Keep Your Composure
Megan Sparks, or more famously known as @rocketandco, is a 17-year-old barrel racer who started her career at just eight years old.
“I began in 4-H and won the Ohio State Fair barrel race in 2010,” Sparks said, “I’ve belonged to associations including NBHA, IBRA, Mid-States Rodeo Association, IPRA and SEBRA.”
Sparks has racked up a list of impressive accomplishments including; 2010 Ohio State Fair Champion, 2011 NBHA World 2D Qualifier, 2012 & 2013 Josey Jr. World long-go 1D Champion, 2012 IBRA Nationals 1D Qualifier, 2013 Mid-States Rodeo Finals Qualifer and 2015 SEBRA National Reserve Champion.
However, success also comes with it’s fair share of trials. Sparks encourages other young riders to keep their composure in the show pen and practice hard at home.
“Getting upset accomplishes nothing and you don’t want potential opportunities to be voided because you couldn’t hold yourself together when you’re upset,” Sparks said, “Just pet your horse and fix the problem at home!”
Aside from her rodeo accomplishments, Sparks also manages quite a popular following on her instagram account.
“My Instagram, @rocketandco, began as a fun pass-time in 2013. My account grew slowly at first, gaining interest from fellow equestrians whom were interested in keeping up with my day-to-day activities,” Sparks said, “Now, three years from my starting point, my account has grown to over 30,000 followers and has turned into a sort of ‘diary’ for myself to look back on the accomplishments I am reaching with my horses.”
“My favorite thing about Best Ever Pads is that not only do they provide the protection my horses need from the heavy, leather saddles barrel racers perform in, they are also completely customizable all the way down to adding fringe! I own many different Best Ever Pads, but my favorite is a 1″ Felt pad with dark brown/white cowhide and all of my pads have my ‘signature’ orange star added on the wear leathers! My favorite color is orange but I don’t want a completely orange pad, so the option to add the star (or any shape you could think of) to my pad is the perfect solution for a splash of color.”