By Dianne Finstad
Lindsay Sears knows a lot about winning.
The Nanton, AB. cowgirl is a two-time World Barrel Racing Champion, and a two-time Ponoka Stampede winner.
But she’s been spending her time in recent years in Texas, with her barrel horse breeding program. So, it was a bit of a surprise to see her name in the draw for this year’s Ponoka Stampede for the June 27 performance.
“I came home for some family events and my friend Angie (Meadors) talked me into making it into a fun trip and entering a few rodeos,” explains Sears.
“I haven’t entered a rodeo in Canada since… well, I can’t remember the last time. It’s been a long time!”
Sears’ current superstar is Mojo – a stud out of her famous mare Martha, who took her to so many victories.
But this would be Mojo’s first run since January, as he’s been on a long recovery from a major injury suffered last May. He’s also just coming off a busy breeding season.
So, when the rain got heavier just as she was warming him up, with both horse and rider soon soaked, Sears began to have second thoughts.
“These were not the conditions I wanted to have him come back on. It’s been too long a journey. I thought about turning out, but I saw the team roping horses and the broncs weren’t slipping at all, so I felt the ground would be safe.”
Being the first out was another advantage.
But there was still the unknown. Was Mojo a ‘mudder’ and not bothered by sloppy conditions? Turns out he is, as they clocked a 17.58, tied for fifth spot overall.
“He’d never been in the mud, he’d never been to Canada. But he lets me help him out, which is so important in situations like today. I could help him stand up more.
“I’m very proud of him. I don’t usually get emotional, but I did get emotional today,” Sears admits.
“It was a lot to get to this point. A lot of people have done a lot of hard work on him. It’s a miracle he’s come back. We’re taking it one run at a time, but I’m so thankful to get to run him at all.”
Being near the middle of the qualifying pack, Sears isn’t fully confident her time will get her back for the Finals.
She wouldn’t mind wheeling up the highway again on Monday, though.
“It’s been a minute since I’ve been this wet or cold. But hopefully we’ll get to come back, and the sun is shining. Apparently, my horse didn’t mind the mud, but I would prefer the sun,” smiles Sears.