This blog has been created to journal my goal of becoming a professional barrel racer and competing at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). The reason it is titled 'More Than A Buckle' is because often people think that the most important things in life are the end results, in this case, a gold buckle from the NFR. My goal is to make earn a gold buckle at the NFR but that will only be proof to the world of what I have accomplished. This is about becoming the very best barrel racer and person I can be. It is about testing myself against the world and against the clock. It is about finding out who I am and who I was meant to be.
I have always loved barrel racing. The first time I saw a family friend barrel race when I was younger I had to ask my mom if the time was in seconds. When she answered me with a simple, "yes" I fell in love with the sport. Like every little girl I had always dreamed of riding horses and having my own horse. One Christmas this came true and instead of riding horses at summer camps or at friend I had a horse to take care of all of my own. Unlike most people who dream of going to the NFR I only competed in junior rodeos and I lacked the horse power to go further. Yet, I have been given a passion for the sport of rodeo and for barrel racing unlike anything I have ever felt. It is the only time I feel like I truly belong and the only time I feel like I know what I am supposed to do with this life I have been given.
The second year I went to the NFR to watch with my mom I was asked what I wanted to do with my life. My reply, "I have no idea!" The lady looked at me with such understanding and all she said was, "Don't worry, one day you'll just know." That very same day I went to the Gold Buckle Circle autograph signing at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and while getting the autographs from all my heroes I realized what I wanted to do. It was as if someone had smacked me with understanding. I knew that I was supposed to be doing what these champions were doing. I knew that I was meant to be a professional barrel racer and inspire people to follow their dreams; just like these people had for me.
This journey will be a long one, I know. But I am ready for it. I finally feel like I am truly ready to follow this dream. This is about becoming who I was meant to be. This is about finding out what the world holds for me. This is about finding where I truly belong and finding out just how hard I can push myself. This is about making use of the talent God has given me and bringing glory to His name. Phil 4:13
