I have been excited to do this interview for like a month. OK, I am excited to do EVERY interview, but this one especially. If you want to remember one name in the WPRA for 2015, just think Jackie Ganter. If you want to remember one name for your 2015 NFR Fantasy Team, remember Jackie Ganter. You might think I sound crazy, but have you seen this girl make a run?! Just six days after the 2015 season began, her permit was filled. She is also already qualified for RFCTV’s THE AMERICAN, which is the worlds richest one day rodeo, held at the AT&T Stadium, Arlington Texas. Qualified contestants that win, can win the $1,000,000. If you are invited and win, you take home $100,000 like Lisa Lockhart did this year. Bareback rider Richmond Champion took home the cool million this spring.
One of the first posts on my blog was about Jackie, it wasnt a day later that I told myself, I needed to get an actual interview with her.
Jackie didnt start out chasing barrels. “I rode English until I was about 12 yrs old. I won every show I ever went to on my pony, Dixie, and she had to be retired so I decided to start running barrels like my mom. She had always ran barrels so I had the best trainer you could imagine.” Jackie is mounted on some of the best horses as well. Blazin Baby J, Cartels Fame, Guys French Jet, & Bobby Gene are all phenomenal athletes. I love watching them run!
Just so you get an idea of how accomplished Jackie is, I asked her for an up to date list:
2014 – BBR World Champion, All American Youth Champion, Diamonds & Dirt Reserve Derby Champion, RFD-TVs The American Semi-Finals Qualifier, Memorial Day CC5D Champion, Elite Youth Extravaganza Champion & Reserve Champion, TCRA Year-End Champion & Rookie of the Year
2013 – ANHA Champion, CC5D High Money Winner of the Year, Multiple CC5D Winner, Ogden Open/Youth Champion, Sherrylynn Johnson Jr Invitation Champion, Diamonds & Dirt Derby Round Winner, BFA Derby Round Winner, RFD-TV The American Semi-Finals Qualifier, Reserve Hawki Futurity Champion, Reserve Summer Shootout Champion
2012 – THSRA State Champion Barrel Racer
What has been your favorite run thus far in your career?
“This is Baby J winning the BBR and even though it isn’t our prettiest run it is definitely my favorite win thus far!”
What goals do you have set for 2015?
I just recently filled my WPRA permit so this will be my Rookie year and I just hope that goes as smoothly as possible. I would love to qualify for the NFR but you never know; fingers crossed!
Being at the level you’re at, how do you keep focused and have a sharp mental game?
I try to stay to myself and just focus on the horse I’m on when I’m warming up and about to run. I am usually pretty good about blocking everything out.
How do you keep grounded and humble?
I look at running barrels with the “the only person you are trying to be better than is the person you were yesterday” attitude. Horses can humble you quickly, they aren’t capable of making a flawless run every time so if you and your horse did the best you could that day, win or lose, just be proud of it and go on to the next one!
What do you do to keep your horses sharp?
I rarely take them through the pattern, that is a good way to burn them out. When I ride I try to do exercises that would mimic turning a barrel but using different objects, such as a pole or tree.
The growl?! How did you start this, which horses do you growl on and why?!
I only do it if I really feel like I am going to quit riding too early or if it is a long ways to a barrel. It keeps you riding and gets your mind off sitting down too early. I try not to draw attention to it or do it loudly but it will definitely get the job done!
How excited are you that youve already qualified for THE AMERICAN semifinals?
I am extremely excited! It was a great event to be a part of last year and I’m blessed to get the opportunity to experience it again!
*Check out this interview with Jackie when she qualified earlier this summer here – Jackie Ganter punches ticket to THE AMERICAN Semifinals with World Championship
What are your must haves in the trailer, for your horses and for yourself?
My horses definitely need their Back On Track products. For me, I have to have my Double J Belt, I used to not wear one, but now I feel weird without it!
What is your must have piece of makeup?!
Yonique 3D Fibre Mascara, definitely!
I wish Jackie all the best in her 2015 season, and cant wait to see how far she goes. Be sure to keep an eye on her!
Jackie would also like to thank her great sponsors, RES Sport Boots, 5 Star Equine Products, Double J Saddlery, Equidite, Key City Vet Clinic, Back On Track, K9s4Cops, Hi-Pro Feeds, & Stephenville Trailers!!
Lipstick & Cowboy Boots 