Rising Star: Shaylee Fritchey, 11-Year-Old Barrel Racer

Rising Star: Shaylee Fritchey, 11-Year-Old Barrel Racer

She's the youngest competitor to win the Iowa NBHA State Barrel Racing Open 1D Championship. Meet barrel racing Rising Star Shaylee Fritchey.

Apr 29, 2018 by Katy Lucas
Rising Star: Shaylee Fritchey, 11-Year-Old Barrel Racer

Young Shaylee Fritchey has been heating up her home state of Iowa since she was just that little girl on a big horse. On second thought, at 11 years old she’s still just a little girl on a big horse, but she’s already proving she can play with the ladies in the open barrel racing ranks. 

Learning to walk and learning to ride a horse happened simultaneously for Fritchey, who has spent her entire life around horses. 

“I guess you can say I was born into the rodeo and cowgirl way of life,” Fritchey said. “I absolutely enjoy the time I spend with my horses and rodeo family.”

It’s easy to see that joy as you look at the pictures of Fritchey throughout her young rodeo career, which includes becoming the youngest competitor to win the Iowa NBHA State Barrel Racing Open 1D Championship. See her grow from a smiling 4-year-old to the focused competitor she is today:

Shaylee Fritchey

Hometown: Ottumwa, Iowa

Age: 11

Events: Barrel racing primarily, along with pole bending, goat tying, and breakaway roping

The Rank: Currently Unranked

How did you get your start in rodeo?

I started riding horses on my mom's lap at the age of 1. My mom is a barrel racer and we went to a lot of barrel races. 

When I turned 3 I started riding horses by myself in the arena and around the barrel pattern. My mom started entering me in pee-wee barrel classes when I was old enough to ride by myself and I fell in love with the cowgirl way of life. 

What are some of your proudest accomplishments to date?

  • In 2016 at the age of 9, I won the Iowa NBHA State Barrel Racing Open 1D Championship and the same day I was also fortunate enough to win the Iowa NBHA State Barrel Racing Youth 1D Championship.
  • In 2017, I was in the top five of the Iowa NBHA State Barrel Racing Open 1D Championship and was crowned the Iowa NBHA State Barrel Racing Youth 1D Champion.
  • I am a two-time time 8-and-under barrel racing champion of the Fort Bloomfield Family Rodeo. 

What do you like to do when you're not competing?

When I am not competing I enjoy just spending time with my horses and just riding. If I am not in the barn with my horses I enjoy playing basketball and softball. I also enjoy working with my show calves and pigs.

Who is your greatest rodeo mentor or role model? 

Lisa Lockhart

What is your favorite song?      

The Champion by Carrie Underwood & Ludacris

What is your favorite food?            

Prime Rib


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