At just 15-years-old, Alexis Rietze is continuing to build a great reputation in barrel racing, and the Morden star is looking to keep doing amazing things.
How Rietze got into the sport goes back to a strong relationship with another rodeo star. "Krysten (Peters) is a really good family friend, I've known her pretty much my entire life, and she got me into riding. She also rides and competes. I started riding when I was five, and barrel racing when I was nine."
Rietze can still recall the memorable moment when she first got up on a horse. "I remember always loving it, being out there with them, and working with them."
Growing up, Rietze admits that she didn't always have a competitive spirits, it's something that's grown since getting into barrel racing. "I just developed it more throughout my career."
Another standout memory for Rietze was her first ever race. "I remember being really nervous," she says with a chuckle. "It was just really scary, because there was a crowd watching. Krysten led me around the barrels, so it wasn't too nerve racking, because I knew she'd be there if I needed."
Building the relationship with her horse is something Rietze has also cherished. "It's a really amazing feeling, once you figure each other out. You're always thinking the same thing, and you just feel really together. It sometimes does take a while to get there, but once you get there, it's an amazing feeling."
Over the last few years, Rietze has really put the work in, and she's noticed her skills have improved quite a bit. "It's taken a lot of practice, time, and many hours out there. A lot of patience, too. I've gone through my fair share of struggles, but it makes it all the sweeter."
Living the rodeo life, Rietze says it's been a lot of fun making friends through competitions. "It's really amazing," she says with a big smile. "A lot of the people, especially in Manitoba, they are not too competitive, they all want to see you do amazing. They're not just thinking that they want to do better, they want you to do the best that you can. It makes for a very amazing atmosphere."
Starting at age nine, and being fifteen now, she details what's going through her mind as she gets ready for a barrel racing run. "Oh man," she laughs. "I'm just really focused on what I need to do in a run. Like, where I'm supposed to be at the barrel, focus on my points for turning, and just how my horse is feeling. Knowing if she's anxious, and just detailing my run."
Traveling around Manitoba is another highlight for the Morden teenager. "I love it," Rietze says with bright smile. "You get to meet knew people, and everyone is so nice. It's cool to see different areas and run in different arenas."
While she may be sitting on the horse and running the races, Rietze says she never feels alone because her family is always there to support her. "They're always willing to take me out to places, they mean the world to me. They drive for hours just to cheer for a few seconds of a run. I wouldn't be living this dream if it wasn't for them."
Rietze has a bright future, and she plans to barrrel race for a while. "I want to keep riding a lot, but I do also have plans to go into vet school. I want to take my horse, and keep competing, because it's kind of my happy place. I really enjoy working with them, and being with them."
Coming up, Rietze is going to be heading to a special event down south. "I'm going to Vegas to compete," she says with obvious excitement. "I'll be going in December."
There will be an entire community cheering for Alexis Rietze as she continues to live her dream while on the back of a horse.