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Barrel racer Carlee Pierce broke the world record at the 2011 WNFR with a time of 13.46. Credit: Courtesy PRCA and Greg Westfall

Pierce, of Stephenville, Texas, rocked the barrel racing community last December by shattering the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo arena record. Pierce and her good horse Rare Dillion set the bar with a blistering 13.46 time during Round Five. The pair repeated the feat this March by setting a new arena record of 13.92 at the 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

“I’m really excited to join the team,” Pierce states, “I have been a long-time customer of Pro Equine Products. Keeping my horses’ legs supported and protected helps them perform better and reduces down-time caused by injuries. I wouldn’t endorse a company if I didn’t believe in and actually use their products!”

Pierce grew up in a ranching family, and her parents encouraged her to stay involved in a variety of sports and activities. “School always came first, and I also played basketball, ran track, took piano lessons and was a cheerleader. It wasn’t until I graduated from high school that I focused on barrel racing.” Pierce is married to her childhood sweetheart, Steve, and they have three children, ages 12, 11 and 5. “I have been busy being a mom while competing in jackpots and working colts. It’s only very recently that I have been able to rodeo full time, but I have definitely paid my dues!”

When rodeo time rolls around, Pierce and her entire family load up in their motor home and head down the road. “I couldn’t do it without Steve,” she explains. “You will never see me at a rodeo without him. I don’t have a travelling partner, so he is my driver. I am so blessed to have him. He has been through my ups and downs and helps with training my horses.”

It appears that Pierce has a lock on a berth at the 2012 WNFR with her current season earnings. “This takes some pressure off my horses, because I can pick and choose a little bit as to where I want to go, and I don’t have to run their wheels off. I’m also very excited that I got an invitation to compete at the Calgary Stampede this year. My position in the rankings will make it possible for me to attend without worrying about the rodeos I might be missing.”

In addition to her well-known buckskin Dillion, Pierce also has two youngsters she’s bringing along. Tyson, a flashy 5 year old chestnut, was recently an emergency stand-in. “Dillion got sick at the San Antonio rodeo, so I had to ride Tyson, who had never run at a rodeo before! He did great, though. He ran less than 2/10’s off both nights and kept me in the average until Dillion recovered.” Pierce is also riding “BB,” a 5 year old blue roan mare. “She’s on her way to being a standout. She set the Texas Stampede arena record in Allen, Texas, and she won the Dodge City rodeo.”

Pro Equine Products, based in Pleasanton, Texas, is a leading manufacturer of premier equine sport boots and apparel that are designed and tested by champions in multiple disciplines. Pro Equine Products is part of the Pro Equine Group, which includes Cactus Ropes, Cactus Saddlery, Fastback Ropes and Heel-O-Matic. For more information visit proequineproducts.com.

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