Barrel racing is a difficult sport, but sophomore Macy Renberger knows it all too well. Renberger started taking lessons at Wichita Riding Academy when she was nine years old and now practices at Mattox Arena with her two horses, Fly and Bo.  

“I was 9 years old when we met a horse trainer that had a horse for sale, and my family was looking into buying, and he taught me how to do barrels,” Renberger said.

Racing isn’t always about going in a pattern as fast as you can. It’s part of it, but it’s mostly about the devotion of the rider.

“I am passionate about rodeo because it is what little me dreamed about doing, and I am always working to make her proud,” Renberger said.

In this sport, it takes a lot to be successful. But with any sport, there is a community waiting.

“My favorite thing about barrel racing is the community. Through rodeo, I have met some of the best people that I can’t imagine my life without,” Renberger said.

Renberger loves how the sport is only her and her horse.

“Barrel racing can be like an escape for me. It is a way for me to just get away from people and have some peace and quiet,” Renberger said.

With any sport, there are times when you might feel uncertain or want to quit.

“I have definitely had times that I have struggled and had a hard time, even the best of the best have losing streaks, and I even experienced that over the summer,” Renberger said, “But quitting is never something I have wanted to do.”