Franz finds a barrel of fun and friendship in racing

By Dan MacArthur
North Forty News

Kayla Franz isn't sure where barrel racing will take her, but she's prepared to pursue it professionally if that's where her faith leads her.

"However things happen," said the sunny 19-year-old. "In the future it would be cool."

Barrel racing just kind of found Franz, who works as a waitress at the Western Ridge Resort operated by her mom. Having lived in Livermore for 12 years, the home-schooled Franz had always enjoyed horses and owned her first at age 7.

But it was the Beckett family that Franz credits for her transition from rider to competitor to enhance the equine experience. She accepted their suggestion and discovered a real passion for barrel racing.

Why barrel racing? "It's the only event you can do forever," Frantz explained.

As that passion progressed, Franz bought her own horse, a tall 20-year-old Thoroughbred named Cali. Together they traveled to assorted jackpots, advancing to regional rodeos. Next Franz may kick it up a notch by joining the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association and the Mile High Barrel Horse Association.

Franz supports her passion through her earnings at the popular resort favored by local RVers. "Rodeo's not a cheap sport," she noted. It's costly feeding horses well, keeping them in shape and maintaining trailers.

Franz observes the techniques of fellow competitors to improve her performance. While admittedly competitive, Franz said she always strives to remain a good competitor in keeping with the rodeo tradition of collegiality.

"The cool thing about rodeo compared to other sports is we're all family," she said.

Beyond the skills required, it is indeed that ethic Franz finds so appealing about the sport.

"The most helpful people you'll see are there," she said. "They'd do anything for anybody."

While Franz isn't sure what the future will bring, she doubts it will include college because she has always preferred working.

Franz hopes instead to remain in the country where all she loves is close at hand – her friends, family, horses and the wide open.

She wants to make the world a better place and follow her dreams. If that includes barrel racing, all the better.

"If I could do it forever, I'd do it forever," said Franz.