Barreling Along
Clear Spring’s Sierra Rowe is making her mark at the national level in barrel racing
By Rebecca Long Chaney
Sierra Rowe fell in love with horses when she was just seven years old. At that young age began riding English and competing in hunter/jumper shows, but when she discovered the speed and thrill of Western riding, she became enamored with the sport and the competition.
“I began barrel racing in 2017 with a few friends, and I was immediately hooked on the speed, precision, and bond between horse and rider that it requires,” Rowe says. “I was homeschooled starting in fifth grade, which gave me the flexibility to travel, train, and compete more often.”
Speed, persistent training, guts, confidence, and skills along with a talented horse are the winning recipe for a successful barrel racing team. And that’s just what the Washington County resident has earned through hours of practice and perseverance.
Rowe has competed all over the country, including local fairs, barrel racing events, and the high school rodeo circuits.
“I’ve even had the opportunity to compete at nationals in several different states out West,” she says.
“While barrel racing is a huge part of my life, my main career is teaching riding lessons, training horses, and managing the performance horses at Timber Creek Equine owned by Tim and Kim Myers of Williamsport. Barrel racing is something I truly love and live for, but I also enjoy helping others learn and grow in their sport.”
The young, skilled equestrian currently has 15 weekly students that range in age from 2 years old to 78 years old. “I love that mix. It keeps every day exciting,” Rowe says. “Some of my students are just starting out, while others are now competing at shows and races. Watching them build confidence, skills, and competing at barrel races with their horses is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”
“I began barrel racing in 2017 with a few friends, and I was immediately hooked on the speed, precision, and bond between horse and rider that it requires.” –Sierra Rowe
According to the equine specialist, her long-term goal is to see her lesson students succeed and to help them get the chance to move up to a pro rodeo level and purchase their own horses.
“Personally, I also want to continue growing my own career by producing solid, talented horses that can make their mark in the sport,” she says. “I also want to compete more on the pro rodeo circuit and hopefully make it all the way to the National Finals Rodeo one day.”
Successful barrel racers need one critical thing—a great partner, and in this case that’s a trusty, well-trained steed that is fast and gritty. Rowe’s first barrel racing horses were Apple and Kipper, animals she acquired when she was seven years old from the barn where she took lessons. “I started out riding Apple in English classes, then later transitioned her into the Western speed events,” she says.
Over the years she’s found other athletic horses that both she and some of her students ride in barrel races. “I absolutely love being around animals—especially horses—full time,” Rowe says. “Horses are my passion, and I honestly feel like you can see their souls through their eyes. Barrel racing combines everything I love; the connection with the horses, the adrenaline of competition, and the friendships that come from the rodeo world. I’ve met amazing people through the sport who have become life-long friends.”
“I’ve even had the opportunity to compete at nationals in several different states out West.” –Sierra Rowe
One of those great friends was Camrin Sellers of Cherokee, Kansas, a barrel racing horse trainer Rowe met while in Kansas looking at a horse to buy. “That same year, Camrin traveled to Wyoming to watch Nationals, and afterward, I went home with her to continue training,” Rowe says. “We spent weeks traveling to rodeos, competing, and working with different horses, and she quickly became one of my biggest mentors and inspirations.”
While Rowe is living her dream—teaching riding lessons and barrel racing competitively—she does admit there are challenges like horses having accidents. “One of the hardest parts is keeping the horses healthy and in top condition,” she says. “But each challenge has made me stronger and taught me how to be more patient, resilient, and grateful.”
Rowe is changing lives through her work ethic, passion for horses, and ability to teach others.
“I describe myself as very competitive, but my biggest motivation comes from my love of horses and the sport itself,” she says. “Every time I step into the arena, I aim to be better than I was the run before—and I love helping others find that same fire and passion for barrel racing.”