Tana Renicks’s goal at the start of the rodeo season was just to make the Prairie Circuit Finals.
Anything beyond that, she said, would just be icing on the cake. After Sunday, Renick must really have a sweet tooth.
Not only did the Kingston barrel racer win the Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo last fall and qualify for her first National Circuit Finals Rodeo, she captured the national circuit title as well.
Riding her 14-year-old mare, XV Wildchild, Renick’s run of 15.3 seconds Sunday in the championship round at State Fair Arena edged Sherry Cervi of Marana, Ariz., who had a time of 15.41.
Jessi Eagleberger of Stringtown was third in the championship round with a time of 15.46.
“It’s awesome,” Renick said of her national championship. “Honestly, I am most proud that it gets my mare some recognition. She has been a really good horse for a really long time. I am proud for her.”
Renick, 36, bought the quarter horse eight years ago from a friend, who finally agreed to sell the mare after it had bucked her off one day. The quarter horse had bucked off another rider before and was difficult to handle at times.
Still, Renick fell in love with the mare the first time she saw her and was persistent in her efforts to buy her.
“I just loved the way she moved. I had to have her,” Renick said. “She’s been a lot of work, but she’s been worth it.” (read more)
On The Rodeo Road 