07/09/2026
Four years ago, on May 21, 2022, I attended a trick riding clinic—not because I dreamed of becoming a trick rider, but because I wanted to challenge myself and become a more well-rounded horsewoman. I had no idea that one decision would completely change the direction of my life.
It didn't take long for me to fall in love with trick riding. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to pursue it.
The first challenge was finding a trick saddle, which is much easier said than done. After 2 months of searching, my parents and I came to an agreement. They would buy me a saddle as my birthday gift, but it would also count as my birthday and Christmas presents for the next two years, and I would pay for half of it myself. On July 6, 2022—just three days after my 17th birthday—I finally got my saddle. I rode in it that very night, and I couldn't stop smiling. Looking back now, I had no idea what an incredible journey was about to begin.
Not long after getting my saddle, I received a message from one of the girls I had met at the clinic, Shayda. She asked if I would be interested in performing in a small show with her on July 23. I was excited, but I was also nervous. I spent every spare moment practicing, determined to be ready. When show day arrived, I stepped into the arena for my very first trick riding performance. I had no idea that one show would lead to years of unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and countless miles down the road.
That October, four of the six girls from the original clinic came together to form what is now known as the Truco Trick Riders. Four years later, we've grown into a team of five incredibly talented women from southeast Saskatchewan, proudly representing one of the few trick riding teams in the province.
Since that first performance, I've had the privilege of performing in over 50 shows and traveling thousands of miles across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta for rodeos and competitions. Along the way, I've trained six trick riding horses, with four of them becoming trusted show partners. They ranged in age from just 5 years old to 20 years old when they began their trick riding careers, proving that age is only part of the story.
Now, here's the part that means the most to me.
The very first photo I have of myself sitting in my trick saddle isn't just a picture of me, standing beside me is my sister and her horse, Jag.
If you know me, you’ll know Jag has been my main trick riding partner for the past two years. Last season, after running into some challenges with my primary trick horse early in the year, I made the decision to finish the season riding Jag. Looking back, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Jag has become my partner in every sense. He gives me everything he has every single time we enter the arena. His speed, heart, and determination are second to none, and he genuinely loves his job. Watching him charge into the arena with his ears forward, ready to perform, is something I'll never take for granted.
The funniest part? I never imagined I'd end up "borrowing" my sister's horse and making him my number one mount.
At 21 years old—yes, the same age as me—Jag continues to prove that age is just a number. He has exceeded every expectation I ever had and has become so much more than a trick horse. He's my teammate, my greatest teacher, and one of the biggest reasons I've been able to accomplish everything I have over the past 2 years.
It's amazing how one clinic, one saddle, one amazing group of girls and one unexpected partnership can completely change your life. I can't wait to see where this journey takes us next.
