Her 2025 goal is to hit the Canadian Pro Rodeos – We’ve got our eye on her as she already holds an Arena Record! Baylee O Leary and Hip Swingin Fame

Name: Baylee O’Leary

Arena Name that you set the record at: Sycamore Springs Arena

City, State: Locust Grove, Oklahoma

Arena Record Time: 16.370

Date Set: 10/16/2023

Event Name: 4B Production Series

Reg Name of Horse: Hip Swingin Fame

Horse Barn Name: “Boomer”

Sire: Dash Ta Fame

Dam: Hip Swingin Gypsy

Horses Sex: Gelding

Photo Credit: Hells Half Acre Photography

Tell us a little about yourself? Where did you grow up and how did you get into horses?

I grew up on a ranch in Colcord, Oklahoma, and done a little roping. But I didn’t start running barrels until 2019.

 

What is your Boomer’s personality like? Any quirks? What is something people may not know about him?

Boomer is very bossy but he’s very sweet! He loves to chew on his lead ropes and nibble at you to get your attention. He has a pony named Tank who is his best friend I am not sure what he’d do without him!

 

Did you breed and raise Boomer yourself? If not, what attracted you to purchase?

No, I didn’t breed or raise him. I was looking for a younger horse for my program. Once I laid eyes on him, looked at his papers, and watched him run, I fell in love and thought he would fit me well.

 

Tell us anything special about your arena record run – was there anything you done different that day?

That was my third run on him, so I was just trying to get the feel of him before I went to Vegas. He was going as a backup. What I learned that day was Boomer has what it takes to be my number 1.

 

Do you have a favorite setup?

I don’t know that I have a favorite setup. But I do like a long alley with a run to first and that was perfect!

 

Tell us something funny about a run you made, we never see the bloopers behind the scenes?

I rode with someone else up to the arena and my mom was bringing the horses. Long story short my mom hadn’t ever been to that arena and didn’t have great service she ended up getting lost and got there super late.

 

What is your Boomers exercise routine like?

I keep him in running shape by riding him several days a week along with putting him on my priefert panel walker and tuning him as needed.

 

What is your feeding program like? do you use any special supplements?

I give my horses all they can eat, alfalfa and some grain. They also get Kimmie’s cocktail.

 

What is a bit that will always be hanging in your tack room?

Yeager bit

 

Does Boomer run in shoes or barefoot?

Shoes

 

Any big Future Plans?

Yes! I am graduating in December and planning on hitting the Canadian Pro Rodeo trail in 2025 until I’m 18 and can purchase my pro rodeo card.

 

If you could make a run on any horse out there, who would it be?

Lisa Lockhart’s horse Levee.

 

What could be done to better the sport of barrel racing any special advice you would like to give?

As a female-dominated sport, we have an unique opportunity to come together to celebrate our collective wins, accomplishments, and how far we’ve come in the sport – together – versus finding opportunities to be divisive and tear one another down.

Photo Credit: Rae Thurman Photography

Congratulations Baylee and Boomer! It was a pleasure getting to read your Arena Record Spotlight! Good luck to you in 2025 and hitting the Canadian Pro Rodeos – We can’t wait to get your next arena record!