By: Amy Wilson 

Emily Miller may have been surprised when she was named a last-minute replacement at the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo Barrel Racing Championship last year, but it pales in comparison to the shock of returning to Kissimmee, FL, last month and winning a national title.

The 24-year-old Kansas native has seen her big win lead to even more life-changing opportunities recently, such as being invited to compete in July at the Calgary Stampede in Canada and the Days of '47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo in Salt Lake City. While she currently works as a full-time dental hygienist in Weatherford, Oklahoma, it was Miller's love of animals that led her to horses at an early age and has translated into record-setting success in the rodeo ranks.

FloRodeo: Which horses over the years have contributed the most to your success?
Miller:

• Rodney: I've had him since I was 9, and he's in his 30s now. He was the horse I won a national title on in the breakaway and the trail course in Little Britches.
  
• Brannon: He was the first horse that really gave me a chance to be competitive in the barrel racing and pole bending at a national level. He's the horse I won Shawnee on and won the Rookie of the Year in the NIRA on.
  
• Doyle: I bought him when he was 4, seasoned him, hauled him to the bigger stuff, and started winning on him. We lost him at 6 years old which was really sad. That moment changed me as a competitor and horse owner. I do things different because of how short my time was with him.
  
• Pipewrench: He has opened so many doors for me. It's crazy as much as this sounds weird but I was thinking the other day, Pipewrench is the best horse I've ever had and without Doyle dying I wouldn't have him. When Doyle died I bought Wheels, and Wheels had to get hit by a stagecoach at a rodeo and get hurt in order for me to be looking for Pipewrench. All those things happened and at the time it made me want to quit, it made me think that I was not tough enough for this sport and that I couldn't endure the pain of losing horses and having hurt horses.

Describe what a run on Pipewrech is like.
It's crazy! He's a pretty big horse -- he's not a monster -- but he's really strong. The hardest part of the run is getting the first barrel down. Once we get around the first, 99 percent of the time it's game on after that. It's unreal that feeling because he never really feels like he's slowing down. He flys across the pen, and all of a sudden we're doing a donut around a barrel. It's really smooth and in and out. It's fun!

How did you prepare for the RNCFR this year compared to a year ago when you got a last-minute replacement call?
Last year it was so last minute that I didn't have time to prepare. I got lucky and had a lot of success. After I got a taste of that last year, when I left Kissimmee (FL) without running in the finals I said, "I will be back, and I'm going to win this thing next year." You can't replace experience -- it makes a huge difference! I had plenty of time to prepare this year. I gave my horse five months off prior to the RNCFR. I focused on my riding, my fitness, staying mentally strong, and riding several horses to stay sharp. I have six horses to run right now so even working during the week, I can go to the jackpots on the weekends and run a lot of different horses so I keep my skills tuned up.

How satisfying was it to win the RNCFR national championship?
It was one of the most amazing moments of my life! My parents were there. We did it all together, and they got to see it happen. All that hard work paid off.

What was your reaction to learning you are qualified to compete at the Calgary Stampede and Days of '47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo in Salt Lake City?
I am in an absolute state of shock this year. I had actually missed the call from Calgary because I was at work. I listened to the voicemail at least 10 times before I called him back! I was like, "Oh my gosh, this is happening!" Salt Lake City sounds amazing. I was at the gym cooling out, and Miles McNarland posted on our rodeo barrel racing page on Facebook. I was curious what it was, and when I opened it up, it was a picture of me! I started reading the article, and that's how I found out about Salt Lake City.



What have you learned about being on the road competing in professional rodeo?
It's a lot harder than people think -- that I promise! My father is a handyman…he's so good at fixing all my stuff for me, but it's even hard for him to keep up. Stuff will break, tires will blow when your somewhere with no cell phone service, you're running on empty for 20 miles praying for a fuel station, your horse is going to get hurt, the weather changes a lot, your horse will get sick, you'll get sick, and the all night drives are exhausting! There's a lot that plays into it. There are times that luck is a factor too, and it's not on your side. You just have to get through that spell, and it'll turn around. Just keep trying and do your best, and enjoy it.

Rapid-Fire Questions

Favorite horse color: I'm pretty partial to a liver chestnut like Pipewrench, and my first horse was liver chestnut too.
Favorite snack food on the road? Blueberry Quest bars.
Something you can't live without? Food! ... That's why I have to exercise so much.
What's at the top of your bucket list? Making it to Vegas [WNFR]
Are you an early bird or night owl? Definitely an early bird! If it's 9 PM, I can't do it anymore.
Any nicknames? Red or Em.
What music do you listen to? I've been listening to a lot of Thomas Rett. I like Cody Johnson, too.
Favorite meal? Steak.
Somewhere you'd love to travel? Canada!
Dream car? A fast one! I have always had a need for speed. I think I would love to drive in NASCAR someday.

Congratulations to Emily and Pipewrench on all of their success and best of luck the rest of the season. We look forward to cheering you on and watching all of your continued success.

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