CHAPIN'S EMPLOYEE HOBBY SPOTLIGHT
KALI WRIGHT-BARREL RACING
Hobbies are things we love doing in our spare time. They can challenge us, give us confidence and strengthen us, physically and emotionally. Kali Wright, Regional Sales Manager, tells us why barrel racing is not just her hobby, it’s her passion. Barrel racing is a popular rodeo event. Horse and rider attempt to run through a series of 3 barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. While it started as a woman’s event, it’s open to all to compete at professional, collegiate, amateur, and youth levels. It takes skills, training and hard work. With a combination of the horse’s athletic ability and the skills of the rider, they both have to successfully (and safely) maneuver the course within a large arena. Fastest, cleanest, time wins!
How did you get into barrel racing and is it a family hobby?
Horses have been a part of my life since day one. I was lucky enough to grow up with them in my backyard. My mom is the one that got me into barrel racing. We travel together to competitions. My parents got me my first pony, Cricket, on my third birthday. That’s when my dad started leading me around the barrel pattern down in Attica, NY. And I’ve never stopped barrel racing since. When I had my second pony, Lucky, we would go all over to rodeos, and other competitions together. Dad, of course, gets tons of credit as well for driving us wherever we wanted to go!
Tell us about your horse Peaches (also the winner of our Chapin Best Pet contest!)
Peaches was originally from Georgia, partly how she got her name, and became part of the family when she was 4 years old (she’s 12 now) and didn’t have any barrel racing training. She was trained very well on how to quickly maneuver her body as an athlete and is a very smart, quick-learning horse. We sent her to a barrel racing trainer in Pennsylvania for a month of basic training. When she returned home, I worked with her every free chance I had to continue, and finish, her training. This was my first time training a barrel horse so it was challenging to say the least. I did tons of research to connect with her on and off the barrel pattern. There were many ups and downs but we stayed persistent and became an incredible team! Peaches truly is the whole package, a talented athlete, beautiful, sassy, trustworthy, and so much fun!
Which circuits do you compete in?
I have a rodeo membership card with the APRA (American Professional Rodeo Association), an east coast rodeo circuit. I’m called a “weekend warrior.” Meaning I work full time then travel and compete almost every weekend during the summer. Local rodeos I’ve competed in: Ellicottville, NY, Little Valley, NY, and Attica, NY. The main goal: place consistently to be in the top 12 overall for a chance to compete at the AFR (American Finals Rodeo) in Columbiana, OH! I also compete in many local barrel racing jackpots. Attica Rodeo hosts a Thursday night summer barrel racing series (May – August). I compete consistently to qualify for year-end awards. And this is open to the public to watch! Come watch and I’d love for you to meet Peaches!
Which awards have you won? How do you win?
2022: Open 1D Champion for the barrel series in Attica and defending champ for 2023! I’ve won a series of Top 5 division awards and reserve championships over the years but I’m most proud of winning my first belt buckle. Awards depend on the type of competition. Most are monetary. Barrel racing has four divisions, 1D, 2D, 3D, and 4D. 1D equals the fastest timed division. This gives everyone a chance to win without having to have the fastest horse in the pack.
ANNIVERSARIES
5 Years
Tyrone L Vincent
40 Years
Dennis Zuch
CHAPIN’S BEST PETS
WINNERS
PEACHES -Kali Wright-
12 years old, Quarter Horse
“Although she can be sassy from time to time, she takes good care of us when flying around an arena barrel racing, carrying flags in the rodeos, going for trail rides, and anything I ask her to do! She’s got a fun personality and very athletic and talented to boot.”
SKY (SKY-BEAR) -Troy Lindke-
“Sky was rescued at 9 months old from a terrible breeding and hoarding situation where she was never let out of her crate. As a result, she could barely walk, her fur was urine stained, and she was nervous around people and other dogs. Since we rescued her 5 years ago, with lots of love and patience, she has blossomed into the most loving and sweet dog with humans and her two sister dogs.”
NINA -Carissa Perkins-
“Hi, my name is Nina. I am an American Village Dog mix from Ponce, Puerto Rico. I know I may look old but my family just recently celebrated my 1st birthday! I have chromosomal and congenital defects, which cause me to be hairless and look a little different. I am known for my constant smile, which as you can see in the picture, is perfect. My life may seem pretty glamorous now with all of my clothes and daily skincare routines but it didn’t start out like that. Thankfully, before Hurricane Fiona hit, I was one of the lucky ones who was rescued by We Love Satos. Fast forward to now, I am thriving in my new life here in the states! My parents even bought me a giant pool to swim in. It’s a lot colder than the Caribbean Sea but it does the trick on a hot summer day!”
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Emma -Jim Fontaine-
“We got Emma as a rescue dog. She immediately took over the
household. Not long after the pandemic hit and then my wife found out she needed immediate heart surgery. I was not allowed in the hospital. She recovered physically but developed anxiety and panic attacks. Emma seemed to sense this and bonded even closer to my wife, staying right with her all the time. This was a god send for her. To this day my wife is Emma’s “person”. She is a wonderful ball of fur that came to us at exactly the right time.”
The Elementals: Sunspot, Blizzard, Celsius -Anthony Ferris-
“Let me introduce you to ‘The Elementals’…my daughter and I’s three Leopard Geckos: Sunspot, Blizzard, & Celsius. This hype of geckos (yes that is what a group of geckos is called) may not seem adorable, loving, supportive, & hip, but to us they are. Approximately five years ago when my daughter was 5-years-old, she was diagnosed with Stereotypical Movement Disorder, a form of Tourette’s. … finding things that keep her interest & focus are key. As she grew and her interests began to solidify, one of them has been her love for animals (more specifically, reptiles). This molded interest we share has not only strengthened our bond, but has also helped her with her disorder. … this little hype is the hippest in our book.”
Phyllis Diller -Bill Littleboy-
“Allow us to introduce you to Phyllis, an enchanting canine companion with a distinct charm that mirrors her namesake, the legendary Phyllis Diller. Phyllis was rescued from our local shelter alongside her devoted buddy, Myster-E, together illustrating the incredible impact of second chances and the unwavering strength of friendship. With a uniquely disheveled hairstyle that channels the iconic comedian, Phyllis embodies resilience and zest.Our delightful Phyllis is more than her singular hairdo; she personifies the essence of perseverance, happiness, and unapologetic individuality – qualities that set her apart from the crowd.”
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