Jody McKay
ACRA Rodeo Facebook photo
By James Lockhart
Jody McKay qualified for the ACRA rodeo finals. Jody lives near Red Oak.
Her mom is Jody Lumley that works at The Community State Bank. Jody Lumley has a side hustle called Cowgirls and Pearls, she crafts some really cool stuff out of leather. Her dad owned the boot shop in Talihina for years, so she’s got a lifetime of experience working with leather and stuff cowboys and cowgirls need.
Jody McKay, the one that qualified for the ACRA finals says been on horses her whole life. Her mom always kept a good horse around for playdays and the occasional barrel race. She says it was her mom that taught her to love barrel racing. One thing I found interesting is she says she’s always ran barrels, but also loves riding with trainers and competitors from other disciplines. In my mind maybe she has a little more knowledge when it comes to horsemanship. I know I pay attention to the reiners and race horse people. I try to learn all I can from them.
Jody said she’s grateful to have three open level horses that helped her make the ACRA finals. Hellion (18), Flossy (10), and Frisco (9). She’s trained all three of them and she thoroughly enjoys the process. She said it makes the wins just that much better!
I’d have to agree with her in that regard. I’ve trained a few that I’ve won a lot on, I’ve also sold a few that some other people have won big checks on. Watching a horse you’ve trained be successful is kind of like raising a kid that grows up to be a good person, there’s an awfully lot of pride involved in both.
Jody says there are so many people that have a hand in getting her up and down the road it’s hard naming them all. Donoley Construction and AOK Railroad have always helped keep her trucks and trailers running. She credits really good veterinarians and Advanced Equine Nutrition for keeping her horses in top shape. Jody also wanted to say thanks to her fellow barrel racers.
When I told my daughter I was writing this article she smiled and said they are really good people. I also called fellow barrel racer Jodi Ray from Heavener, she said she was going to be cheering for Jody McKay at the finals. The finals are January 29-31 at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. The building is heated and cooled, so no matter the outside temperature it will be nice inside. It will be a good show for sure.
James Lockhart lives near the Kiamichi mountains in southeast Oklahoma. He writes cowboy stories and fools with cows and horses.
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