Two Hearts One Dream

For the past four years, freshman student Teagan Billirakis and her horse have spent their time running barrels under a big spotlight and building bonds in a pasture filled with grass. 

When running barrels, both horse and rider are expected to go around three barrels while turning their horse in a complete circle. Two barrels are closer to each other, while the third barrel is placed farther away, making it more complex. The horse and rider that runs around all three barrels without breaking the pattern or knocking down a barrel, the fastest is deemed the winner. 

When it comes to hard work and a time-consuming lifestyle, rodeo kids spend almost every second they have working their horses or beating the clock. To these kids, the only option is to win.

“ I want to be the best, and if Im not the best im not doing anything good,” Teagan said.

The most important part of rodeoing is the bond that is built between a rider and their horse. Without a strong bond theres no hope in winning or having a good time.

“ My horse and I used to have no bond at all. She wouldn't listen to me, and we would get really bad runs and times, and she would try to run me into the fence,” Teagan explained. “ I started training her and hanging out with her more, and I would go out and sit on her and read while she eats, and she got calmer, more of an I want to listen to you vibe, and now were doing really well.”  

Although Teagan is just a freshman, there is no question whether or not she plans on competing at a collegiate level; all it takes for her is setting goals she can follow long-term. 

“A long-term goal is to probably get better, get stronger, get faster, and to win more money and perhaps some buckles.