Determined, accomplished, respected, hard working and classy are the first things that came to mind when I wrapped up a phone interview with 22 year old Alexa Lake. It is amazing to see young women going out into the world working hard, chasing their dreams and conquering goals.
Alexa grew up in Houston, Texas (prayers for those affected by the floods there) where she learned to ride through the English discipline of hunter-jumper and later polo. “I think it really sets the core for balance and great posture,” she said. “Western riding gave me a happy medium.”
One year, Alexa’s mother took her to Las Vegas, Nevada for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR). “As I watched the older girls and the professionals, I wanted to compete at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo,” Alexa said. “I am really into football and the WNFR is like the superbowl…I wanted to go to the Superbowl of rodeo.”
At nine years old, Alexa began western style riding and picked up barrel racing when her family moved to the suburbs in Richmond, Texas and got Alexa a horse. “Western riding has always felt more natural to me and I really like the relaxed style versus the blazers and tights,” Alexa said.
She continued to ride English, but something about barrel racing kept drawing her back to the western style of riding. “I traded in scars from the high leather boots I wore in English riding for shin scars from hitting barrels,” she said with a laugh.
The trade off has not been a bad one either. At eighteen years old, Alexa got her Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) card and decided to go pro. It only took her two months to fill her permit as she competed at WPRA sanctioned rodeos close to home.
In the fall of 2014 she began placing at a majority of the rodeos she entered. Some of her major accomplishments this year include placing at rodeos in Austin, Fairfield, Rosenberg and Fort Worth, Texas. One goal she achieved was qualifying for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo; it became the highlight of her year. “I set a goal to have a great year, but to already accomplish this much by June makes for an amazing year,” she said.
Alexa’s companions on the rodeo trail are Sure Down Dash (Viper), a brown nine year old gelding and his consistent, blonde best friend, Streakin’ Like Hank, aka Marilyn. Without Viper, Alexa said she would not have been able to have the opportunities she has been given or experience life on the rodeo trail.
She got Viper when he was seven years old. He came from the racetrack and later went onto compete in futurities and derbies. Viper is now the main horse she competes on and has proven himself time and time again. Alexa feels completely comfortable and confident in Viper’s every move. “I will only go as far as he will go,” Alexa said. They are going to go very far!
Life on the road can be demanding on a horse. “I am very alert and watch Vipers movements everyday,” Alexa said. It is crucial for a rider to know her horse and understand what is best for him. She is very picky about where she runs Viper. “If it is a muddy mess I do not go. I watch to see what arenas are best,” Alexa said.
Alexa will travel all over the United States with Viper and Marilyn this summer continuing to reach her goals and possibly even qualify for the 2015 WNFR. She seeks encouragement and advice from previous WNFR qualifier, Danyelle Campbell. “She has a really unique eye of seeing things,” Alexa said.
“Danylle can watch you for five minutes and see what needs to be changed. She looks and sees other things that are not seen with the normal eye,” Alexa said. She has helped Alexa and Viper succeed tremendously in the pro circuit. “Danylle has really been the backbone for Viper and me.”
Lake also looks up to six time WNFR qualifier Jason Jeter. “He is a great friend I can talk to and knows about competition better than anyone,” Alexa said.
Alexa’s mother, niece and nephew, along with other family members and close friends are what drive her to excel and always give it her best. “My mom is one of my biggest fans and critics,” Alexa said. “She wants my success as much as I do, if not more.”
“I learned being on the rodeo trail that someone is always watching you and to try and be an example by becoming a better person,” Alexa said. “I try to do things that I would want my niece to see and hear. She is my biggest fan and I want to be her role model.”
The WPRA is fortunate to have talented young women like Alexa Lake to promote and compete in the sport of barrel racing. She sets the standard when it comes to achieving a goal and still being humble.
“If there is a dream that you have and if you don’t think it is reachable, it still may be,” Alexa said. “Think about the positive not the negative; look at the positive in a run. Enjoy your time with your horses and the opportunities you have.”