PUEBLO — Back home at the state fair in Colorado, Lamar's Shali Lord is enjoying the chance to perform in front of her hometown crowd.
"It's just really exciting to have all the support from family," Lord said.
Two decades into her professional career as a barrel racer, the Air Academy graduate is in the middle of Renaissance.
"Seems like every season has been wonderful," Lord said.
The 38-year old has never finished better than third in the WPRA standings but has an outside shot to win the point standings in 2019.
"There's a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into it," Lord said. "It pays off in the end."
Riding her trusty stallion, "Can Man", Lord has picked up wins from Cheyenne to West Jordan this season, enjoying every rodeo and top 10 finish.
"This has been one of the best ones yet," Lord said.
Often traveling with her family, the former Kadet embraces the opportunity to set a good example for her two kids and those competitors dreaming of turning pro one day.
"They ask questions which is always fun and always good to help out if they need anything," Lord said.
As for her future. right now Lord is just thinking about the next 17 seconds and a great finish to a magical 2019.
"I love this and I love to rodeo, we'll just see where it lead," Lord said. "We have younger horses and so I like to ride them and bring them up as well, but I like the rodeos."
