q:What advice would you give younger girls who are thinking about learning to ride/barrel race?
A: "They need to be sure that this is what they want to do. It takes a lot of dedication and a lot of time. You have to be ready to make sacrifices."
Q: Have you ever suffered injuries from the sport?
A: "One time I was in Marshall at a barrel race, and the ground wasn't the best. I was riding my horse I have now, Scoops, and we went into the first barrel and the dirt was slick. Scoops' feet came out from underneath him and he kind of landed on me. I fractured my collarbone and pulled my shoulder almost completely out of socket. Another time I hit a barrel in Gladewater and had to get stitches and my leg was fractured. But the injuries aren't anything compared to the enjoyment of the overall sport."
Q:What has been your most memorable victory in an event?
A: "When I was at the Deb Mohon Memorial Barrel Race at the Gladewater Rodeo Arena, I was leading it for awhile. Even though I ended up in fourth place, it was still amazing to know that I could hang with the tough girls that raced faster than I did."
Q:What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a barrel racer?
A: "I think just being able to meet my goals has been amazing enough."
Q: You've barrel raced for awhile now. Do you have plans to continue racing after high school graduation?
A: "I've always planned to turn pro, but lately I've decided that college is what I want. I'd like to study photography. But I want to ride forever. I know I'll always ride horses."
Q: If Scoops could talk, what are three things he would say to you?
A: "He'd say he loves me, of course! He'd ask me to give him more treats. He'd also say that he loves racing with me, and he enjoys all the time we get to spend together.
