Visit http://www.cactussaddlery.com to learn more about Cactus Saddles like this one, which Best of the Best competitors will be running for Sept. 22!

Danielle Harrop is new to The Best of the Best in Ohio Charity Slot Race this year, but she and Max have been on fire all of 2012. The team has built their confidence in the WB Ranch, and they’ll be a safe bet for calcutta bidding! 

Tell us about your horse.

Max – The Bullionaire – is by La Jollas Gold out of Here Comes the Bully by Bully Bullion. He is a 7 year-old-gelding.

What has been your biggest win this year?

Max’s biggest win was in Tiffin, Ohio at an NBHA show where he won both the Warm-Up and Open 4D. He is also the 2012 Reserve Champion WB Ranch Winter Series. This is only his second year running so he’s just getting started. He also won the first rodeo I entered him in at Urbana, Ohio.

What is your ultimate goal in barrel racing?

My ultimate goal in barrel racing is to run consistently with a big smile on my face.

What saddle do you ride?

I ride in a Circle Y saddle.

What bit is in your horse’s mouth?

The bit I use is a lifting gag with a shank that Kelly Bowser designed.

What supplements do you feed?

I feed E & Selenium and use Equine Mega Omega Oil.

What won’t you leave home for a barrel race without?

As long as I’ve got my horse, saddle, bridle and tie-down – I’m good. Oh! and I usually try to make sure Kelly Bowser is with me!

To whom do you owe most of your barrel racing success?

I was successfully barrel racing when I met Kelly Bowser 13 years ago, but he has helped me to fine tune and understand horses and training enough that I’ve been able to impart that knowledge to my students in lessons. Definitely the best part of everything I’ve pried out of his head over the years!

Tell us one fun fact about you or your horse.

One fun fact about Max is he is really a giant scaredy-cat, and derives his confidence from me – which is laughable because I’m usually scared too!

What charity is closest to your heart?

Charity closest to my heart is The Heart and Stroke Foundation.