About Amy

My Journey

As a small girl growing up in Topeka, Kansas I had a strong desire at a very young age to own a horse. With a lot of persistence and begging my mother and father sold their camper and boat to purchase a horse named "Red Bee Buddy". Soon one horse turned into four and we moved to a farm in rural Osage County. The horse show bug bit and I showed in the local open horse show circuit and AQHA shows. At age twelve I owned my first barrel horse "Delleo Bob" aka Trigger. He was a handful but I loved a challenge. At this time I was riding a young 4-year-old horse named "Champagne's Doc". I trained him myself and won numerous all-around and hi-point trophies in a long list of events. During my High School freshman year I also won my first rodeo buckle at the Ks. State High School Finals where I also competed for HS rodeo queen.

Early in my career I learned an important lesson. If I wanted to move up to a better horse I had to be willing to sell the one I was riding. So it was with this understanding that I was willing to sell Doc so I could purchase "Tiger Jim", a crop out paint gelding. Tiger Jim had the reputation of being an outlaw but had caught my attention and we got along well. Together we went on to win National, Superior, Honor Roll, and Versatility titles in Halter, Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Bridle Path Hack, English Equitation, Trail, Western Riding, Reining, and even barrel racing. On Tiger Jim I placed #2 all around youth in the nation in 1980 and #3 in 1981. During this time I also had the fortune of being chosen Paint Horse Congress Queen, which was a highlight. During my show career I also had the opportunity to show two more horses to Open APHA Championships.

During the winter of 1981 I followed my dreams and took the next step in my career. I moved south to Wichita, Ks. taking a job with MBJ Quarter Horses, home of "Mr Impressive". During my year with MBJ I learned much about the quarter horse business while handling and fitting some of the most outstanding quarter horses in the country. One important lesson I learned was that a properly trained and quality bred horse would demand a top price. Soon after leaving MBJ I purchased a 7 day old crop out paint stallion from the ranch and named him "Mr Impressit". This stallion went on to win National, World, and Congress Championships in halter. The sell of this horse allowed me the opportunity to purchase land on the edge of Wichita. This is where I called home for the next 15 years and where I started my barrel horse training career.

In 2003 I married my sweetheart Kevin and moved east of Andover, Ks. Together we have built Tumbleweed Ranch to provide training and marketing of quality barrel racing horses. I believe my strong background in horsemanship allows me to bring out the full potential in the barrel horses I train. My training program consist of proper nutrition, fitness, presentation, and training. There is nothing better than a wet saddle blanket and good ole horse sense.

My Testimony

I dedicated my life to the Lord as a teenager. As a lot of us do, I strayed and did things my own way for many years. I rededicated my life to the Lord in 1998.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" Psalm 51:10

My life is not defined by barrel racing or training horses. I know everything I do and the people I meet are gifts from God and there is a purpose behind it all.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

My goal is that God may work through me and to be a witness to others. I have many trials and difficulties in my life. These times have built my character and I have learned to ask God to show me and open my eyes to what I am to learn. To all that read this remember to put God first and keep your family and friends close behind. True peace comes with knowing God will take care of your needs and knowing the love of Christ.

"And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Phil 4:7

May God bless you and your journey through life!

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37:4