Name: HOLLY SHANNON
Location: Mtn. Grove, Mo.
School: Mtn. Grove High School
Parents: Joe & Debbi Shannon
How did you get interested in barrel racing?
“We had an employee at the sale barn in Mtn. Grove who barrel raced. I picked it up from her, I guess. I’ve been doing it since I was in fifth grade,” said Holly.
How do you go about practicing?
“I try to practice daily. I take them on walks in the pasture or on runs on the gravel road. I work with them on the barrels, walking them or running them, just to freshen them up if they are trained,” explained Holly. “If they’re not trained, I’ll walk them around the barrels and get them used to the pattern. I’ll let them go on walks in the pasture with me so they get their mind off it and don’t get spoiled on it.”
How many horses do you have?
“I have one finished horse and two in training.”
What has meant the most to you in barrel racing?
“I guess when I got an invitation to Missouri state finals for barrel racing when I was in eighth grade.”
What do you hope to do in the future?
“I hope to get a college scholarship for rodeo and then hopefully go on in the NFR when I’m older.”
Story and Photo by Jane Kinser
