Gibbons strives for more

SHAWNEE - Worland's Bailey Gibbons won the short go in barrel racing at the International Finals Youth Rodeo on July 10-15, and now she wants to keep building on her success.

Gibbons went against a total of 230 other barrel racers at the IFYR and made the short go by being in the top 15 of the event. She beat out racers who traveled from Australia, Canada and all over the United States. What makes the victory even more impressive is the horse she used for the event was the first time she ever rode it. Gibbons' mother, who barrel races for a living, let her borrow one of her horses for the IFYR.

Winning the short go also earned Gibbons over $1,600, all of which goes directly to her pocket. She already has plans for the money as well, "I'm thinking about using it for a new horse, I'll be looking at some yearling prospects and the money will go toward that," said Gibbons.

This was Gibbons' first trip to the IFYR and the level of competition she saw motivated her to victory. "It was incredible and the largest rodeo I've been to," said Gibbons. "The competition was the toughest I've seen, it was really eye opening. I was like holy cow I'm going to have to step it up if I'm going to win."

Going against that many talented barrel racers, Gibbons used the opportunity to learn more about her sport. "Going against that strong of competition makes me want to work harder," said Gibbons. "I've learned a lot about barrel racing. Each ride I was learning about the horse. I would watch the film of my ride and look for little things to nick off time. For example, taking certain angles or going more straight into my barrels and not giving the horse as much of a pocket."

"The more I learned from the film the better game plan I was able to put in place," said Gibbons.

Gibbons' success at the IFYR already has her looking toward next year. "It was cool for me to come in on a horse I've never rode before and compete with some of the best girls in the sport," said Gibbons. "I'm already excited for the high school season, working toward making nationals and to be back at the IFYR next year."