The WPRA Star Celebration happens on the first day of the NFR, launching 10 days of spectacular rodeo. As a saddle donor for 10 years now, it is a privilege to award a saddle to one of the Top 15 contestants. Connolly’s is a family business. This year six members of our family were there to celebrate. Every year it’s a thrill to see fifteen talented women step on stage to receive saddles and recognition for their accomplishments. 2022 was extra special. Lisa Lockhart walked on stage and stood by our Connolly Saddlery Barrel Saddle.
Lisa Lockhart is a longtime family friend. We have followed her accomplishments for sixteen years at the NFR. Her successes are unparalleled in barrel racing. It’s been exciting to see her qualify, going to fewer rodeos than anyone some years, to following this year’s breathtaking push to the very last week of the season. An article in barrelracing.com aptly stated, “Her steely nerves and ability to compete whilst fighting off pure exhaustion from the rodeo trail wowed fans during the final days of September.”
Connolly’s tag line- Be Focused. Be Fast. Be Fabulous., embodies Lisa’s Fight to the Finish. Time was running out for the girls on the bubble. Some went home, Lisa decided, ‘let’s go for it and see what happens.’ A suspenseful, unprecedented drive (literally, even a scary airplane ride), took friends, family, and faith to the limit. Against all odds, she did it – moving up the standings from 24th to 14th.
As we sat on the edge of our seats, we were Living Life with the L’s – Lisa, Louie, and Levee. Louie is always included because Lisa and Louie are synonymous. Together they brought dreams to fulfillment, possibility to reality. Louie is a barrel racing icon, named Barrel Horse of the Decade. Louie let Lisa showcase her ability as a horsewoman. This year, Levee took on the challenge. Levee capped it off when she jockeyed him through inexperience to remarkable victories. The duo won 4 go-arounds and placed in 3 others, sky-rocketing their winnings at the 2022 NFR to $168,326 and career earnings to $3,174,378. Horses, barrel racing, awards and winnings are cherished bonuses afforded Lisa's life of Faith, Family, and Friends.
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