By Dan Bechtold, Editor
Growing up it was just natural for Tawny Barry of Carter to be involved in rodeo.
Her parents, Wade and Cleo Barry, both were involved in rodeo and they passed that love onto their children.
Where Tawny excelled was in goat tying. Her dream was one day to be a national champion.
Well, on the big rodeo stage in Casper Wyo., at the college national finals rodeo, Barry realized her dream.
She won the goat tying in 6.4 seconds on her final run on June 17.
Barry said she competed in the various rounds of goat tying on June 12, 13, 14 and 17.
The college graduate beat out 52 other women to win the national title. Barry is a member of the New Mexico State University rodeo team where she has been attending school on a rodeo scholarship.
Barry said on June12 her time was 6.8 and the next day it was 6.3 seconds. That Wednesday night with a run of 6.6 seconds she punched her ticket to compete in the finals Saturday night.
After her fast run in the finals, the next girl to compete had a 6.5 second time. Barry anxiously waited to see how the other women would do. As she continued to hold onto the fast time she said to herself: “Is this really going to happen. Wow, this is insane.”
Barry noted it was a great feeling knowing she was going to be the champion. It was especially nice knowing that her parents and other family members were in the audience watching and cheering for her.
After the win, Barry took a victory lap pointing to her family in the stands.
The college champion was awarded a saddle, a buckle, money, a year’s supply of Chinch jeans and shirts. She added there were tons of congratulations.
Barry graduated in May from New Mexico State University with a degree in business administration. She plans to return to this school and get her master’s in business administration. This will allow her to rodeo for a fifth year.
The 2013 graduate of Winner High School went to Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyo., after high school. She finished her first two years at this school getting an associates degree in ag science and human psychology.
After two years at the community college, Barry knew she wanted to continue her education and major in business. She looked at different schools that would provide her the opportunity to rodeo. She talked to coaches at various schools and settled on New Mexico State University. She became part of the 40 member rodeo team which included 25 females.
The school competed in 10 rodeos—five in the spring and five in the fall. Those 10 rodeos and the points earned determine a regional champion. Her school was second in the southwest region.
Barry said her goal was to make it to the finals. But she was not just happy to settle for making it she wanted to excel in the finals.
Barry said she was not really nervous. She knew she had to go out and make another run like she had been doing all week. “I had a feeling that things would fall in place,” she said.
You just do not become a champion goat tier overnight, it takes hours and hours of practice.
Barry practices every day. While at school it is sometimes three to four ours a day. She says the school and her rodeo coach is very accommodating it working practice times around her class schedule.
In addition to goat tying, Barry’s other event is breakaway roping.
She has three horses with her in New Mexico. One for goats and two for breakaway. They are back on home on the ranch in Carter.
When asked what is a key to being a good goat tier she is quick to point out a person needs to be in good physical shape. She does a lot of running and spends a lot of time working out and lifting weights in the gym.
Barry adds she stays in shape in the summer by working on the family ranch.
The horse she used for goats she has competed on for eight years and they are a well oiled combination.
The horse, named Pepper, is 22 years old. Barry’s grandfather, Bill Abbott, bought the horse when it was two years old and Barry got her when the horse was seven years old. She used this horse all through high school and college.
“She is solid as they come,” said Barry. “The horse has one job to do and she does it extremely well. I have had many people compliment me on this horse.”
At first Barry and the horse did not get along but over they years things finally clicked. “I feel now we are so in cinch that we don’t miss a beat,” said Barry.
The college graduate said her mother taught her the basics of goat tying. However there were others who helped including her kindergarten teacher Faye Laduke. Other cowgirls who have been in inspiration and great help are Lacey Tech and Lynn Smith. “Lynn is just phenomenal and knows what she is doing.”
After she finishes her master’s degree her ideal job would be to work in rodeo with the PRCA or PBR and help promote or put on different rodeo events.
Barry says rodeo is a humbling sport as it can be great one day and the next it can be worst day you may have had. Barry says it has its ups and downs but she just takes it with a grain of salt.
Through rodeo Barry has met lifelong friends. “Rodeo is a family and there is always someone willing to help you.”
Barry says rodeo is great but on the inside you never know what people are going though so it is important to be friendly.
Tawny’s mother, Cleo, is battling cancer, and Tawny says she has had so many friends who have helped her through difficult times.
This summer Barry plans to compete in several amateur rodeos before she returns to school in the fall.
Friday night a celebration for Barry was held at the Carter Bar. Friends and family members attended to congratulate here on this great accomplishment. Her saddle and buckle were on display. Persons enjoyed cake while visiting with the rodeo champion.
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